NHL Insider reveals likely details of Toronto's next deal with John Tavares

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River Hawk
August 22, 2024 (7:56)

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After he passed down the captaincy to Auston Matthews, an NHL Insider revealed the likely terms of John Tavares's next deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The only hint of surprise Maple Leafs fans felt when the news broke that Auston Matthews would be named captain was with the timing, The 26-year-old forward could have been given the role years ago if it were not for the decision to hand the role to John Tavares in 2019 after he already had experience in the role for the New York Islanders. However, with the veteran forward already 33 years old and nearing the end of his contract, many had already wondered what his future in Toronto could look like. Given his full involvement in passing the torch down the line, these wonders grew into concerns.

Luckily, Chris Johnston assuaged Toronto fans' fears that he may leave the team at the end of the 2024-25 season. On a recent edition of TSN 1050's First Up, he shared that John Tavares would work with Maple Leafs management on an extension. These discussions were expected to begin just around the corner, and though neither party is necessarily close, given their mutual interest, a shorter and lower deal should be within striking distance.

"I think that there will be some discussions now about the possibility of an extension. You know it's probably more of a priority for John Tavares and his family. Clearly, you know he made a big move at the time he moved back to Toronto when he took that free-agent deal you know he had a number of other opportunities at that point in time. At that point in time he didn't have kids you know those three kids that were sitting in the front row today have all been born in Toronto, you know. I think it's very important on his end of things to try to find something that works and the Leafs will have to, you know, work through that with him. I don't get to sense anything's close at this time, but I do think those discussions happen, and maybe that's the flip side of, you know, how well he's handled this is that it really is incumbent upon him to make sure this transition goes well to make sure the team doesn't suffer and there could be a new role you know slightly reduced one you would think in terms of what he's paid you know where he's playing in the lineup and and you know wearing an 'A' instead of a 'C' and all those things."

Now, a former Toronto Maple Leafs forward seconded Chris Johnston's prediction. In a recent edition of NHL Tonight, Mike Johnson expressed that John Tavares would likely take a shorter deal for less money at some point in autumn, ultimately allowing him to naturally shift his role and continue developing his game within Toronto's lineup.

"His game is going to continue to evolve. His role in the team will continue to evolve. I think he probably signs an extension, but he didn't want to do it that day, because you didn't want to upstage, but sometime, probably in the fall, he'll sign a couple, three-year extension for significantly less money, and it'll allow him just to be what he is, right: quiet pro. Just focusing on his game and being the best he can be."

Though there is no confirmation that John Tavares will reach an agreement with the Toronto Maple Leafs, it is clear that both parties still have hopes to work with each other beyond the upcoming season. Hopefully, they can manage to keep the veteran forward in the lineup as it shifts into a newer, more successful era of playoff performance in the NHL.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Former Maple Leaf turned analyst reveals the expected term of John Tavares' new deal in Toronto

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How long will the Toronto Maple Leafs' next deal with John Tavares last?
1-2 years	121	31.7 %
3-4 years	204	53.4 %
5+ years	17	4.5 %
No extension	40	10.5 %
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