In a recent interview, Tatar candidly discussed his summer experiences, revealing that he had received a one-year contract offer from New Jersey early on. However, he declined it, anticipating that he could secure a more extended deal on the open market. Regrettably, that expectation failed to materialize, and by the time he came to terms with this reality, the Devils had acquired Tyler Toffoli through a trade, essentially leaving him in a market that wasn't brimming with opportunities.
Despite the disappointment, Tatar now finds himself among one of the most talented collections of forwards in the NHL, as the Colorado Avalanche prepare to rebound from a disappointing conclusion to the 2022-23 season and reestablish themselves as contenders for the Stanley Cup.
In the previous season, Tatar showcased his abilities by notching 20 goals and tallying 48 points in 82 games for New Jersey. Surrounded by the level of talent in Colorado, he should have the opportunity to maintain his consistency, even though his preference would have been to remain with the Devils. Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of business in the NHL resulted in Tatar missing out on a crucial role with a team on the rise this summer.
