While there are reports that Mitch Marner turned down the latest offer he receiced from the Toronto Maple Leafs, things are much different on the John Tavares front.
Tavares' 7-year, $77M deal with the Maple Leafs, the one that lured him away from the New York Islanders, is up at the end of 2024-25.
Tavares is having an excellent year after handing off Toronto's captaincy to Auston Matthews over the summer, and he's been playing in key roles in wins throughout the season.
According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff during an appearance on The JD Bunkis Podcast, Tavares' ability to adapt is very much working in his favour when it comes to a new deal, and he believes it can get done before Tavares actually becomes a free agent.
Seravalli added that how fast the deal gets done depends on how much of a reduction in salary Tavares is willing to take.
While Seravalli believes the Maple Leafs want Tavares to stay, it seems like he's giving up any negotiating advantage he might have had.
Seravalli said Tavares isn't worried about money as he's made plenty over the course of his career, and wants to remain with his hometown team for as long as he is able.
POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 17 | 4174 ANSWERS Insider Provides Exciting Update on Talks Between John Tavares and the Maple Leafs Do you think the John Tavares extension happens during the season or after the playoffs conclude? | ||
In season | 1811 | 43.4 % |
In the spring/summer | 1614 | 38.7 % |
I still think he goes to UFA | 749 | 17.9 % |
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