Insider Says Tavares and Maple Leafs to Consider Rare Contract Idea

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs have already started what could be complex negotiations for his next contract. As the former captain continues to prove his value on and off the ice, the question of what he’s worth on a new deal lingers. Despite turning 34 in September, Tavares is off to a strong start this season, with 19 goals and 40 points in 40 games. He also stepped up during Auston Matthews‘ recent absence.

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TSN’s Chris Johnston reports that discussions between Leafs’ management and Tavares’ agent, Pat Brisson, have been ongoing through the fall but have yet to lead to an agreement. When asked about the status of talks, during a spot on TSN’s First Up, Johnston said he believes both sides might be open to a deal that includes a deferred-payment structure.

While Johnston notes this is not something to expect from a player like Mitch Marner, Tavares could do something similar to what the Leafs did when they re-signed Jake McCabe. This approach would allow the team to manage its tight salary cap while rewarding Tavares for his contributions.

Johnston noted that much of that depends on the length of the contract and if Tavares would be open to it, which many believe he might be.

Back in November, Johnston wrote, “On the Leafs side of this negotiation, they naturally want to keep the contract number down. Every bit of cap space counts in Toronto.” He added:

Given the dynamics at play, it wouldn’t be surprising if the sides landed on a compromise that sees some of the money deferred beyond the life of the next contract. The Leafs used that mechanism to lower the cap hit on Jake McCabe’s recent extension and both sides in this negotiation are believed to be open to exploring a similar type of structure for Tavares.”

Now, with the Frank Vatrano deal in Anaheim, the topic of deferred contracts has popped up again.

What Kind of Money is Tavares Looking at On an Extension with the Leafs?

Johnston noted in November that comparable contracts for veteran players like Claude Giroux ($6.5 million AAV) and Anze Kopitar ($7 million AAV) provide a baseline for negotiations. However, Toronto may advocate for a lower figure, citing examples such as Patrice Bergeron’s $5 million final season in Boston.

Tavares’ leadership, willingness to embrace change—such as relinquishing the captaincy to Matthews—and mentorship of younger players like Matthew Knies remain invaluable. That alone has to be worth something.

Tavares understands he’s about to change the way he does business in the NHL. He made his big money and he’ll probably make more. That said, he might need to be open to different contract ideas if he wants to stay in Toronto.

Next: Maple Leafs Mentioned in Crosby Trade Talks: Why Consider It?

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