The Toronto Maple Leafs have shocked fans and analysts with a surprisingly low contract offer to John Tavares, as NHL free agency looms just over a week away.
Multiple sources say talks between the team and their veteran forward aren’t even close to reaching a deal.
The Leafs reportedly offered Tavares a three-year contract worth less than $4 million per season – a dramatic drop from his current $11 million annual salary.
“The Leafs and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent Brisson, still haven’t found their sweet spot on an extension,” Pierre LeBrun wrote in The Athletic.
Some hockey insiders are calling the offer “legitimately insulting” given what Tavares brings to the team.
The 34-year-old center isn’t just hanging on – he’s still producing at an elite level. Last season, he put up an impressive 38 goals and 74 points while anchoring Toronto’s top six forwards.
That’s what makes the Leafs’ low-ball offer so puzzling.
While everyone expected Tavares would take a pay cut due to his age and the team’s salary cap situation, nobody saw an offer this low coming. For comparison, Elliotte Friedman reports that Mitch Marner is looking at around $7.5 million per year on his next deal.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Toronto. With Marner potentially leaving this offseason, losing Tavares would create a massive hole in the team’s offensive firepower.
Interestingly, sources say Tavares hasn’t even asked for anything close to $6 or $7 million per year. This suggests there might be room for both sides to meet somewhere in the middle.
The clock is ticking though. Free agency opens July 1, and the hockey world is watching to see if the Leafs can keep one of their key veterans without alienating him in the process.
