How Does The Tavares Signing Affect Edmonton?

Listen, I get it. Just be happy we’ve got Tavares, let the haters hate, we’ll just sit back and enjoy the Leafs dynasty decade, no need to worry about what others are saying. Personally, that’s my philosophy on this. Others of you might prefer to laugh at people losing their shit over this, and while Islanders fans are the greatest source for finding people mad online, I prefer to look much closer to home (at least for me, a Leafs fan living in Edmonton) and see how Oilers fans and media are reacting to the news.

Even before the signing we were treated to this. First off, I’d like to take a moment to call Jim Matheson stupid. Secondly, no shit the Leafs could use Karlsson more. This applies for pretty much every team in the league since he’s the best defensemen. The problem, of which there are many here, is that Karlsson isn’t readily available, there is no guarantee the Leafs would get him, and Dorion has already stated he’s not making trades in his division.

Getting past all of that, there isn’t any rule that prevents a team from pursuing two great players. Can mountains be moved to get him later, sure. In the meantime, Jim Matheson is stupid.

“Holy inferiority complex, Batman!” This is another gem. To appreciate this, first we need to enjoy how Oilers fans are only comfortable talking about McDavid and Draisaitl. After that the team gets very sad, very quickly. If this question included a third player, instantly the answer becomes Toronto, even here, where he’s assumed a $12M cap hit for Matthews, it seems like it’s a lot closer than Oilers fans want it to believe.

People really have a hard time with the whole RFA vs. UFA thing, but whatever, when Chiarelli isn’t actively fucking up it is a reason to celebrate for Oilers fans. They can have this.

Also, I can’t believe this didn’t work.

You’re going to love the next seven years.

Still struggling with that whole RFA/UFA thing in Edmonton. Maybe some remedial CBA classes before training camp.

Should be parades. This isn’t going to be a one time thing.

Believe me, If I thought I could turn on Tavares I’d be outside his house wearing a whip cream bikini two hours ago.

Can’t help but notice we’re not comparing condition of their clavicles.

It’s favourable because it’s not being spent on Lucic and Kris Russell. End of story.

At least Cooom is putting it in perspective.

Anyways, like I said at the beginning. This really isn’t about the 30 fanbases that are busy making excuses for why they are happy they don’t have Tavares, this is about the glorious Leafs Nation and our triumphant rise from the ashes to become a team that can hopefully at least make it into the second round of the playoffs next year.