Tavares to STL

Here's the way I see the Tavares thing going down...

1- NYI works out an extension (90% chance)

or

2- NYI talks to JT (who has a NTC) on destinations he would go to and re-sign with. The rental cost of JT should scare off every team, just by the absurdly high but extremely short-term value he would provide. This way, NYI can maximize their return and JT gets to go where he wants. If JT is straight up with NYI and says "I'll go to X so you don't get completely shafted when I walk for nothing", it's a win for everyone (provided that he goes to a playoff team and the NYI miss) , (8% chance)

or

3- JT cuts off any negotiations with NYI and starts thinking about free agency cash. (2% chance)

So, that said: I think the deal shown here wouldn't be enough to get JT w/ extension, and I don't think the Isles would want to give him up as a rental if this is their return (knowing that they could potentially get more if he agrees to an extension). I hope that made sense haha.

To add to your point, the deal shown above would be too much salary to NYI than they would want to take on as well. Even as a rental with no extension price, this deal wouldnt happen