John TavaresTimothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports The Toronto Maple Leafs’ contract extension talks with Mitch Marner will be the focus of the club’s fans this summer. However, he’s not the only notable Leaf player a year away from UFA status. Like Marner, Leafs captain John Tavares has a year remaining on his contract. The 33-year-old center carries an $11-million average annual value and a full no-movement clause, according to PuckPedia. It’s been a difficult season for Tavares. His production has declined, and at times, he’s been relegated to third-line duty. Coach Sheldon Keefe singled him out for a lack of accountability in a recent loss to the New Jersey Devils. Earlier this year, Tavares was in court battling Revenue Canada over owed taxes. “I think especially as the captain, you really want to be at the top of the list for being accountable and setting the standard and the way we need to play,” Tavares told reporters on March 28, as reported on The Hockey News’ Toronto Maple Leafs site. The Athletic’s Eric Duhatschek pondered what the off-season could hold for Tavares. He doesn’t see the Leafs captain waiving his no-movement clause, nor does he believe GM Brad Treliving will buy out the final season of Tavares’ contract. Duhatschek still sees Tavares as a productive player for the Leafs. He suggested they attempt to extend him on the cheap this summer.
Having earned over $95 million during his career, Tavares could be open to an extension worth considerably less than his current cap hit on a short-term deal. Duhatschek pointed out that Jason Spezza, Joe Thornton and Mark Giordano did the same for the opportunity to help their hometown team win the Stanley Cup. How much of a pay cut Tavares will accept remains to be seen. Treliving could also let Tavares play out the final season of his contract. If his production keeps declining it would give Treliving more negotiating leverage. It could also prompt the Leafs GM to consider more affordable free-agent options.
