Maple Leafs Facing Major Decision on John Tavares Contract
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Diverging Reports Breakdown
Maple Leafs Advised To Mirror Brad Marchand’s Playbook in Bid To Keep $77,000,000 Star
John Tavares’ contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires on July 1. The 34-year-old is open to taking a pay cut, according to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger. Tavares has been a core piece of the Maple Leafs since signing his seven-year, $77 million deal in 2018. The decision rests with Maple Leafs management: how much are they willing to pay, and for how long, to keep their former captain in blue and white? For Tavares, this could mean agreeing to a four or five-year extension that brings his salary down but keeps him with the Leafs, a city he wants to remain in. The trend of using longer deals to reduce AAV is gaining popularity in the NHL, and the Leafs have already used it in recent signings.
Tavares, who remains a productive and respected player at 34, appears open to compromise, but how much the Leafs are willing to bend will be closely watched by fans and insiders alike.
Leafs Weigh Contract Options for John Tavares Amid Salary and Term Considerations
Tavares has been a core piece of the Maple Leafs since signing his seven-year, $77 million deal in 2018. With his current contract expiring on July 1, the Leafs must now decide how to approach negotiations with Tavares, who, despite aging, is still producing at a high level. According to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger, the situation is delicate but manageable.
Speaking on the First Up podcast, Dreger said Tavares is open to taking a significant pay cut. He recognizes his age and changing role, and he’s ready to adjust financially.
“Everybody wants this guy to take a mammoth haircut, and there’s no doubt he is going to, and he’s okay with that at this point in his career.” However, Dreger emphasized that Tavares is still worth more than many believe. “The guy made $11 million flat. He’s worth more than that.”
“I don’t get the feeling that there is a whole lot of love there” This morning on #FirstUp, @DarrenDreger discussed Mitch Marner’s free agency and where Marner’s relationship stands with #LeafsForever. Listen to Dreger’s full interview HERE: https://t.co/iB0klsJNVj pic.twitter.com/LuXqfMd4lJ — First Up (@FirstUp1050) June 17, 2025
Tavares’ performance backs up that claim. He scored 38 goals last season and has posted 493 points in 515 games with the Maple Leafs, nearly a point per game pace. At 34, he’s not slowing down the way some anticipated. His production remains steady, making it difficult to argue he isn’t still a valuable top-six player.
Dreger compared Tavares’ situation to Brad Marchand’s with the Boston Bruins. Marchand, who is also in his mid-30s, is reportedly seeking a contract that could pay him over $8 million per year into his 40s.
Dreger believes that’s a reasonable comparison and suggests a similar structure could work for Tavares, a longer-term deal with a lower annual cap hit, potentially using deferred money and other cap management strategies.
This trend of using longer deals to reduce AAV is gaining popularity in the NHL, and the Leafs have already used it in recent signings. For Tavares, this could mean agreeing to a four or five-year extension that brings his salary down but keeps him with the Maple Leafs, a city he wants to remain in.
Dreger added that both sides have held positive talks, including conversations with new head coach Craig Berube. Tavares himself has expressed optimism about finding a solution. Now, the decision rests with Maple Leafs management: how much are they willing to pay, and for how long, to keep their former captain in blue and white?
Can Matt Duchene’s Extension Offer Clues For John Tavares’ Next Contract With The Maple Leafs?
Matt Duchene signed a four-year, $18 million extension with the Dallas Stars. The 34-year-old could’ve fit nicely within a Maple Leafs core. The Toronto Maple Leafs could shift John Tavares — if he returns, and it appears likely he will — to the third-line center spot entering next season. The start of NHL free agency is less than three weeks away, and the team must address other key players like Tavares and Matthew Knies. The team must also address the future of projected No. 1 NHL free agent Mitch Marner, who could leave for the New York Rangers in free agency in July. The Maple Leafs have been a top-five team in the NHL for the past five seasons. The club has won the Stanley Cup three times in the last five years. The last time it won the Cup was in 1998. The Leafs have won the title in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. The most recent time they won it was in 2010. the last time they lost in the final was in 1997.
After a strong season with the Dallas Stars, Matt Duchene signed a four-year, $18 million extension with the club that went to the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. It’ll see him being paid $4.5 million per season.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Duchene’s 82 points — 30 goals and 52 assists — in as many games was the most among Stars players during the regular season. It’s also the most points he’s had in a year since 2021-22 when he scored 86 points in 78 games.
