Maple Leaf and John Tavares may be more than originally expected in the extended discussion – Hockey Writer – Toronto Maple Leaf

The Toronto Maple Leaf will soon focus on trying to win its first Stanley Cup since 1967, as the playoffs are approaching quickly, but regardless of the playoff results, some reports about one of its main forwards may force the team to shift its focus during the offseason. Earlier this season, it was reported that Maple Leaf is getting closer to the extension of John Tavares, but it doesn’t seem to be the case now.

It’s totally clear why Leaf will wait, but I’ll say there are any discounts in September that are rising now, not only because of the strong season of Tavares, but also because of the rising cap numbers announced by the NHL. https://t.co/fuz81lpxbp

—Pierre Lebrun (@pierrevlebrun) March 30, 2025

David Pagnotta of the fourth phase shows that Maple Leafs and Tavares may have reached a deal worth about $7 million on a three-year contract. Unfortunately, Pierre Lebrun’s recent tweet attracted some fans to worry about Tavares’ asking price rising, and both sides may not be able to do some work before the free agent institution rolls.

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Since the team still needs to re-sign Mitchell Marner, he may be looking for about $14 million a year, and it seems like Tavarez will be likely to ride in free agency if the asking price does not drop. It may eventually boil down to people who are more valuable to their long-term future as they try to keep competing, but the team may be forced to choose one or the other.

Tavares, 34, runs an incredible offensive campaign. This season, he scored 35 goals and added 34 assists in 67 games, with an average average of more than one point per game. Throughout his career, he scored 491 goals and added 618 assists in 1176 games, scoring 1109 points and an average of 0.94 points. He continues to prove that even an aging veteran, he can be at the elite level on both ends of the ice.

Which other teams might be interested in Marner/Tavares?

If Marner or Tavares ends up entering the open market, there will be a lot of interest in bringing the league into them. Earlier in the season, it was reported that rebuilding teams like the Chicago Blackhawks or the San Jose Sharks could pursue Marner to try to recompetitively, but he hopes to sign with a team that competes for one and is willing to run for the campaign and the championship. Tavares is another player who may prefer to sign with contenders and win at least one Stanley Cup before calling it a career.

Tavares’ asking price is about $7 million a year, making him an attractive addition to any team that has a competitive position. The Edmonton Oilers, the New Jersey Devil, the Ottawa Senator and the Washington Capital can all benefit from strengthening its forward core and should have the money to spend and all make sense.

Either way, it seems that Maple Leaf and Tavarez are not very close in terms of expansion, contrary to previous reports. Unfortunately, the Maple Leafs will have to worry about this as they try to push the Stanley Cup this season and hope to run deeper than last season, but soon, they will have to resume negotiations with the assistant captain like he does and will continue to be a big part of their forward core.

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