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John Tavares' Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs Might Take an Unexpected Turn
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is up for a new contract in free agency, however, the Leafs might be looking to do more than just sign him.
John Tavares is a player who still has a lot to give. This season was proof of that, as he was able to score 38 goals while adding 36 assists.
Overall, the forward is in need of a new contract. It is believed that he and the Leafs have mutual interest in a reunion. In fact, some believe that this reunion could be established prior to July 1st.
However, both sides now need to figure out how much money the contract will be worth, and whether or not it will be short-term, medium-term, or long-term.
Is John Tavares returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs?
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes Tavares could very well end up signing a deal like Chris Tanev and Yanni Gourde, where he is locked up for six years, but at a lower AAV.
I'd be curious to see if [John] Tavares ends up with a deal in the Tanev/Gourde structure.
Meanwhile, The Hockey Writers are theorizing something else. They believe Tavares could get a long-term deal as well, although for different reasons.
They argue that the Leafs might try to convert Tavares into a front office employee, like they did with Jason Spezza way back when.
Don't be surprised if this next deal is part of a bigger picture-one that sees Tavares eventually move into a player development, management, or ambassadorial role with the Maple Leafs, much like Jason Spezza before him.
He's the kind of figure the team could easily imagine sticking around long after he hangs up his skates.
He's the kind of figure the team could easily imagine sticking around long after he hangs up his skates.
This would be a fascinating move for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make, although we aren't convinced that is going to happen.
General manager Brad Treliving still has some big decisions to make, and it could be a couple of weeks before he officially makes them.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 500 ANSWERS John Tavares' Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs Might Take an Unexpected Turn Is John Tavares going to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs for another decade? | ||
| YES | 329 | 65.8 % |
| NO | 171 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
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