The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again facing the possibility of a second-round exit, and this time, the spotlight is firmly on alternate team captain John Tavares.
Signed to a $77 million contract in 2018, the veteran center is now at the heart of serious conversations about the team’s future.
Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Era at a Tipping Point
According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, both Tavares and Mitch Marner could be considered trade options if the Maple Leafs fail to force a Game 7 against the Florida Panthers. Toronto held a 2-0 lead earlier in the series, but three consecutive defeats, capped by a 6-1 blowout in Game 5, have turned the momentum sharply against them.
Tavares, whose contract carries an $11 million annual cap hit, put up solid regular-season numbers with 29 goals and 65 points. However, like past postseasons, his impact has been limited when it matters most. With Toronto on the brink again, critics are questioning whether he’s still the right fit at that price.
When Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs, it was viewed as a statement move, pairing an experienced star with the team’s rising trio – Auston Matthews, Marner, and William Nylander. But since then, Toronto has only made it past the first round twice. Regular-season success hasn’t translated into playoff results.
While Marner drew attention for a costly turnover in Game 5, Tavares may be under heavier internal scrutiny. His no-movement clause gives him say over any potential trade, but with just one year left on his deal and the team needing cap flexibility, options are reportedly being considered behind the scenes.
Johnston reported that Tavares wants to remain a Leaf. But if the season ends in disappointment again, that desire may be tested by management’s need to reset. Nothing appears to be off the table.
Decisions Loom for Shanahan, Maple Leafs Leadership
Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan, the architect of Toronto’s long-term strategy, also finds himself on the hot seat. Since taking over in 2014, he has overseen the drafting of the team’s core and the high-profile addition of Tavares. Yet, the payoff in the playoffs hasn’t materialized, and reports suggest his contract may be nearing its end as well.
New head coach Craig Berube hasn’t leaned into the now-familiar “Core Four” term, but if this version of the team falters again, change seems inevitable. Toronto has nearly $22 million tied up between Tavares and Marner, and with the salary cap tight, tough decisions are coming.
Game 6 could be a defining moment, not just for the team, but for Tavares personally. If the Maple Leafs fall short once again, the front office may have no choice but to make moves they’ve long resisted.