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Ranking the Possibilities of the Toronto Maple Leafs Trading a “Core Four” Member

Could the Maple Leafs actually consider moving one or more of their core four?

By Edward Eng

Feb 15, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates scoring a goal with Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitchell Marner (16) and Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) and Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (88) during the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates scoring a goal with Toronto Maple Leafs center Mitchell Marner (16) and Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) and Toronto Maple Leafs center William Nylander (88) during the second period against the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports / Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
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John Tavares

When the Leafs made their big John Tavares signing through free agency during the 2018 offseason, many believed he was the remaining piece of the missing puzzle to help the team reach their ultimate goal in winning the Stanley Cup.

Known for his ability to make players around him better, along with averaging almost a point a game throughout his career, Tavares was expected to help elevate Toronto’s overall game while providing a two-headed monster setup together with Matthews for their top two lines.

Well, Tavares has managed to maintain his point a game pace for the bulk of the time with the Leafs, and it's hard to complain about anything he's done, except for all the losing in the playoffs.

In year six of his contract, when he should have declined quite a bit by anyone's standards, Tavares put up great peripheral numbers in an overall unlucky year.

At aged 33, Tavares isn’t going to get any younger, as his foot speed has been visibly slower this past season.

In addition, he only managed to put up 65 points in 80 games played during the 2023-24 season, marking his lowest points-rate since his rookie season in 2009-10. If the Leafs were to trade the captain, it would require Tavares to waive his no-movement clause first.

If that does happen, the Leafs would more than likely explore opportunities to move the 15-year veteran.

Probability of being traded: 25% (It seems highly unlikely that the Leafs would ask their home-town captain to waive his NTC)

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