It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We may be in August, but we’ve had some big NHL news over the past week. The St Louis Blues made a pair of offer sheets to some Edmonton Oilers players. However, that may not have been the biggest news of the last week. The Toronto Maple Leafs made the switch from John Tavares to Auston Matthews at captain. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at the future of Tavares in his hometown.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
What’s Next for Former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain?
Rumour: A number of insiders like Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston took a look at what the future holds for Tavares.
Analysis: The Leafs made the switch from Tavares to Matthews at captain last Wednesday. Some of that may have to do with the uncertain future of Tavares with the club. The 33-year-old is entering the final year of his deal that sees him make $11 million per season.
Both Tavares and Mitch Marner have hefty salary cap hits that come off the books at the end of the 2024-25 seasons. However, both players can sign an extension at any time as they’re entering the final year of their respective deals.
It does seem that Marner will either hit free agency or could get dealt before that happens. Tavares might be more inclined to stay with his boyhood team, but no one knows what the future holds at this time.
Hometown Discount?
Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving said contract talks remain “behind closed doors” as he’s told the media. He also reiterated that any contract talks were independent of Tavares’ captain status.
Changing captains isn’t unheard of, but hasn’t been done very much. Previous reports said that Tavares has been very helpful in the leadership change. However, a number of factors are at play.
Does Tavares take a hometown discount to stay with the team he grew up supporting? The cap may be going up, but Toronto has some hefty contracts on their books and still would like to make some improvements in areas. Taking a small pay cut could be massive in the Leafs having more roster flexibility.
What Does the Future Hold?
Friedman said that a deal probably isn’t done, but an extension could still be possible. Even if a new agreement was reached, it probably wouldn’t have been announced so that Matthews could have his moment.
The salary cap is still probably trending upward. However, the cost of doing business will also be going up. Trying to re-sign both Marner and Tavares may not happen, so Toronto is trying to prepare for its future.
Johnston said that an extension is probably more of a priority for Tavares and his family. The former captain made the jump from the New York Islanders before he started a family. All his three children have known is being in Toronto.
Johnston added that discussions may not be close at the moment, but talks between the two sides will happen. Tavares has been a pro during this whole transition and he’ll likely carry that same attitude during contract talks.
Main photo by: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
