NHL Reporter Shockingly Links John Tavares To Key Division Rival

NHL free agency is now officially a week away, and while all eyes are on Mitch Marner after his reported departure from Toronto, former captain John Tavares appears to be headed back to the Maple Leafs.

That's not quite a done deal yet however, as recent reports have revealed that the two sides aren't close on a new contract, with insider Chris Johnston having this to say about the situation.

In the case he doesn't re-sign with his hometown team, other teams in the NHL are looking at him as the perfect pickup on the back of a 38-goal campaign, with Pierre McGuire speculating that the fit with the Montreal Canadiens would be a good one.

Given how big of a deal it was that the Toronto kid came home in free agency, it's unlikely that heading to their biggest rival would be his first choice of team in free agency if he leaves the Maple Leafs, but if they've frustrated him enough in contract talks, it's possible.

Ultimately, the most likely outcome for the 34-year old is a return to Toronto, but as things drag on, it's becoming more likely that he ends up departing the team, and with Montreal having a need in their 2C role, don't be surprised to see them be aggressive if he does hit the free agency market.