Elliotte Friedman Sheds Light on John Tavares' Contract Status With the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman gave some Maple Leafs fans good news regarding John Tavares, as it seems they are getting a bit closer to an extension.
With all the talk surrounding Mitch Marner and his imminent departure, there's still the issue about John Tavares and his future with the team.
Also a pending free agent, it seems that he wants to stick around, as do the Leafs though a question remains on how much it'll cost.
John Tavares And Maple Leafs Progressing Quickly On Deal: Elliotte Friedman
Expected to take a hometown discount, and certainly a decrease from his $11M salary he's had since signing with Toronto, it could make or break their future if they overcommit.
They can also alienate Tavares by offering him an insultingly low deal. It's a careful balancing act, but according to Elliotte Friedman; the team seems to be navigating things quite efficiently...and swiftly:
I think this week you're gonna see the Leafs look at some of their summer business; Brad Treliving was away as he was dealing with his daughter's graduation.
Now, I think we start to see where their offseason gets figured out. Tavares, there was a lot of talk about him wanting to stay, and them wanting him to. As long as neither side is unreasonable, you have to believe a deal gets done.
Tavares can't offer $8M a year, and Toronto can't offer $1M a year or it won't work, but there is something here both sides are happy with.
Now, I think we start to see where their offseason gets figured out. Tavares, there was a lot of talk about him wanting to stay, and them wanting him to. As long as neither side is unreasonable, you have to believe a deal gets done.
Tavares can't offer $8M a year, and Toronto can't offer $1M a year or it won't work, but there is something here both sides are happy with.
We've heard rumblings all year that Tavares is prepared to take a discount, and he could certainly fetch a lot more in the open market too.
While Toronto would love to sign him for $5-6M over the next two or three seasons, there are certainly teams on the cusp of breaking out, who need a player of Tavares ilk.
Who Could Make A Play For John Tavares In Free Agency?
Calgary, Utah, New Jersey, New York, Columbus, Chicago, and Colorado could all use Tavares given their varying needs.
Calgary, New Jersey, Colorado and to an extent Columbus and New York could all use Tavares to get through their playoff roadblocks. All of those teams were close or in the playoffs but lacked that x-factor to get them over the top.
Tavares can offer that, especially if he replicates his 2024-25 season. He had 74 points in 75 games (38G, 36A) and put up the second-highest goal total since he signed in 2018-19.
Meanwhile Chicago and Utah are struggling teams lacking a true veteran impact, and they might be shooting hard to sign him, especially if they are able to get their hands on Mitch Marner.
There's a lot of competition, with teams who have a lot more cap to offer Tavares a big deal.
But his passion and dedication to the team is well documented, and you have to be inclined to believe that he's going to stick around before he gets a chance to hear any other offers.
At least fans hope.
| POLL | ||
MAI 26 | 592 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Sheds Light on John Tavares' Contract Status With the Maple Leafs How much will John Tavares re-sign with the Maple Leafs for? | ||
| $5M | 291 | 49.2 % |
| $6M | 219 | 37 % |
| $7M | 63 | 10.6 % |
| $8M+ | 19 | 3.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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