If money is not the issue for Tavares, but rather, winning a championship and finishing his career a winner, then he would give serious consideration to a potential contender on the cusp of greatness such as the Leafs.
Now with Lamoriello and Trotz at the Islanders helm, and promising to build a success on the Island, it may just be enticing for Tavares to want to be a part of that, stay put, put down some roots, and enjoy the rest of his hockey years there.
I'm only hedging my bets that Johnny T. signing with the Leafs is 50/50 at best. A part of me wants to say it's sure fire, but hindsight doesn't jibe with it.