TSN is reporting that Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares remains open to negotiating a contract extension during the season and would like to stay in Toronto. Tavares told the media that Maple Leafs management knows how he feels, and he is aware that management wants to take their time in dealing with his contract situation.
Tavares is in the final year of a seven-year $77MM contract that he signed as an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2018. The deal was signed at a time when the salary cap was expected to rise significantly, but that didn’t happen as the pandemic shortened seasons, flatlined league revenues, leading to a stagnant salary cap that handcuffed the Maple Leafs’ management from making other roster additions.
Tavares is unlikely to match the $11MM AAV on his next deal but should still get a lucrative multi-year deal. At 34 years of age, Tavares has slowed down but remains a near point-per-game player this season, tallying 24 goals and 29 assists in 55 games despite getting less ice time and less opportunity on the powerplay. Tavares has benefited this year from a 108.3 PDO (shooting percentage + save percentage) but that number is only slightly higher than his career average of 104.7.
The Maple Leafs have significant work to do this summer with Tavares and Mitch Marner both set to become UFAs. The priority will likely be Marner given his age and current play, however, Tavares would become one of the top available free agents if he does reach the market and would garner a lot of interest.
Toronto would be foolish to resign Taveras, He’s over paid now, And has little tread left on the tires.
All depends on the value of the contract.
Those tires are dropping a point per game. He’d be the front line center on many teams out there.
…and because he’s the incarnation of Ian Anderson’s all-time loser. Won’t win anything with him on the team and that’s just a fact and nothing against him as a hockey player
A Jethro Tull reference on Pro Hockey Rumours. Never thought I’d see the day.
Bringing back Tavares would be a Leaf thing to do. Cut bait and bring in a top defender.
I had serious doubts Tavares could put together another good season after it seemed like he really started to regress in 23-24 but he’s proven me wrong. Even at 34 he’s deserving of a nice extension.