The first formal offer from the Isles to Tavares has reportedly been made and it's a big one

BarDown Staff

Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images

On Saturday, we learned that pending UFA John Tavares will take advantage of the UFA speaking period and meet with five teams before making his decision on where he'll play next season.

The meetings are reportedly scheduled to take place next week (Monday-Wednesday), but there was news on the contract front this weekend as the Isles reportedly made their first formal offer to Tavares.

It’s an eight-year deal worth $88M. Also the first formal offer made to Tavares camp from Isles. https://t.co/4AEwtUPNdv
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 23, 2018

This is just a report, but if Tavares does sign the proposed 8-year, $88 million deal, it would make him the 7th-highest paid player in the NHL next season (as per CapFriendly).

That contract would also give him long-term security. Again, this is just the reported offer, but it's interesting to see the responses to it ahead of Tavares' meetings with teams.

Brilliant offer by the Islanders, will cost other teams 12.57 to match the 88 million over 7 years...who will offer that or more?
— Vito D'Amico (@ChappyChamp) June 23, 2018

He would pay about $900k a year in state taxes, which would mean he would wind up with a little under $81m after those 8 years (before Federal taxes).

If Vegas were to offer $11.5m, he would make the same amount in 7 years because NV has no state income tax.
— y - mkk (@kalilwayne) June 23, 2018

If it is strictly a dollar play he was a lock to stay. They weren’t going to lose on dollars. This is about where he wants to play. He’ll get similar money. I don’t suspect many of these decisions are driven by a players accountants tax plan
— M.J. (@mj_pants) June 23, 2018