NHL Rumors: Will the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares Work on a Contract Extension?

Sportsnet: Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving said the removal of captain John Tavares will not be brought up in any contract negotiations they have.

“As I do with any negotiations regarding the contract situation, those will remain closed,” Treliving said. Fan Pregame on Wednesday. “These discussions we've had regarding management are independent of any discussions we will have, or may have, regarding contract negotiations.”

Treliving thinks Tavares still has a lot of hockey left in him.

Elliotte Friedman in her 32 thoughts: The Podcast.

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“One of the things I think is still in play for Tavares is a possible extension,” Friedman said. “… I don't think it's done. And even if it was done, I don't think they would have covered Matthews.

“But it has been discussed, I think it will continue to be discussed, and I don't think it is impossible that we will see Tavares extended as a Toronto Maple Leaf. I think that's something that both sides are considering.”

TSN: Chris Johnston on John Tavares and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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Mark Masters: “Now, his Tavares contract situation. He will enter the final year of his current contract. We know you love being here. What does it mean to him to be a leaf. Where does such things go to him?”

Johnston: “Well, I think there will be some discussions now about the possibility of expansion.

You know, it's probably the most important thing for John Tavares and his family. Apparently, he made a big move at that time, he went back to Toronto. When he took that free agent deal, he had a lot of opportunities at the time. At that time, she had no children. Those three kids who were sitting in the front row today, they were all born in Toronto.

I think it's very important on his end of things to try to find something that works, and the Leafs will have to work on that as well. I don't get the idea, and it's close at this point, but I think those conversations are happening.

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And maybe that's the side of, you know, how well he's handled this, that it's really his job to make sure that this transition goes smoothly. Making sure the team doesn't suffer. And there would be a new role, you know, a little bit reduced, you can think about what he paid, you know, where he plays in the lineup, and, you know, wearing ua instead of C, and everything. those things.”