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Maple Leafs Make Huge Mistake with Former Captain John Tavares
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski - Imagn Images
A recent report from TSN's Pierre LeBrun highlights a major mistake the Toronto Maple Leafs might have made with John Tavares before the start of 2024-25.
Amidst all the chaos that is currently surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs with Brendan Shanahan's departure after 11 years and the looming unrestricted free agency of Mitch Marner, a recent report coming out from TSN's Pierre LeBrun about John Tavares should add to the mess.
The NHL insider joined TSN's OverDrive and talked all things Maple Leafs but on his way out he mentioned that the former captain, who is set for unrestricted free agency as well, could have been signed for well under market value before the start of the 2024-25 season.
"At the start of the year, last September at camp, I think Tavares' camp told the Leafs that he'd be ready to extend then and there and they probably would have signed for around 5 million a year. Then he went out and had a huge season, so I don't know if the number can stay there."
He later added that while his big season in 2024-25 definitely increased his market value well beyond the $5 million that he was willing to sign for back in September, Tavares still hurt his value by letting the team know he doesn't want to play anywhere else,
"... but on the other hand, he's kind of hurting his own leverage by saying 'I don't want to go anywhere' and this is where the Leafs have to be Mr. Meany here and say 'well if you really want to stay then here's the number'."
Tavares didn't have the best year in 2023-24 so perhaps he wasn't willing to risk a decent pay day by signing an extension before the year started. However, he went out there and ended up scoring 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games and changed the trajectory of his next contract.
What that number is remains to be seen but you'd have to wager it will be above $5 million based on the cap jumping over the next 3 seasons and the market not having all that many top-flight centres available.
If he is truly willing to stay in Toronto, a hometown discount of sorts can be in the works, but both sides will have to meet somewhere in the middle. However, based on how the season ended, it makes you wonder if the Maple Leafs are seeking a reunion with the 34-year-old centre.
| POLL | ||
MAI 23 | 6926 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Make Huge Mistake with Former Captain John Tavares Do you think the Maple Leafs missed the boat on an extension being done for Tavares before the 2024-25 season started? | ||
| Yes | 3538 | 51.1 % |
| No | 3388 | 48.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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