Duchene followed up a strong regular season with just one goal and five assists in 18 playoff games, centering Dallas’ second line. The 34-year-old could’ve fit nicely within a Maple Leafs core, which could shift John Tavares — if he returns, and it appears likely he will — to the third-line center spot entering next season.
But how much could Tavares make, compared to the contract Duchene just signed?
Report: John Tavares, Maple Leafs In Ongoing Contract Talks Ahead Of NHL Free Agency
Report: John Tavares, Maple Leafs In Ongoing Contract Talks Ahead Of NHL Free Agency With the start of NHL free agency less than three weeks away, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing decisions that could dramatically change their roster construction. While much speculation centers on the future of projected No. 1 NHL free agent Mitch Marner, the team must also address other key players like John Tavares and Matthew Knies.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
I’ll start by saying this: there are a lot of numbers out there about what Tavares might get annually, how long his contract will be, and what the final number could look like. However, Duchene signing a $4.5 million AAV deal makes me believe Tavares’ number could be around $5 million, or more, annually.
There’s two reasons for that.
First, Duchene only pays federal tax on his $4.5 million salary. If Tavares wanted to bring in a similar number to Duchene, the Maple Leafs’ assistant captain would need to sign a deal earning him nearly $6 million annually.
Why Mitch Marner’s Free Agency Departure Can Bode Well For The Maple Leafs
Why Mitch Marner’s Free Agency Departure Can Bode Well For The Maple Leafs When Mitch Marner arrived in the Toronto Maple Leafs organization as a tantalizing prospect 10 years ago, there were a lot of unknowns.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
I can’t see his AAV getting that high only because of a possible hometown discount. He said it himself during locker cleanout day: he wants to remain a Maple Leaf. He even said it minutes after a stunning 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7.
“Would you like to be back?” A reporter asked. “Yes,” Tavares swiftly replied.
It’s a lot of work to uproot your family, especially after returning home from Long Island in 2018. It’s even harder when you’ve developed roots in Toronto like Tavares has, with three children. I can’t see him wanting to do that again, especially with his devotion to the Maple Leafs.
Why Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Brad Marchand Is Exactly What The Maple Leafs Need
Why Two-Time Stanley Cup Champion Brad Marchand Is Exactly What The Maple Leafs Need While Brad Marchand was celebrating his
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
second Stanley Cup victory, Florida Panthers teammate Sam Bennett spoke to Sportsnet during their lap around the ice. Bennett waxed poetic about the veteran pest. “We just followed his lead,” Bennett said. While Sam Bennett had a strong playoff performance, what the 37-year-old Marchand managed to do in a very short time with Florida was remarkable. He exhibited the perfect combination of will and skill that was required to win all four rounds of a grueling postseason.
The other reason why Tavares should make more than Duchene is that he’s been more consistent than the Stars’ forward.
Tavares has played 46 more games than Duchene, yet has 223 more points (123 more goals and 100 more assists) than the Haliburton, Ontario, native. Duchene has been a point-per-game player twice in the regular season, while Tavares has done it five times.
Tavares was also among the NHL’s top 15 goal scorers this season with 38 goals.
Maple Leafs Snubbed? Sam Bennett Reportedly Has No Interest In Toronto If He Hits Free Agency
Maple Leafs Snubbed? Sam Bennett Reportedly Has No Interest In Toronto If He Hits Free Agency When the Toronto Maple Leafs look for free agents to sign on July 1, they’ll no doubt go big game hunting. And while the Leafs would certainly be interested in a player like Sam Bennett, it appears the feeling isn’t mutual. According to FanDuel Sports reporter Andy Strickland, Bennett
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
does not have Toronto on his list of possible destinations if he is unable to sign an extension with the Florida Panthers.
In this spring’s playoffs, too, Tavares outduelled Duchene. Duchene had six points in 18 games, none being at five-on-five, while Tavares scored seven points in 13 games, three of which were at five-on-five.
They’re close, but not that close.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Tavares’ AAV came in at around, or just over $5 million. That’s what he deserves. But hey, if he and the Maple Leafs can find a way to go lower, via a longer-term deal or deferring some salary, it gives the club more flexibility to find another center.
