The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be closing in on a contract deal with John Tavares.
Tavares is in the final year of his seven-year, $77 million contract with the Maple Leafs and is set to become a free agency on July 1. However, he has declared that he wishes to re-sign, and according to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Tavares and the Maple Leafs have reached an agreement on a contract extension.
“Tavares, like Marner, needs a new deal. There has been talk of a three-year extension in place that needs some tweaking, but no one will confirm. Pagnotta predicted that his AAV will fall, most likely to around $7 million. “With $31.32 million in cap space next season, the Leafs have enough of room to lock up Marner, Tavares, and emerging sensation Matthew Knies, who is eligible for restricted free agency. It’s uncertain whether they intend to pay Marner more than $13 million per year.
Tavares has been an integral part of the Maple Leafs’ core since signing with his hometown team. However, he is now 34 years old and will make significantly less than the $11 million per season he presently earns, according to Pagnotta.
Tavares has appeared in 48 games, scoring 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points.
Tavares wants to re-sign with the Maple Leafs.
Since Toronto was eliminated from the playoffs last season, Tavares has made it obvious that he wishes to re-sign.
The Maple Leafs and Tavares have not yet signed a contract, but he has stated that he wants to stay in Toronto.
“I’ve said it before, I would love to stay and hope it works out,” Tavares told NHL.com on December 20. “I think that’s, that’s my goal and my intention.”
Tavares says his goal is to stay in Toronto as well as win the Stanley Cup. The Maple Leafs have battled in the playoffs, and Tavares believes it would be a dream come true to win the Cup with his hometown team.
“Winning the Cup here remains our goal,” Tavares stated. “That has never changed.” Many of us would consider this to be a dream come true.
The New York Islanders selected Tavares first overall in the 2009 NHL Draft.
Toronto Linked to Several Forwards.
The Maple Leafs have one of the greatest teams in the NHL and will be active prior to the March 7 trade deadline.
Toronto is looking for a center, and Pagnotta claims the organization has shown interest in many forwards.
“It is no secret Toronto is in the market for a second-line center,” Pagnotta pointed out. “They’ve been looking for a left winger for months while also considering other options. They also want to update their third line. With limited cap space, however, it will require some great craftsmanship to meet their expectations.
“The Leafs want to know their choices and have cast a broad net. Treliving has tested forwards such as Brock Nelson of the New York Islanders, Casey Mittlestadt of the Colorado Avalanche, Dylan Cozens of the Buffalo Sabres, Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers, Brandon Tanev and Yanni Gourde of the Seattle Kraken, and Ryan Donato of the Chicago Blackhawks, among others,” Pagnotta said.
The Maple Leafs are 33-20-2 and are second in the Atlantic Division.