Report: John Tavares, Maple Leafs In Ongoing Contract Talks Ahead Of NHL Free Agency

With the start of NHL free agency less than three weeks away, the Toronto Maple Leafs are facing decisions that could dramatically change their roster construction. While much speculation centers on the future of projected No. 1 NHL free agent Mitch Marner, the team must also address other key players like John Tavares and Matthew Knies.

There is little urgency in the case of Knies, as the 22-year-old is a restricted free agent. The situation with John Tavares, however, is more pressing. The 34-year-old veteran forward will be free to sign with any other franchise as of July 1.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, Tavares and the Leafs are using this exclusive window to discuss a new deal, and both sides have a mutual interest in an extension.

Tavares expressed his desire to stick around immediately after the team’s elimination following a second-round series loss to the Florida Panthers. The sticking point is finding the balance between fair value for a player who scored 38 goals last season and a contract that provides the franchise with a hometown discount.

Tavares just wrapped up a seven-year contract that carried an average annual value of $11 million. While it's clear the player will likely settle for less than that amount on his new deal, the question remains: how much less?

As has been explored at The Hockey News, contracts like the one Chris Tanev signed with the Leafs last season or the one signed by Tampa Bay Lightning forward Yanni Gourde could provide a pathway for the player to collect his money while keeping the average annual value down. Deferred money deals, much like the one Jake McCabe signed at the end of 2024, also provide an additional means to lower the AAV.

Finding clarity on the Tavares contract would certainly help GM Brad Treliving determine how he can allocate the rest of his salary cap space. That flexibility will dictate whether he can pursue free agents like Panthers forward Sam Bennett and Bruins forward Brad Marchand, or figure out a way to bring Marner back into the fold.

Per PuckPedia.com, the Leafs currently have $25,709,001 in salary cap space with 17 players signed to the roster.

As the days tick closer to July 1, the chatter surrounding the league's top free agents is only expected to intensify.