JT led the league in even-strength goals last year ... first time he’s done that since the lockout year, when he had 19 and 9 PPG (that’s also an average PP year for Tavares). This year he had 37 even strength goals and 10 on the PP. But his average even-strength season is 21 goals. A high percentage of those extra 16…

Frustrating, unless you’re a fan of a team who isn’t dealing with this issue and stands to gain from said absences affecting teams in their division or conference.  

Ahh...Red Wings and Islanders legend Steve Thomas...you are a man of excellent taste.

all of that was music to my ears

The only thing that matters with this situation is if it somehow fucks up the Leafs. Overpay him and get stuck in salary cap hell? Great! Don’t pay him and watch him walk or play in Europe? Awesome! Even better if he’s a great player for the Isles!