Report: Former Captain Could Be Extended by Maple Leafs.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could sign John Tavares to a contract extension even after he lost his captaincy.
The Toronto Maple Leafs were anticipated to be one of the clubs to monitor coming into this offseason. The fates of several prominent players were questioned following another playoff exit in the first round.
The Maple Leafs have been in the news lately, but not because they choose to deal a vital player at last. Instead, they appointed Auston Matthews as team captain, switching up the positions of leadership.
Former captain John Tavares relinquished the “C” from his chest and handed it off to one of the game’s best young talents. Not only is Tavares no longer captain, but he’s heading into the final year of his contract, and a future in Toronto isn’t exactly set in stone.
The Maple Leafs have been stubborn in holding on tightly to their core of Matthews, Tavares, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander, but contracts coming to an end is an easy way to move on from certain pieces.
Although insiders predict Marner will eventually walk into free agency, Tavares’ stay in Toronto may extend past 2024–2025. Elliotte Friedman of 32 Thoughts Podcast says Tavares and the Maple Leafs are probably close to agreeing to a contract extension.
“I believe that Tavares still has options, including a possible extension,” Friedman stated. “I don’t believe it’s finished. They wouldn’t likely eclipse Matthews even if it were.
Even though he gave up his leadership and the team needed adjustments, Tavares might be rewarded with additional seasons in Toronto.
A Tavares extension always felt possible, but he’ll need to take a pay cut on his next deal. He’s entering the final season of a seven-year contract that earned him $11 million against the salary cap.
“It’s been discussed,” Friedman said. “I don’t think that it’s impossible that we see Tavares get extended as a Toronto Maple Leaf.”
The Maple Leafs have won a playoff series just once in the era of the “Core Four,” despite constant failures, the organization continues to show faith in their guys.
