John Tavares' Expected Salary Revealed as Maple Leafs Eye New Deal

As Toronto looks towards 2025-26, they are going to have to make do with a much different roster, with Mitch Marner all but assuredly gone.

They still have some pressing matters to attend to, like re-signing Matthew Knies and John Tavares, who both need new deals among other things like the 2025 Draft and any potential trades.

Knies is more than likely staying long-term with the team, but Tavares is a bit of a question mark given his age and potential for regression. He also wants to stay, but Toronto can't afford to commit too much to him either.

But according to The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta, the former captain is more than likely going to sign a budget deal all things considered:

While he didn't specifically note that the Maple Leafs are the team that will sign him, it does give a good look into what a potential negotiation battle for Tavares could entail.

Look, as much as he's getting older, you can't deny the level of talent, expertise and veteran leadership that Tavares brings to the table.

One of only five players with 200+ goals with two separate franchises, Tavares has been one of the league's best players for over 16 years. It's a testament not only to his durability, but his attitude and dedication to his craft.

You're getting a player who can man any line you want him to, play both the power play and penalty kill, give you 25-30 goals consistently while also winning nearly 54% of his face-offs.

Not to mention he's coming off the second highest goal output since joining the team in 2018-19 (38) and he's more than likely a huge piece to many team's playoff puzzles.

So it's not a guarantee that he'll sign such a big discount, and much like Sam Bennett, there are several teams with cap space who wouldn't mind adding a player the likes of Tavares.

If Toronto offers $5M, meanwhile teams like Chicago, Florida, Utah, Seattle, and San Jose all offer more money, a chance to work with younger stars, and give him financial flexibility (and in the case of Florida, win a Cup), then it's going to take more than a hometown connection to make it work.

Or maybe it is enough, and Toronto thinks that Tavares can be a big part of their team even if it's now become a Core Three, and he believes in himself enough to be even better next year.

But money talks, and he might just be willing to listen for the right price; be it an overpayment or not.