The Toronto Maple Leafs are soon going to be focused on trying to win their first Stanley Cup since 1967 as the playoffs are rapidly approaching, but some reports about one of their key forwards may force the team to shift their focus early in the offseason regardless of the result in the postseason. Earlier in the season, there were reports that the Maple Leafs were inching closer to an extension with John Tavares, but now, that doesn’t seem to be the case.
Totally get why the Leafs would wait but I will say, whatever discount number was available in September has now gone up, not just because of Tavares’ strong season but also because of the escalating cap numbers announced by the NHL. https://t.co/FUZ81Lpxbp
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) March 30, 2025
David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period indicated that the Maple Leafs and Tavares might have had a deal in place worth around $7 million per season on a three-year deal. Unfortunately, Pierre Lebrun’s recent tweet has some fans concerned that Tavares’ asking price has gone up, and the two sides may not be able to get something done before free agency rolls around.
Related: Luke Haymes: Everything to Know About the Maple Leafs’ New Signing
With the team still needing to re-sign Mitchell Marner, who may be looking for around $14 million annually, it seems as though Tavares may be headed for free agency if Tavares’ asking price doesn’t come down. It may end up coming down to who the team views as more valuable for their long-term future as they try to remain in contention, but the team may be forced to choose one or the other.
Tavares, who is 34 years old, has had an incredible offensive campaign. This season, he has scored 35 goals and added 34 assists for 69 points through 67 games, coming out to an average of just over a point per game. Throughout his career, he has scored 491 goals and added 618 assists for 1109 points through 1176 games, which comes out to a 0.94 points-per-game average. He has continued to prove that even as an aging veteran, he can play at an elite level at both ends of the ice.
What Other Teams Could Have Interest in Marner/Tavares?
If either Marner or Tavares ends up hitting the open market, there would be plenty of interest around the league in bringing them in. There were reports earlier in the season that rebuilding teams like the Chicago Blackhawks or San Jose Sharks could try to pursue Marner to try and get back into contention, but the odds are he would prefer to sign with a contending team and make a push for a championship. Tavares is another player who would likely prefer to sign with a contender and try to win at least one Stanley Cup before he calls it a career.
Tavares’ rumoured asking price being around $7 million annually makes him an enticing addition for any contending team. The Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals could all benefit from bolstering their forward core and should have the money to spend, and all make sense as potential fits.
Either way, it doesn’t seem like the Maple Leafs and Tavares are very close on an extension, which is contrary to previous reports. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs will have to worry about that later as they try to make a push for a Stanley Cup this season and would like to make a deeper run than last season, but soon enough, they will have to resume negotiations with their assistant captain as he has been, and will continue to be, a huge part of their forward core.
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