Okay, even if Tavares doesn't resign with New York, he's not coming to Toronto. Toronto's got other contracts they need to worry about, and besides Tavares will want to go somewhere where he is the unquestioned number one center, he doesn't want to have to compete with someone younger than him like Matthews.

And why on earth are you getting so little for Bozak? And why are you even trading Gardiner?

The Leafs have serious chances already starting next year, if the GM plays his cards right. There is space for some short-term UFA contracts to add the required depth, and solidify the D.

I think that Tavares would prefer a chance of winning the cup, at home, rather than playing for a demonstration car. However, as mentioned by DarylthePony, the fact that Toronto already has a franchise #1 centre makes the move less likely.

I don't know John Tavares but would you think he wouldn't want to play with another great centerman? I would imagine he would love to really be able to challenge for a cup over any sort of imagined importance of being the only good center on a team.

Agree with my friends above, Tavares doesn't really fit into the long term cap of Leafs. Though I'm not so sure he wouldn't mind being "second fiddle" to Matthews if it meant a Cup in his hometown (well Oakville)
antonc's comments above the Leafs defence next year (and maybe even the year after) is correct.
PS. Grunstrom is a LWer not a DMan.

anyone saying that Matthews is gonna make tavares a #2 centre is an idiot

Sure right Tavares is asking for 8 years $80 million in New York and will come to Toronto for less, Yeah not happening and you can only sign Tavares for 7 years not 8 unless it's an sign and trade. And Hanifin will cost you Nylander not that proposal you have here.