The Toronto Maple Leafs made it clear ahead of NHL free agency that Mitch Marner won’t be re-signed. It now appears that could be the same fate for John Tavares, based on the contract offer he received from the club.
Following a report from Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that Tavares and the Maple Leafs “aren’t close” on a new deal, The Fourth Period‘s David Pagnotta reports that Toronto offered a three-year deal with a $4 million AAV.
Related: Reporter names potential Mitch Marner replacement for Maple Leafs
- John Tavares stats (ESPN): 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists), 20 power-play points (12 goals, 8 assists), 8 game-winning goals last season
A three-year deal would keep Tavares under contract through his age-37 season, but both the length of the deal and the AAV might still not be enough. For comparison, Brad Marchand is expected to receive multi-year offers worth at least an $8 million AAV.
Tavares remained quite productive this past season as a 34-year-old. The 6-foot-1 center finished with his highest goal total since the 2018–19 campaign and recorded 20-plus power-play points for the fourth consecutive season.
Related: Insider expects Toronto Maple Leafs to sign this free agent
With the NHL salary cap increasing to $95.5 million for the upcoming season, more clubs will have tens of millions of dollars to spend. If the Maple Leafs are still only offering a three-year deal with a $4 million AAV, that would suggest the team is open to moving on from him.
If Marner and Tavares both aren’t re-signed, Toronto could be one of the most active teams in free agency and the trade market this offseason. As a perennial playoff contender with cap space, they figure to be one of the most appealing landing spots for veteran players.
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