New Report on John Tavares Spells Trouble for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
A new report regarding progress on John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs' contract talks doesn't look good for the team if they want to re-sign him on the cheap.
The ongoing saga of whether John Tavares will or won't re-sign with the Maple Leafs grows every day. There are several reports and precedents that say Tavares wants to stay, but there's a lot of money out there and perhaps he's looking for a big payday.
But according to Elliotte Friedman, if the Maple Leafs want to get that deal done, it might end up costing them a bit, and Tavares' camp is looking for the best possible contract.
John Tavares could get Brock Nelson-level deal: Friedman
Speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman believes that some players and teams are thinking they can get a Brock Nelson-esque deal when it comes to free agency, with Tavares right in the thick of it.
These teams and these agents they think he can get what (Brock) Nelson did or right at it.
If that's the case, then Tavares could be looking at a payday that comes in the form of a $7.5-million per year AAV, and while that certainly is a discount from the $11-million he earned his previous deal; it's quite the hefty payment at the end of the day.
Considering some numbers had Tavares signing for $5-million per season, that extra increase in pay could severely hinder what the Maple Leafs want to do when it comes to adding other players.
John Tavares should take the discount; not go in the vein of Mitch Marner
If Tavares wanted to make sure he keeps his sterling reputation with the fans intact, he should look at taking a discount and avoid being looked at as a money-seeking star; much in the vein of Mitch Marner.
There is a world where both parties can be happy and it involves splitting the difference. If there's a $5-million deal and a $7.5-million deal, then meet in the middle and give him $6.125-million per season for the next three years.
That would allow him to get an $18.375-million deal for his final contract, putting him at nearly $140-million earned throughout his career. That's frankly an obscene amount of money, and if he wins his tax case; could end up earning more.
That's a small enough discount that the Maple Leafs can handle what the free agency market brings, and it gives Tavares the financial comfort and still pays him for his production at his advanced age.
Tavares, 34, put together a fantastic season in 2024-25. In 75 games he put up 74 points (38G, 36A) which is his second-highest goal output since joining Toronto.
Since signing with Toronto in 2018, Tavares has 493 points in 515 games (222G, 271A) and this season became one of five players to have 200+ goals with two separate franchises.
It's not going to be easy, but with Tavares so keen on staying in Toronto he needs to acquiesce to some of Brad Treliving's demands.
He can't be another Mitch Marner.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 20 | 653 ANSWERS New Report on John Tavares Spells Trouble for Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs Do you think John Tavares is going to re-sign for a discount or will he try the open market? | ||
| Re-sign with Toronto | 448 | 68.6 % |
| Try Free Agency | 205 | 31.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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