‘I Don’t Think Anything Is Imminent’: Maple Leafs, John Tavares, Reportedly Awaiting Salary Cap Clarity Before Advancing Contract Discussions

The NHL salary cap for the current season sits at $88 million, with Commissioner Gary Bettman projecting a rise to at least $92.4 million next year, potentially higher if the league and the NHL Players’ Association reach an agreement. 

Based on the discussions stemming from the two-day event last week, the uncertainty has contributed to a more cautious approach between Tavares and the Leafs – among other pending unrestricted free agents.

For both sides, it makes sense to carefully craft the next contract. The Leafs, as Lebrun points out, can use all the additional cap space they can get. Therefore, a potential extension for Tavares must fit within their financial plan efficiently with other pending UFAs also taking priorities – like Mitch Marner.

One way to distinguish a number for the 34-year-old can be through recent contracts signed by players of similar age and production to Tavares, serving as a benchmark. Notably, Claude Giroux’s three-year, $19.5 million ($6.5 million AAV) deal with the Ottawa Senators signed in July 2022 and Anze Kopitar’s two-year extension with a $7 million AAV signed this past July from the Los Angeles Kings are believed to be key comparables.

“Those are contracts certainly that I think are in the ballpark of what Tavares and the Leafs are talking about,” Lebrun explained.

There has also been word from The Athletic’s Chris Johnston that the two parties did previously engage in contract talks. At that point, Johnston also labeled Giroux and Kopitar as suitable comparables when considering their career numbers and recent point totals. 

However, one contract likely not in the mix is Steven Stamkos’ four-year, $32 million contract ($8 million AAV), as Lebrun suggests Tavares’ camp aims to settle on a lower figure. Both sides are reportedly weighing and prioritizing fairness, sharing a mutual desire to reach an agreement before Tavares becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

“One contract that I don’t think that Tavares’ camp has brought up is Steven Stamkos’ 4 x $8 million a year. I think that Tavares aims to be lower than that if this gets done with Toronto at some point,” said Lebrun. 

“They want to be fair, they also want to remain a Maple Leaf, so both sides I think would mutually like to get this done at some point before July 1.”

At the start of the season, Tavares voiced his desire to stay in Toronto beyond this year. While he avoided delving into contract negotiations, he expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.

“I want to be here long-term and hopefully that happens,” Tavares said in September.

The veteran forward and former Maple Leafs captain made it clear during the team’s season-opening media availability that he was “as driven as I’ve ever been” to continue playing at the high level he’s maintained throughout his career.

“Obviously go out there and prove myself once again. Help contribute to our club, our team on and off the ice as I always have since I've come here and really since I've entered the league,” said Tavares.

The former number-one overall pick has impressed in his seventh season with the organization, currently sitting third on the team in scoring with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 30 games. He’s been primarily centering the team’s second line, playing a strong role in the offense as the club maneuvered injury trouble up front over the past month.

It’s clear as of now that along with his wish to remain in Toronto, Tavares remains a part of the Maple Leafs’ plans for the immediate future. From a contract standpoint, both sides reportedly seem determined to wait for salary cap uncertainties to clear, with the hope that a deal can be reached before he hits the open market on July 1.