Insider Confirms Problem in Toronto Regarding Ex-Leafs Captain John Tavares
Photo credit: Luther Schlaifer-Imagn Images
TSN's Pierre LeBrun revealed that the Leafs have found themselves in a difficult position when it comes to former captain John Tavares.
Tavares has maintained his desire to remain a member of the Leafs beyond this season, but so far, he, his agent and the Leafs have not held any constructive talks on an extension this season.
At the start of the season, many expected Tavares extension would carry a cap hit somewhere between $5M and $7M. However, following his 4-point night on Tuesday,which saw him become the goal-scoring leader among all pending free agents, the Leafs may have put themselves in a problematic situation by not just getting a deal done early.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Tavares was interested in getting an extension done ahead of the season, but as he continues his resurgent season, matching his point total from last season in 15 less games, his asking price continues to go up.
"I think the Leafs want to bring him back, but I think it is an end of season discussion...Whatever the price to sign John Tavares back in September, when I believe he would've been open then to do an extension that early.
That price has gone up. He's had another great year. The idea that you're getting this guy on a very cheap deal - of course he's going to take a pay cut... but the 'hometown discount' version with the salary cap going up dramatically...this is a new world and this is going to affect Tavares.
I think that number is higher now at the end of the season than it would've been in September because he's had another great season."
That price has gone up. He's had another great year. The idea that you're getting this guy on a very cheap deal - of course he's going to take a pay cut... but the 'hometown discount' version with the salary cap going up dramatically...this is a new world and this is going to affect Tavares.
I think that number is higher now at the end of the season than it would've been in September because he's had another great season."
The former first-overall pick currently has 65 points in 64 games and as much as the Leafs would like to keep the 34-year-old, the longer they wait, the higher the chance Tavares finishes his career elsewhere.
As the Leafs enter the home stretch of the season, it will be interesting to see whether they prioritize the extension of their former captain, Mitch Marner or Matthew Knies.
| POLL | ||
MARS 27 | 4779 ANSWERS Insider Confirms Problem in Toronto Regarding Ex-Leafs Captain John Tavares What would be your walk away number for the Leafs? | ||
| $7M | 2023 | 42.3 % |
| $7.5M | 1141 | 23.9 % |
| $8M | 952 | 19.9 % |
| $8.5M+ | 663 | 13.9 % |
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