John Tavares has made it clear—he’d love to retire as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now, we also know that the veteran forward would prefer to sign a contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs before the March 7 trade deadline.
However, TSN’s Chris Johnston has suggested that such a timeline for an agreement is “doubtful” at best with the franchise in no rush to get a deal done.
“I certainly would love to get it done,” Tavares said on Tuesday, per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox. “I mean, obviously the club has a lot going on. It’s not just about me.
“I know management will do what they have to do at that time of year and whatnot. So, if we have the opportunity to get it done, I’d love to do that. If not, when that time comes, we’ll get there.”
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) looks on during an NHL game.
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The 34-year-old center is in the final year of his seven-year, $77 million contract and has produced 49 points in 51 games this season.
While Tavares remains one of Toronto’s key contributors, Johnston reported that a deal before the deadline remains “doubtful.” Johnston reported the information on Tuesday speaking during TSN’s “Insider Trading section.
“It sounds like there have been discussions throughout the season between (Tavares’) camp and the Leafs,” Johnston said. “I think there’s a good understanding of what that next contract needs to look like for Tavares. But at this point in time it does not sound like that is close.
“The term given to me was ‘doubtful’ in terms of a potential outlook to see this deal done by the deadline on March 7.”
With Tavares’ contract featuring a full no-move clause and his willingness to stay put in Toronto, it’s reasonable for general manager Brad Treliving to place his attention elsewhere ahead of the deadline.
The Maple Leafs still have to deal with Mitch Marner’s upcoming free agency while trying to add reinforcements to the roster before the March 7 deadline, making Tavares’ extension a nonessential issue to handle at this moment.
