I don't claim to know what JT is thinking but it seems pretty outlandish that he'd want just 8.5m when he could get 11-12m elsewhere. Playing 17 min per night for the Pens behind Sid and Geno when he could be the face of whichever franchise he chooses? I just don't see it happening. Plus, the fact that PIT would have to shed like 9m just to low-ball JT and STILL be at the cap makes this scenario a gigantic reach altogether, even if JT is fine with it. Not to mention the contract security and the risk of signing a 1 yr deal... what if he got a career-altering injury? He would lose out on like 70m...

8.5M for Tavares??? He'll get 12M....

I understand Tavares could get 12.5 mil or whatever somewhere else. Once again per the description this is based off Elliot Friedman's 31 thoughts article and I noted in the description it is a longshot and Tavares would have to be willing to come on a 1 year deal for a legit chance to win the cup. This is just a scenario where space could be cleared for it hypothetically to work. I in no way think it will happen.
I'm also sure he wouldn't be playing just 17min a night. I'm sure Malkin would be deployed as a wing occasionally throughout the game to make sure they all got decent minutes.

Despite what click-bait "writers" say, the Pens are not going to make a serious run for Tavares.

oh i know they aren't nor do i think that they should. just a fun exercise