The Toronto Maple Leafs could very well be experiencing the true end of an era with their franchise this offseason.
Mitch Marner’s contract expires on June 30, and he’s set to become one of the most notable free agent forwards since his own current Maple Leafs teammate (and fellow pending unrestricted free agent) John Tavares was up for a new deal in 2018.
However, the chances of Tavares coming back for another go-around with the Maple Leafs are much higher than Marner’s.
Can the Maple Leafs Re-Sign John Tavares to a New Contract Despite the Likely Loss of Mitch Marner?
While NHL Insider Andy Strickland recently reported on his social media account that Marner was all but officially finished with the Maple Leafs, Toronto beat writer James Mirtle of The Athletic has given Maple Leafs fans hope that Tavares will re-sign.
“It’s coming up with the right numbers,” Mirtle said. “I think you could see both of those [Tavares and Matthew Knies extensions] potentially done before July 1. Maybe it’ll be something that happens next week or in the next couple of weeks.”
In 2018, Tavares agreed to a seven-year, $77 million contract. The deal carried an $11 million cap hit, which was at the time the highest on the Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews and William Nylander, who were recently re-signed to new contracts, have now surpassed that figure.
Mirtle also said that a new potential deal for Tavares could include a longer term in order to give the Maple Leafs more financial flexibility. “Potentially adding a lot of term to the deal getting the AAV down. Maybe you put some deferred money in there. It’s going to be a complex calculation.”
Marner and Tavares aren’t the only pending free agents on the Maple Leafs. Breakout young forward Matthew Knies is also set for a new contract and a restricted free agent.
Tavares himself made it clear that he wants to return to the Maple Leafs next season despite the multiple disappointments that he’s experienced in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I’m very optimistic that it can work out where I’m back. But, haven’t put too much thought into it,” Tavares said. “It’s only been just a number of hours since things have ended… There’s pressure everywhere. It’s an unbelievable place to play. An incredible fan base that loves its team and so badly wants to see you win. When it happens here again, it’s going to be something pretty remarkable. You want to be a part of that.”
Tavares will be highly sought after if he, like Marner is expected to, ultimately decides to end his tenure with the Maple Leafs.