Maple Leafs Should Eventually Ink Contract With Veteran Forward

On pace for approximately 39 goals and 76 points this year at the time of writing, he remains a strong player. In fact, 39 goals would be an NHL career second-best behind only his 2018-19 season with the Leafs (when he got 47 goals in 82 games). Right now, he has 15 goals and 31 points in 32 games, and is third on the Leafs for points.

Dec. 15 Hat Trick Against the Buffalo Sabres

Tavares’ second goal of this game, a wrist shot, was especially fun to watch. It showed excellent vision and play-reading. By the time Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev had the puck by the lower offensive zone faceoff circle, there was a lot of space in the slot. Tavares, who was then by the upper blue line, could take advantage. Tavares’ movement to the area just ahead of the middle of the blue line and Tanev’s movement to the bottom right corner of the rink created a beautiful passing lane between the pair. When Tanev made the pass, Tavares was in a great position to receive it, and soon fired in the goal.

Maple Leafs Veteran Forward John Tavares’ Contract Negotiations

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

More recently, there has been more talk between Tavares’ camp and the Maple Leafs, according to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. 

“As for Tavares, yes, the conversations are continuing between the Leafs and his camp. Neither side is in panic mode, I think both sides understand they want to get an extension done, he’s gonna be a UFA in July. I don’t know if he gets to July first but I also don’t know if they’re gonna sign in season.” Pagnotta said.

He added the conversations are “fluid”, and neither Tavares nor the Leafs are worried. Pagnotta predicted the contract would be around three years and between $6-7.5M a year. However, as Last Word On Hockey’s Andre Leal reported Wednesday, Tavares’ camp and Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving are waiting to see what the salary cap will be next year before making any big decisions.

Decisions Around Mitch Marner’s & Matthew Knies’ Contracts

Two more factors that could possibly influence decision-making are the contracts of star wingers Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies. Marner too becomes a UFA in 2025 and is in the last season of his Maple Leafs contract paying him $10.903M a year. Marner currently leads in the Leafs in points by far with 44 (10 goals & 34 assists) in 33 games. Following him is his current linemate William Nylander who has 36 points (21 goals & 15 assists) in 33 games.

As for Knies, at the time of writing, he ranks third on the team for goals with 11 in 31 games, thus would get 29 goals at an 82-game pace. He is behind only Tavares (15 goals in 32 games) and the red hot William Nylander who has 21 goals in 33 games. However, they pay Knies much less than Marner and Tavares. Knies is in the last year of his Maple Leafs contract paying him $925,000 a year (2025 RFA). And since Knies is on pace for an NHL career high in both goals and points, he deserves a raise.

All things considered, it seems like both Tavares and the Leafs want him to stay on his hometown team.