Tatar's last contract, a two-year, $4.5 million deal with the New Jersey Devils, has ended. The 32-year-old had a solid season, recording 20 goals and 48 points in all 82 games. However, his playoff performance was lackluster, with just 1 goal in 12 games.
Tatar is developing a reputation for struggling in the postseason. In his last four playoff runs with the Devils, Canadiens, and Golden Knights, he's managed only 4 goals and 6 points in 35 games.
Tatar's playoff struggles are likely affecting his free agency value. While his regular-season performance could have warranted a contract similar to his previous one with the Devils, it now seems he's considering a deal closer to $1 million. With 12 seasons in the league and at 32 years old, Tatar faces another "prove yourself" situation, and there are hints that he might be close to signing with the New York Islanders.
