BREAKING: Toronto Maple Leafs’ superstar signs new deal
Despite losing the captaincy, the Toronto Maple Leafs may offer John Tavares a contract extension.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were supposed to be one of the most watched clubs this summer. After another first-round playoff elimination, the fates of several key players were called into question.
The Maple Leafs recently made headlines, but not because they finally decided to move one of their primary players. Rather, they changed their leadership responsibilities and appointed Auston Matthews as team captain.
Former captain John Tavares passed the “C” from his chest to one of the game’s greatest young players. Tavares is no longer captain, and he is entering the final year of his contract, so his future in Toronto is anything but certain.
The Maple Leafs have been tenacious in keeping their core of Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, but contracts expiring are an easy way to move on from some players.
Insiders predict Marner will go for free agency, although Tavares’ stay in Toronto may not finish after 2024-25. According to Elliotte Friedman from the 32 Thoughts Podcast, Tavares and the Maple Leafs are likely near a contract extension.
“One of the things that I think is still in play for Tavares is a potential extension,” Friedman told reporters. “I don’t think it’s finished. Even if it were, I don’t believe they would eclipse Matthews.
Despite giving up his leadership and an organization in need of transformation, Tavares could be rewarded with additional seasons in Toronto.
A Tavares extension has always seemed feasible, but he’ll have to take a wage reduction on his next contract. He’s entering the final season of a seven-year contract worth $11 million against the salary cap.
“It’s been discussed,” Friedman confirmed. “I don’t think that it’s impossible that we see Tavares get extended as a Toronto Maple Leaf.”
The Maple Leafs have only won a playoff series once throughout the “Core Four” period, yet despite their repeated failures, the organization maintains to believe in their players.
