FTR... I was pretty sure Stamkos was planning to come to the Leafs. It still might have happened if not for a few things that changed on both sides of the equation. However, there is nothing at all out there that even hints at Tavares coming in a few years. I just don't see it. He'll sign the extension with the Islanders, and play out his days there in all likelihood. The big change to the Leafs this offseason is still the one I wanted the most to happen: landing Auston Matthews. Everything else that may or may not have happened so far this off season, was/is cannon fodder, for lack of a better term.
Exciting times are upon us in Leafland, and even without big name signings, things are starting to shape up. For those that didn't want Stamkos here because of cap space, I hope they are right about their reasons and their stance. The issue I have is this: The team, as it stands now will not be a bottom feeder again this season. They will not be a playoff team this season. That only leaves one other place to finish in the standings, and it is NOT the place we want to be hanging out in for however many more years to come.