Maple Leafs Facing Major Decision on John Tavares Contract originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
With just days remaining before free agency opens on July 1, the Toronto Maple Leafs and former team captain John Tavares remain locked in contract talks.
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According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the two sides continue to talk but “haven’t found their sweet spot” on a new deal, with no real progress in their negotiations for a contract extension.
Although Tavares, 34, has made it clear he wants to stay in Toronto, LeBrun reported on TSN’s “OverDrive” on Friday that the veteran’s willingness won’t translate into a steep hometown discount.
“Unless there was a lot of term attached to it, there’s no way Tavares signs for $5 million a year with the Leafs,” LeBrun said. “It’s gonna have to be more than that.”
The Leafs are interested in keeping Tavares in tow but only at a lower figure that reflects both the team’s cap structure and his age.
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Toronto has $25.7 million in projected cap space but several decisions pending, including on fellow star forward Mitch Marner, who is widely expected to leave, and 22-year-old restricted free agent Matthew Knies, who is due a significant raise after a 29-goal season.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares during warm-up before Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Florida Panthers.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
“There’s still more than a week to go before July 1,” LeBrun wrote on Saturday, “but the Leafs and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent (Pat) Brisson, still haven’t found their sweet spot on an extension.
“Wherever each side is, it wasn’t close enough as of Saturday.”
Tavares posted 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games last year, making him one of the more productive second-line centers on the market.
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“Deadlines spur decisions,” LeBrun acknowledged. “It’s probably still going to get done, but it’s a fascinating one to be sure.”
Related: NHL Analyst Draws Firm Line on What Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Is Worth
Related: Darren Dreger Predicts What John Tavares’ Next Maple Leafs Contract Could Look Like
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.