The recent signing of Yanni Gourde by the Tampa Bay Lightning has raised some eyebrows, especially since the 33-year-old was given a six-year contract despite being past his prime. However, this move could serve as an interesting blueprint for the Toronto Maple Leafs when it comes to deciding the future of their star center, John Tavares.
Tampa Bay’s Approach to Yanni Gourde’s Contract
Tampa Bay signed left winger Yanni Gourde to a relatively low contract of $2.3 million per year, significantly down from the $5.17 million he earned for the past six seasons. While a six-year deal for a player on the back end of his career might seem risky, this deal comes with a bit of long-term planning from the Lightning. Tampa Bay’s salary cap is expected to rise significantly in the coming years — reaching $95.5 million next season and climbing to $113.5 million by the 2027-28 season. This makes Gourde’s $2.3 million cap hit a manageable number, even if his production continues to decline.
What makes this deal interesting is how it could be used as a model for the Maple Leafs in managing Tavares’ future. While Gourde may have modest production with just 7 goals and 31 points in 57 games this season, his contract gives Tampa flexibility. By the time Gourde’s contract becomes more difficult to manage, the Lightning will likely have the option to buy him out or trade him without crippling their cap situation.
John Tavares’ Situation with the Maple Leafs
John Tavares is obviously a different player than Gourde. Tavares is coming off a strong 74-point season, remaining an essential part of the Leafs’ offensive core. At 34 years old, Tavares still remains close to a point-per-game player, and he’ll certainly command a higher salary than Gourde on his next contract. While Tavares’ salary was $11 million this past season, it’s widely expected that he’ll take a significant pay cut on his next deal.
The key question for the Leafs is whether to offer Tavares a three-year deal worth around $8 million per year or to go for a longer, five-year deal at around $6 million per season. A five-year deal would give Toronto additional cap flexibility, as the Leafs could save up to $2 million annually compared to a shorter-term contract. These savings could then be used to improve the roster elsewhere.
The Risks of a Longer Contract for Tavares
A five-year contract would mean Tavares will be nearly 40 years old by the time the deal expires. This naturally comes with some risks, as the decline in performance could be sharper as he gets older. However, the examples of players like Brad Marchand and Corey Perry, who have aged gracefully and remained effective in the Stanley Cup final, show that a veteran player can still provide significant value, even into their late 30s.
From the Leafs’ perspective, even with Tavares’ age, a $6-million cap hit for a top-six center could be worth it in the context of the rising salary cap. It provides stability and flexibility for the team in managing the overall roster. Additionally, Tavares gets the security of a long-term deal, which is something every player wants, especially as they approach the later years of their career.
The Financial Strategy Behind the Deal
If the Leafs decide to offer Tavares a five-year deal, the key benefit would be the long-term financial flexibility it offers. A longer contract with a lower cap hit could allow Toronto to spread out the financial burden, while still keeping Tavares as an effective contributor to the team’s success. Should his play decline in the latter years of the contract, the Leafs could consider options like a buyout or retaining salary in a trade.
It’s important to note that in any contract negotiation, there’s usually a need to give a little to get a little. In this case, by offering Tavares a longer contract with a lower cap hit, the Leafs would be making a savvy financial decision. They secure the player’s future while leaving room to bolster the team’s roster around him, all while minimizing the risk of the deal turning problematic as the salary cap continues to rise.
Tampa Bay’s approach to Yanni Gourde’s contract could offer valuable insight for the Maple Leafs as they approach John Tavares’ next contract. While Tavares is obviously a more valuable and productive player than Gourde, the principle of securing a veteran player with a manageable cap hit while planning for the future remains the same. By offering Tavares a longer-term deal with a lower salary cap hit, Toronto would not only keep their top center in the fold but also have more flexibility to improve their overall team.
