The Toronto Maple Leafs have two of the best pending free agents and could lose both of them.
The top free agent is Mitch Marner, and John Tavares is another soon-to-be free agent. Although Tavares has said all year he wants to be back with the Maple Leafs, he has yet to re-sign ahead of free agency opening on July 1.
Although the Maple Leafs and Tavares have been negotiating, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic isn’t confident the star centerman returns to his hometown team.
“Dialogue continues between the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent Pat Brisson. It’s been a grind,” LeBrun wrote. “But what’s important to note is they’re keeping at it. The dialogue is almost daily. The sides are motivated to find a way to get it done, although the closer next Tuesday gets, the more real the idea of Tavares, 34, dipping his toes becomes. I think it gets done before that happens, but I’m not as confident as I was a week ago.”
Tavares completed his seven-year, $77 million deal with the Maple Leafs and is the former captain. Although he is 34, Tavares is still playing at a high level as he recorded 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games.
Given that Tavares is still producing at a high level and can be a second-line center, he could command upwards of $8 million a year on the open market.
Insider: Tavares Willing to Take Less With Maple Leafs
Tavares is from Toronto and has made it clear he wants to stay with the Maple Leafs.
With Tavares wanting to stay, LeBrun says the star forward will take less money in Toronto. However, once he hits the open market on July 1, that could change.
“Tavares is willing to take less than market value to stay in Toronto,” LeBrun wrote. “So he’s not trying to come close to Nelson’s new deal, as far as I can tell. On the open market on a two-year deal, I believe Tavares could fetch $7.5 million if not $8 million. Again, on a two-year deal.
“If the Leafs put four years and a $5 million AAV on the table, Tavares would probably take it. I don’t think he would do $5 million for three years, though,” LeBrun added. “So that’s similar to Duchene’s deal (which was negotiated by CAA as well) — just a tad more to reflect the different tax realities of the markets.”
Ultimately, LeBrun does still believe Tavares will re-sign with the Maple Leafs. But, he isn’t 100% confident that a deal would get done as he was just a few days and weeks ago.
Tavares Was ‘Optimistic’ He’d Re-Sign With Maple Leafs
After Toronto was eliminated from the playoffs, Tavares made it clear his goal was to re-sign with the Maple Leafs.
At the exit interviews, Tavares said he had already spoken with general manager Brad Treliving and was optimistic a deal would get done.
“I’m very optimistic that it can work out where I’m back. But, haven’t put too much thought into it,” Tavares said on May 20. “It’s only been just a number of hours since things have ended… There’s pressure everywhere. It’s an unbelievable place to play. An incredible fan base that loves its team and so badly wants to see you win. When it happens here again, it’s going to be something pretty remarkable. You want to be a part of that.”
In seven years with the Maple Leafs, Tavares recorded 222 goals and 271 assists for 493 points in 515 games.
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