The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing the possibility of losing two key pending free agents this offseason: Mitch Marner and John Tavares.
Marner is the top name expected to hit the open market, while Tavares, despite expressing a strong desire to stay with the team, has yet to re-sign ahead of the July 1 free agency opening. Though contract talks between the Maple Leafs and Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson are ongoing, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic isn’t fully convinced the veteran center will remain in Toronto.
“Talks between the Leafs and Tavares’ camp continue daily, but it hasn’t been easy,” LeBrun reported. “There’s still mutual interest in getting a deal done, but as July 1 gets closer, the chances of Tavares testing free agency increase. I still think they’ll work something out, but I’m less certain than I was a week ago.”
Tavares, who just finished a seven-year, $77 million contract with Toronto, remains a productive player at 34 years old. He tallied 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games last season and could attract offers of $7.5–8 million per year if he tests the market.
However, Tavares has been open about his desire to stay with his hometown team. According to LeBrun, he’s willing to take a hometown discount to stay, likely accepting a deal well below market value.
“Tavares isn’t looking to match recent big-money deals like Brock Nelson’s,” LeBrun noted. “On the open market, a two-year deal might net him close to $8 million per year. But if Toronto offers something like four years at $5 million AAV, he’d likely accept it. A three-year term at that price may not be enough, though.”
LeBrun remains cautiously optimistic that a deal gets done, but admits his confidence has dipped slightly as July 1 approaches.
Following the Leafs’ playoff elimination, Tavares made it clear during exit interviews that he hoped to return.
“I’m very optimistic we can figure something out,” Tavares said on May 20. “It’s an incredible place to play with a passionate fanbase. When this team finally wins, it’ll be something really special, and I want to be part of that.”
Over his seven seasons in Toronto, Tavares has scored 222 goals and added 271 assists for a total of 493 points in 515 games.
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