Maple Leafs' John Tavares Predicted to Sign With East Rival

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in the middle of their playoff series against the Florida Panthers. Currently, Toronto is tied 2-2 as they get set to go back home for a crucial Game 5.

But once the season is over, whether they get eliminated or win the Stanley Cup, Toronto will have a lot of work to do on the roster. The Maple Leafs have multiple key free agents, and the front office will have to figure out how to proceed with them all.

One of those free agents is star John Tavares, and whether he returns to Toronto remains up in the air. But one NHL writer has predicted the Maple Leafs star to sign with a division rival, the Montreal Canadiens.

Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report explains.

“The Canadiens might have to pay a little extra to sign Tavares, likely a two or three-year deal with an AAV of $6.5 million. They have $8.7 million in cap space for 2025-26 with 18 active roster players under contract. However, they can get another $10.5 million with Carey Price on long-term injury reserve.”

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) looks on against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Tavares isn’t the same player that he once was, but he could still help the Canadiens out moving forward. For the year, Tavares posted 38 goals and 74 points over 75 games.

Montreal made the postseason this past year, but they were bounced out by the Washington Capitals. Adding a player like Tavares could help take them to the next level, while also helping the team get more people to tune into games.

Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Predicted to Sign With East Rival

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