It’s no secret that John Tavares bleeds blue and white. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain has made it clear he wants to finish his career in Toronto, but with his current contract expiring next summer, the big question looming over Leafs Nation is: what will his next deal look like?
NHL insider Darren Dreger recently reported that contract talks between Tavares and the Leafs are ongoing. While both sides seem motivated to get a deal done, there’s reportedly a difference of opinion on the numbers. Dreger mentioned that comparable contracts, like those signed by Anze Kopitar (2 years, $7 million AAV) and Claude Giroux (3 years, $6.5 million AAV), have been discussed.
The Leafs, understandably, are hoping for something closer to Giroux’s deal. This makes sense from a cap management perspective, especially considering the Leafs already have big money committed to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner (likely to re-sign this summer), and William Nylander. However, Tavares, even at 34, still provides significant value and leadership. He’s on pace for a solid 75-point season and remains a crucial part of the team’s core.
NHL Salary Cap Uncertainty Adds Another Wrinkle
Adding another layer of complexity to these negotiations is the uncertainty surrounding the NHL salary cap. Initial projections had it rising to $92.5 million next season, but recent reports suggest it could jump as high as $96 million. A higher cap would obviously give the Leafs more flexibility to retain Tavares while also addressing other roster needs.
My prediction? I believe Tavares ultimately takes a hometown discount to stay in Toronto. He understands the team’s cap constraints and wants to give them the best chance to win. I expect a deal in the range of 3 years with an AAV between $6.5 and $7.5 million. This allows the Leafs to keep their captain while maintaining some financial wiggle room.
Of course, anything can happen in these negotiations. Free agency always presents a tempting alternative, and other teams will undoubtedly be interested in Tavares’ services. However, I believe his desire to win a Stanley Cup in Toronto will outweigh any other factors. Leafs fans can breathe a sigh of relief – John is likely here to stay.
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