Stats via Hockey-Reference.com, contract valuations via PuckPedia.com
(Top photo: Dan Hamilton / Imagn Images)
Maple Leafs Facing Major Decision on John Tavares Contract
Maple Leafs Facing Major Decision on John Tavares Contract. Tavares, 34, has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto. The Leafs are interested in keeping Tavares in tow but only at a lower figure that reflects both the team’s cap structure and his age.Toronto has $25.7 million in projected cap space but several decisions pending, including on fellow star forward Mitch Marner, who is widely expected to leave, and 22-year-old restricted free agent Matthew Knies, which is due a significant raise after a 29-goal season.
With just days remaining before free agency opens on July 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs and former team captain John Tavares remain locked in contract talks.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the two sides continue to talk but “haven’t found their sweet spot” on a new deal, with no real progress in their negotiations for a contract extension.
Although Tavares, 34, has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto, LeBrun reported on TSN’s “OverDrive” on Friday that the veteran’s willingness won’t translate into a steep hometown discount.
“Unless there was a lot of term attached to it, there’s no way Tavares signs for $5 million a year with the Leafs,” LeBrun said. “It’s gonna have to be more than that.”
The Leafs are interested in keeping Tavares in tow but only at a lower figure that reflects both the team’s cap structure and his age.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
Toronto has $25.7 million in projected cap space but several decisions pending, including on fellow star forward Mitch Marner, who is widely expected to leave, and 22-year-old restricted free agent Matthew Knies, who is due a significant raise after a 29-goal season.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares during warm-up before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Florida Panthers.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“There’s still more than a week to go before July 1,” LeBrun wrote on Saturday, “but the Leafs and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent (Pat) Brisson, still haven’t found their sweet spot on an extension.
“Wherever each side is, it wasn’t close enough as of Saturday.”
Tavares posted 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games last year, making him one of the more productive second-line centers on the market.
Advertisement
Advertisement Advertisement
“Deadlines spur decisions,” LeBrun acknowledged. “It’s probably still going to get done, but it’s a fascinating one to be sure.”
Related: NHL Analyst Draws Firm Line on What Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Is Worth
Related: Darren Dreger Predicts What John Tavares’ Next Maple Leafs Contract Could Look Like
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
John Tavares unlikely to follow Matt Duchene’s footsteps with Toronto Maple Leafs contract extension
John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the midst of contract negotiations. Tavares’ contract is up at the end of the season and he is unlikely to sign a deal that mirrors Matt Duchene’s terms. Duchene recently signed a four-year extension with the Dallas Stars. The stakes for Tavares are higher; he carries the weight of history and the hopes of a passionate fanbase. The decisions made in the coming months will resonate throughout the organization, influencing both the present and future of this storied franchise.
In the world of professional hockey, contract negotiations often spark a whirlwind of speculation, particularly when it involves high-profile players like John Tavares. As discussions around contract extensions heat up, the narrative surrounding Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs diverges sharply from that of Matt Duchene, who recently secured a notable extension with the Dallas Stars.
The Contrast of Contracts
Duchene’s four-year extension, which comes with an annual average value (AAV) of $4.5 million, has drawn comparisons to Tavares’s situation. However, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has made it clear that the two scenarios are not directly comparable. Tavares, a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs franchise, is unlikely to accept a deal that mirrors Duchene’s terms. This divergence speaks volumes about the differing trajectories and expectations for each player within their respective teams.
Tavares’s Impact on the Maple Leafs
Since joining the Maple Leafs, Tavares has established himself as a pivotal figure, not only through his on-ice performances but also as a leader in the locker room. His presence has been instrumental in shaping the team’s identity and ambition. As the captain, he embodies the aspirations of a franchise that has long sought to reclaim its place among the NHL elite. The stakes for Tavares are higher; he carries the weight of history and the hopes of a passionate fanbase.
Future Considerations
With Tavares approaching the end of his current contract, the Maple Leafs face an important decision that could influence their immediate future. While Duchene’s contract may have set a benchmark, Tavares’s value to the team is multifaceted and cannot be encapsulated by a mere dollar figure. His leadership, experience, and ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable asset.
Looking Ahead
As the Maple Leafs navigate these crucial negotiations, the focus will inevitably shift to how they can balance Tavares’s worth with the financial realities of the NHL. The contrasting situations of Tavares and Duchene serve as a reminder that each player’s journey is unique, shaped by their individual contributions and the context of their teams.
