John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly have interest in remaining together beyond this season, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports.
During an appearance on Insider Trading, LeBrun discussed the gossip circulating around Tavares’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In particular, LeBrun stated that Tavares and the Leafs have “mutual interest” in working out a contract extension. However, LeBrun did not go into details about what that contract extension would look like in dollar terms and term.
Still, the news is certainly intriguing after Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos speculated that the Leafs tried to force Tavares’ hand and demand a trade out of Toronto.
LeBrun added that Tavares’ representatives and Leafs management have “back and forth” with “contract talks.” Specifically, LeBrun named Pat Brisson, Tavares’ agent, as the point man on the negotiation front.
If LeBrun is accurate, and he generally is, then the former Toronto Maple Leafs captain could be ending his career in Toronto. At 34, Tavares most likely won’t get another seven-year deal. In all likelihood, Tavares could be looking at a multi-year somewhere around three or four years.
Moreover, Tavares’ next deal will most likely come at a significant discount compared to his current $11 million cap hit. Ultimately, Tavares’ next deal will boil down to what he believes he’s worth, and what the Toronto Maple Leafs feel is fair market value for Tavares.
It’s worth pointing out that Tavares could get a higher AAV elsewhere, perhaps on a rebuilding team desperate for experience. However, there doesn’t seem to be any indication at this point that Tavares is looking to skip town.
Nothing imminent between John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs
There’s one caveat to LeBrun’s reporting. Tavares and the Leafs are still quite far away from reaching an agreement on a new deal.
Particularly, LeBrun stated that there was “nothing imminent” between both sides. LeBrun made it clear that contract talks are in the early stages. As such, there’s no telling if and when a deal could be reached.
LeBrun also pointed out that talks should pick up at some point in the future, but there doesn’t seem to be any rush on the Leafs part.
Could the lack of urgency on the Leafs side be a negotiating tactic? Probably not, it's more likely just the fact that if the Leafs don't do well in the playoffs this year, they will need to make changes and it would be hard to see Tavares returning under those circumstances.
Tavares’ next contract largely depends on his individual performance and the team’s collective outcomes.
A Stanley Cup, or even a trip to the Conference Finals, could virtually guarantee Tavares a new multi-year deal in Toronto, albeit at a much lower AAV.