Insider Reveals Crucial Detail About John Tavares' Future Contract With The Toronto Maple Leafs

It was a rough start to the year for John Tavares, from diminished ice time to dealing with injuries he hasn't looked like the Tavares of old. Toronto got a glimpse against Winnipeg as Tavares netted a hat-trick in a display of nostalgia for Maple Leafs fans. While it's only a one-game sample size, Tavares heating up now is exactly what Toronto needs to get going.

But it's also the final year of his deal, and he's currently being paid $11M a year. While it was understandable to pay him that money back in 2018, his age and slow decline have made it unfeasible. Toronto would love to re-sign him, and the feeling is mutual with Tavares; however, the question of money and length is always looming.

NHL Insider Dave Pagnotta believes that Tavares is done signing long-term deals. If he does sign with Toronto or perhaps another team, he'll choose short-term length over long-term security.

It makes sense for Tavares to play the slow game as his career winds down. At 34, he's still able to contribute, but he's still a step behind both in production and in terms of the modern game, as his maximum speed has dropped each of the last four seasons.

Per NHL Edge statistics, Tavares went from 36.4 kph in 2021-2022 to 34.6 kph in 2024-2025; nearly a 2 kph dropoff. Losing speed in a game that is getting faster each year is never a recipe for success and while Tavares can still hang, it feels like those threads he's holding onto get thinner and thinner.

He's declined in other parts of his game too, and the fact he scored the least amount of points through his first eight games in his entire career was worrying. The three-goal outburst helped, and surely a confidence boost to Tavares and a massive on-ice boost to the Maple Leafs.

John Tavares is going to sign a contract this summer, and whether it's for the Maple Leafs or another team, his legacy in Toronto will last forever and the impact he made on the entire city transcends the sport. If he does leave, I have no doubt Tavares will come back in some capacity to be a Maple Leaf once again.