As we get ever closer to the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, soon followed by free agency period, the NHL rumours are flying far and wide. Today there is one from the Toronto Maple Leafs, and it’s probably erring on the side of not ideal. David Pagnotta, the man ‘who may or may not be‘ in the GM’s group chat, more specifically The Fourth Period, is bringing the goods. Let’s check it out.
NHL Rumours: From the Land of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Rumour: Pagnotta is reporting that a Toronto Maple Leaf forward, who had been thought to be coming back, might have run into an issue during contract-extension negotiations. He’s reporting what the Leafs had offered him, and it might not be enough.
Regarding John Tavares, “it sounds like the Leafs have offered a three-year deal worth under $4 million per season.”
That kind of offer won’t get it done.
— @TheFourthPeriod #LeafsForever
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 21, 2025
Analysis: Okay, to spill the beans, the rumour is on John Tavares. You know, one of the elite Core 4. And the amount may not be he wants, much less deserves.
Apparently, general manager Brad Treliving and staff offered the veteran centre a three-year deal. However, where the problem could potentially arise is the amount, is that it is reportedly less than $4 million per year. Now, we could add the caveat, based on Jonathan Toews recent reported bonus-laden contract, that there could be a component of that built in to the final contract. In contrast, there was no mention of that angle in Pagnotta’s rumour. Therefore, we more or less have to take it for face value.
The Reported Offer Really is Surprising
From an aesthetic perspective on these NHL Rumours, Tavares is just at the conclusion of a seven-year contract, that was paying him $11 million per year. From that perspective alone, dropping down $7M per season, seems to be too great of a leap. But there is more to it.
At 34, on a three-year deal, you can’t anticipate a huge drop-off in skill. Tavares has always been a consummate professional and keeps himself in great playing shape. You can also see this evidence in his excellent play in the postseason.
What Does It Mean From a Player and Team Perspective
For these NHL rumours, from a pure statistical analysis, Tavares is still a point-per-game player. He had 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 regular season contests. Furthermore, over the past four seasons now, he had averaged 32.5 goals and 73.8 points, and hasn’t been under 75 games played. Yes, you can expect some drop-off, but at his level, it will still be very efficient.
The problem for the Leafs, is that they need to find tweaks to their lineup, at cost-savings measures. Matthew Knies is a restricted free agent, and will command upwards of $8M. Also, they need to find some money to spend on their backend and depth upfront. It is quite possible they will need money to help replace the void created by potentially losing Mitch Marner. So, it seems that Tavares is being the one to pay the price, literally, in his cheque-book.
We will see how this shakes down, but this news isn’t the best for Tavares sticking with the Leafs. He does love Toronto, is from there originally, and was the captain up until Auston Matthews took over last year. It seems he bleeds blue, but at what cost? This rumour is setting up for a very interesting next couple of weeks. Stay tuned Leaf fans.
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
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