In the grand tapestry of the NHL, Tavares’s next steps will not only define his legacy but also significantly impact the Maple Leafs as they strive for success. The decisions made in the coming months will resonate throughout the organization, influencing both the present and future of this storied franchise.
NHL Rumblings: Utah Plans, Leafs Decisions, Rangers Reshuffle
The New York Rangers and Anaheim Ducks pulled off a big trade, and other clubs are preparing for the NHL Draft and free agency on July 1. Utah is a team rumored to be in the mix, but conflicting reports surround Mitch Marner. The Toronto Maple Leafs have other players beyond Marner to think about. What other changes are the Rangers planning to make, and are the Pittsburgh Penguins for sale? The Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers get set for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final, and teams around the NHL are making moves. The Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche could be making a return, with Jonathan Toews reportedly narrowing his options to a few teams. The St. Louis Blues could look to move Jordan Kyrou before his no-trade clause kicks in. The Dallas Stars may try to reconnect to try to reclaim draft picks they sent in the Rantananen trade.
Utah Mammoth in the Mix for Major Moves
The Utah Mammoth are quickly emerging as one of the most aggressive teams heading into the offseason. According to Pierre LeBrun, the team would “take a big swing” at Panthers forward Sam Bennett should he hit the open market. James Mirtle says they could offer massive contracts to Mitch Marner and are also “in big” on Nikolaj Ehlers.
However, multiple insiders, including James Mirtle and David Pagnotta, suggest Bennett and Florida are making progress on an extension, with most around the league doubting he’ll be available. Still, Utah remains linked to several big targets— Elliotte Friedman adds Utah is “in the middle of a lot of things,” with Jack McBain potentially being an offer sheet target.
Toronto Maple Leafs Facing Marner Uncertainty, Extension Talks
The Toronto Maple Leafs are navigating a complex offseason, particularly with Mitch Marner. According to Frank Seravalli, the relationship between Marner and the team is “frosty,” and while a sign-and-trade is unlikely, it’s not off the table.
Mirtle reports that multiple teams—including Anaheim, Chicago, San Jose, and Utah—could throw huge deals Marner’s way if he reaches free agency. Chris Johnston, however, doesn’t think Utah will be a big player for Marner.
Meanwhile, attention is also on John Tavares, whose next contract likely won’t come in under a $5 million AAV, per Pierre LeBrun. Mirtle suggests extensions for Tavares and Matthew Knies could be finalized within the next couple of weeks.
New York Rangers Exploring More Changes
The New York Rangers are undergoing a shakeup. They’ve already dealt Chris Kreider to Anaheim in exchange for forward Carey Terrance and a 2025 third-round pick, sending a fourth-rounder back the other way. What else could they have in the works? GM Chris Drury reportedly kept veterans in the loop about Kreider’s exit, suggesting more moves could follow this summer.
Mika Zibanejad Rangers: NHL Trade Talk rumors
Larry Brooks of the New York Post reports Alexis Lafrenière has surfaced in several trade talks. Despite his no-move clause, Mika Zibanejad’s name is also “one to watch,” according to David Pagnotta.
Pittsburgh Penguins Eyeing Sale and Selling Pieces
Pierre LeBrun states the Pittsburgh Penguins are the only true sellers at the moment, and in more ways than one.
They are a team focused on getting better rather than tearing down, but the Fenway Sports Group—owners since 2021—”seemingly wants out” of Penguins ownership. LeBrun notes that the Mario Lemieux group is interested in buying back in, but they are not the only party interested in acquiring the team.
Other Notables Around the League
Jonathan Toews could be making a return, with his camp reportedly narrowing his options to a few teams—namely the Winnipeg Jets and Colorado Avalanche, per LeBrun.
Meanwhile, Seravalli speculates that the St. Louis Blues could look to move Jordan Kyrou before his no-trade clause kicks in.
Over in Dallas, Jeff Marek reports that Jason Robertson‘s name continues to make the rounds in trade speculation. Marek even wonders if Dallas may reconnect with Carolina to try to reclaim draft picks they sent in the Rantanen trade.
Next: Oilers Make Lineup Adjustments Ahead of Cup Final Game 4