John Tavares may be nearing the end of his contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the veteran center remains a major talking point as the team approaches a critical offseason. With the Leafs out of playoff contention, questions are swirling around the 34-year-old’s future.
One team reportedly interested? The Montreal Canadiens, a divisional rival that could be looking to make a bold move.
Montreal Could Target Former Leafs Captain John Tavares in Offseason Revamp
The trade rumors gained traction after Lyle Richardson of Bleacher Report suggested the Canadiens might pursue Tavares with a short-term deal. With his current seven-year, $77 million contract nearing its end, Tavares is expected to become an unrestricted free agent. Montreal is believed to have both the cap flexibility and positional need to consider making an offer.
🚨 If Mitch Marner ends up hitting free agency on July 1, he’s expected to command over $13 million per season. Teams like the Chicago Blackhawks, Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Calgary Flames are expected to make strong offers if he becomes available.… pic.twitter.com/eo25gNZhDP
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A potential contract would reportedly land around $6.5 million annually for two to three years. While that number might seem steep for a player past his prime, the Canadiens could unlock an additional $10.5 million in cap space using Carey Price’s long-term injured reserve designation. Montreal currently has $8.7 million available for the 2025-26 season with 18 players under contract.
Adding Tavares would help Montreal fill a glaring need at center. He’s no longer the top-line threat he once was, but his 2024-25 stats, 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games, show he still has value.
Much of his production came on the power play, where he continues to be a key contributor. His playmaking ability could pair well with rising talent like Ivan Demidov.
Canadiens’ Search for a Second-Line Center
If Montreal does make a push for Tavares, the move would fit their offseason strategy. With veteran center David Savard retiring and both Christian Dvorak and Joel Armia headed for free agency, the Canadiens need both depth and experience. Tavares offers both, along with the leadership that’s defined his NHL career since being drafted first overall in 2009.
But he’s not the only name in the mix. Other veterans like Matt Duchene and Brock Nelson are also reportedly on Montreal’s radar. Duchene had a strong season in Dallas, though some within the Canadiens organization are hesitant due to his 2019 free agency negotiations. Nelson brings consistency, but Tavares’ upside may be higher despite his age.
Montreal could also take a different approach. There’s growing buzz around a potential offer sheet for Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish. The 22-year-old had 52 points in 76 games and would cost the Canadiens four first-round picks if signed at $9.2 million annually. It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off in the long term.
Aside from the forward group, the Canadiens also need to shore up their penalty kill. The possible loss of key contributors like Dvorak and Armia leaves holes to fill.
Whether they go all-in on a veteran like Tavares or target youth like McTavish, the Canadiens have major decisions ahead. As one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, their next move could shift the balance in the Atlantic Division and potentially bring a familiar face in John Tavares across enemy lines.
