Detroit can't afford that contract. So they obviously pass on Tavares and he'd have to waive.

Good luck getting Tavares to waive

Even if he did, Detroit's not taking on an $11M cap rental while Seider and Raymond need new deals.

I agree 100% with the cap hit. It would have to be cut in half through another team for the last year. He's a good 2/3C at 6M

And I think if Treliving has the balls I believe he does, I think he will see the need to remove the softness of the team, and build differently. Removing Mitch and JT at those cap hits give a TON of flexibility... and allows you to build around Willy and Matthews. You could back up the truck and give Guentzel 8M and... and Idon't even really like Lindholm but stronger, more rugged performers as the identity.

you just can't have 22M tied up as ghosts in the post season.

And as for JT not waiving... its the NHL. You have a man conversation about the realities and say you've been great, thank you for being the C, but if you don't waive, the C comes off, and you need to accept a lesser role, and quietly make life a little more unglorious for him.