The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 3-2 on Tuesday night, grabbing a 2-0 lead in their first-round series. It marks the first time Toronto has taken a 2-0 lead in a Stanley Cup Playoff series since 2002.
While the focus in the locker room is fully on chasing the Cup, some players know their time in Toronto is uncertain. Roster changes occur every offseason, and some situations arise where money and age become big deciding factors.
Forward John Tavares is set to become a free agent once the season ends. He’s 34 years old and in the final year of his seven-year contract, which carries an $11 million AAV.
The Toronto native has captained the Leafs for the past five seasons before this one and has played a crucial role in securing their first Atlantic Division title in franchise history.
Tavares sat down with David Amber of Sportsnet and discussed his future with the team. In doing so, the 16-year NHL veteran revealed that the one team he wants to retire with is the Maple Leafs.
"...I think I'm just trying to stay really in the moment," Tavares said. "Stay as present as I can as I really want to be here, continue my career. It'd be amazing to finish my career here in Toronto. So, just trying to put everything I can into every day and everything with our team and our group here to try to accomplish that goal and do something special. And, I really want to be here going forward."
Tavares, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft by the New York Islanders, is having one of his better scoring seasons of his career.
He finished the regular season with 38 goals and 38 assists for 74 points. Through the first two playoff games, he’s already added two goals and two assists, bringing his postseason total to four points.
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