John Tavares contract negotiations are underway, but will he stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs? NHL insider Darren Dreger recently revealed on TSN 1050 radio that the Leafs are in talks with Tavares about an extension. The 34-year-old center, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, has made it clear he wants to remain in Toronto. However, with a current AAV of $11 million, the two sides have yet to agree on a new salary.
Dreger suggests that deferred compensation might be a solution to bridge the gap and lower the AAV. This method has become increasingly popular in the NHL, allowing teams to spread out the cost of a contract over a longer period, even after a player retires.
John Tavares wants $6-$7 million AAV on his next contract
It’s believed that Tavares is seeking a $6-$7 million AAV, while the Leafs are aiming for something closer to $5 million. This discrepancy is understandable. Tavares, despite his age, remains a valuable asset to the Leafs. He’s a proven leader, a consistent scorer, and a crucial part of their core. However, the Leafs also need to be mindful of their salary cap situation. With Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner commanding significant cap space, finding room for Tavares at his desired salary will be a challenge.
Bridging the Gap: Will the Maple Leafs and John Tavares work out a deal?
So, how can the two sides find common ground? Deferred compensation is a key factor, but the length of the contract will also play a crucial role. A shorter-term deal, perhaps two or three years, could allow Tavares to maintain a higher AAV while giving the Leafs more financial flexibility in the future.
Another possibility is that Tavares might be willing to take a slightly lower AAV in exchange for performance bonuses. This would allow him to earn more if he reaches certain milestones, while also providing the Leafs with some cost certainty.
Ultimately, the success of these negotiations hinges on the willingness of both sides to compromise. Tavares has expressed his desire to stay in Toronto, and the Leafs have shown interest in keeping him. It’s now a matter of finding a deal that works for everyone involved.
My prediction? I believe Tavares will ultimately re-sign with the Leafs. He’s deeply committed to the team and the city, and I think both sides will find a way to make the numbers work. A shorter-term deal with deferred compensation and performance bonuses seems like the most likely outcome.
This situation is fluid, and things could change quickly. Stay tuned for further updates as negotiations progress.
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