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John Tavares Makes His Intentions With the Maple Leafs Very Clear
Photo credit: Sam Navarro - Imagn Images
John Tavares has made his intentions known as the former captain issued some new remarks on his future with the Maple Leafs organization.
While a lot of the discourse surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs' off-season plans has surrounded Mitch Marner, John Tavares is also in-line to see his contract expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign and the former captain has made it known that he would love to come back earlier this year. Now, he has doubled down with some new comments on the subject.
Tavares walked away from the New York Islanders in the summer of 2018 to sign a 7-year contract worth $77 million dollars with his favourite boyhood team, the Maple Leafs. According to Tavares, he has no regrets about the decision and is very happy with how things have turned out since the move.
"Aside from not being able to help bring a Stanley Cup here, it's been everything I could hope for," the Maple Leafs forward told NHL.com this week. "In fact, it's been even better than I thought, to be honest."
Entering the 2024-25 campaign, Tavares made a monumental decision as he handed over the captaincy to Auston Matthews. The latter had just signed a massive extension and it essentially ushered the Leafs into a new era.
Many wondered what implications that would have not only for Tavares' future with the organization, but his on-ice production as well. However, Tavares has turned back the clock and has been in vintage form with 15 goals and 32 points in 33 games to start the season.
"I'm just really confident in my game right now at both ends," he said. "I just keep working at it."
As for where he stands on his future with the club, Tavares has constantly made it known he doesn't want to leave, so at this point, it comes down to whether or not both parties can find common ground on the terms of an extension.
"I've said it before, I would love to stay and hope it works out," he said. "I think that's my goal and my intention."
Staying in Toronto would have a lot to do with the fact that he would remain a cornerstone piece, the organization remains in Stanley Cup contention, and their core might be the best in the NHL. However, another reason might have to do with his family and being able to remain home in Toronto.
"It's been really amazing to share playing here with the kids. They've been a big part of it and gotten to experience it with me. So, that's what life's all about, that's what's most important, and you cherish that."
Both sides have been discussing an extension since well before the 2024-25 season started. They continue to talk, which is certainly a good sign, but factoring in his age and what he's asking for in term and salary is where the sticking point lies.
Tavares remains an integral part of this organization and his production so far has proven that he still has a lot left in the tank.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 22 | 2597 ANSWERS John Tavares Makes His Intentions With the Maple Leafs Very Clear Will the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares come to an agreement before July 1st? | ||
| Yes | 2106 | 81.1 % |
| No | 491 | 18.9 % |
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