The Toronto Maple Leafs are likely to lose Mitch Marner this summer, and now, reports reveal that they may be set to lose John Tavares as well.
This off-season is crucial for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as the belief within the organization is that the team isn't too far away from competing for a Stanley Cup with the right moves.
The first move they're going to make is letting go of forward Mitch Marner in free agency, but as for John Tavares, the hope is that the team can re-sign that former captain before he gets to free agency.
However, the latest report from Pierre LeBrun has revealed that the two sides aren't as close on extension talks as they'd like to be, with things potentially set to drag out until July 1st when he can negotiate with any team in the NHL.
With just over a week until July 1, the Leafs and John Tavares' camp, led by agent Pat Brisson, still haven't landed on common ground for an extension. As of Saturday, they weren't close.Deadlines like this, tend to drive decisions - and while it'll likely get done, "it's a fascinating one to be sure.
At the end of his comments, LeBrun predicts that a deal will still get done, but given how certain Maple Leafs fans have been of Tavares' return, it's safe to say that any report to the contrary will be a worrying one.
In 2024/25, the former captain tallied 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games played, and if they are to take the final step towards the Eastern Conference Finals and ultimately the Stanley Cup Finals, this is a deal that they'll need to get done.