Rumors swirl about Leafs requesting John Tavares to consider a trade

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Marvin Azrak
January 26, 2024 (7:32 PM)

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In a recent article, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun suggested that the Maple Leafs should consider asking captain John Tavares to waive his no-movement clause.

He points to the 33-year-olds' drop in production and age as factors to consider amidst a young roster.

The contract hasn't worked out well for Toronto, but that's more circumstantial and COVID- and salary cap-related than anything else. Tavares has mostly delivered at a point-a-game pace. He isn't spectacular the way Auston Matthews or Nylander can be spectacular. He isn't game-changing the way Marner can often be game changing.

Tavares Dilemma: Leafs' Captain on Thin Ice?

Yet, let's face it, it's a tough call to approach Tavares about this. And realistically, it's unlikely any rival team could take on his $11-million cap hit, even with the projected $4.2 million cap increase for next season. It's doubtful Tavares would agree to waive his no-movement clause. And if he did, he'd probably want to join a contender, but it's hard to see any of them adding him to their roster.

Tavares hasn't recorded a point since January 6, which is concerning. He's in the midst of the worst slump of his career. After being a point-a-game player for his first 382 games as a Maple Leaf, his production has dropped significantly in the last quarter of the season.

Tavares' Slump: What Does It Mean for His Future in Toronto:

Heading into Saturday night's game in Vancouver, he had just 12 points in the last quarter, with few of those coming at even strength. He's gone nine games without a point, and he hasn't been as dangerous as in the past. He's had a fine career with Toronto ever since he spurned the New York Islanders in free agency during the Summer of 2018 to fulfill his boyhood dream.

He has 167 goals and 388 points in 406 games as a Leaf. He even scored the overtime winner in game 6 to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning last Spring, clinching the franchise's first playoff series win in 19 seasons. Things came full circle on December 11th, when he netted his 1,00th career point on Long Island. Yet hockey is a sport whose mantra is What have you done for me lately? and Tavares hasn't produced. It's not solely a concern for this season but for the next and beyond. Despite all this, the jury believes he's sticking around in Toronto. But what do you think?