It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’ve gotten through the Four Nations Face-Off and this means the rumour mill will keep turning. Teams are trying to figure out their next course of action. However, it’s not just this season that general managers are worried about. Clubs have to think about next season and how to fit players under the salary cap. This cap number is expected to go up, but it’s always a dance.
One team that has to do that cap dance is the Toronto Maple Leafs. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a veteran forward that’s an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Future of Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Beyond This Season
Rumour: James Mirtle of The Athletic looked into the future of forward John Tavares with the Maple Leafs. The former Toronto captain is set to be a UFA at the end of the current campaign.
Analysis: Mirtle stated that Tavares seems likely to stay with his hometown team. The Leafs writer said it will likely be a two to four-year pact to keep Tavares with the Maple Leafs. Tavares is putting together another strong campaign with 21 goals and 24 assists so far this season.
The 34-year-old relinquished his captaincy before the season. However, he hasn’t missed a beat with the club this season. He’s in the last season of a seven-year contract that saw him leave the New York Islanders.
Tavares stated earlier in the season that he would love to stay with the Maple Leafs. The Mississauga, Ontario native has an $11 million cap hit, but some think he’ll take a bit of a “haircut” in order to stay with Toronto.
What It Means
Tavares is just one of two players in Toronto’s Core Four that’s a free agent. Both Tavares and Mitch Marner have deals that run out at the end of the season. Many expect Marner to seek a raise from his current $10.903 million cap hit. This raise could put a squeeze on a roster already paying out massive deals to Auston Matthews and William Nylander.
General Manager Brad Treliving knows it’ll be tough to keep the band together. However, Tavares taking a pay cut could help the team keep Marner if they so desire. Marner has 71 points so far this season and continued strong play will only increase his asking price.
Mirtle points out a comparable contract with a veteran that could be used as a template. The writer uses Joe Pavelski‘s deal with the Dallas Stars in 2019. Pavelski signed a three-year contract worth $7 million.
This deal allowed the Stars some flexibility and a chance to improve their roster. Freeing up some money could go a long ways in keeping Marner and paying other pieces like Matthew Knies in the off-season.
It looks like Tavares wants to stay and Toronto has the same feeling. Tavares may be turning 35 in the fall, but he still plays an important part on this roster.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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