Details of a potential John Tavares extension in Toronto discussed by reporter

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Tom Banks
September 5, 2024 (7:27 PM)

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John Tavares' future in Toronto has been up in the air since being moved on as captain, but now we know that he could return to The Maple Leafs as a free agent.

Over the past few months, we've heard nothing but rumours surrounding Mitch Marner and his future in Toronto, but there's been a surprising lack of talk around the future of former captain John Tavares. However, the process that saw him step aside as the captain of the Maple Leafs has raised questions about his future with his looming free agency in the summer of 2025.

While some believe he could be on the way out, Sportsnet's Luke Fox has given a different take on the situation, revealing that Tavares is much more likely to hang around than teammate Mitch Marner, and with the Leafs need for depth down the middle, it certainly makes sense.

''I think it's much more likely that he re-signs at this stage than Marner does, "Fox began. "I do think it's possible, and I do think his willingness to take one for the team and be okay with the captaincy -- I mean, it wasn't his idea, let's be clear -- but he came around the idea and publicly was fully on board.''

Unfortunately for Maple Leafs fans hoping he will take a steep discount, Fox reveals that isn't likely, but if there's a potentially smaller discount on the table for the former captain to return to his home town team as they chase the Stanley Cup, it's certainly feasible.

''Like, he wants to win. He's fine financially, so I think he'll be willing to take a haircut. I'm not saying he's taking 800,000, but he'll take a haircut if it means staying on.''

With the team chasing their first Stanley Cup since 1967, the events of the 2024/25 season and Marner's situation may all have a great bearing on Tavares' future, and while he had a down year by his standards, tallying 65 points in 80 games played, the 33-year old can still get it done, and bringing him back should be a big priority for Brad Treliving.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Reporter discusses details of a potential John Tavares extension in Toronto