NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, and Colorado Avalanche

The Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares are talking about an extension

TSN: Pierre LeBrun notes that there have been contract extension talks between the Toronto Maple Leafs and forward John Tavares. Nothing is going to happen and the Maple Leafs may not be in a rush, but negotiations may continue.

“I mean, listen, there's a mutual desire between the club and John Tavares to do something at some point. John Tavares, calls Toronto home, raised a family in Toronto. But I think from the perspective of the Leafs, yes, it's something they want to do. I don't know if they are in a hurry to do that.”

NHL news: Waivers, Kraken, Senators and injury updates

The Montreal Canadiens could use a little more toughness

David Calabretta of the Fourth Season: Montreal Canadiens defenseman Arber Xhakaj may need some help in the fitness department. It's not known what Canadiens GM Kent Hughes calls teams looking for a bottom-six enforcer, but it's an area Hughes should at least investigate.

Other possible options could include Columbus Blue Jackets Mathieu Olivier and Philadelphia Flyers Nicolas Deslauriers.

Olivier is 27 years old and in the last year of his contract with the Blue Jackets. Deslaurier is a Canadian favorite and fans.

The Colorado Avalanche and Mikko Rantanen aren't worried about the extension not being done

Ryan Boulding of NHL.com: Colorado Avalanche manager Chris MacFarland said he's not concerned that they haven't signed forward Mikko Rantanen to a contract extension yet, adding that they aren't easy contracts to make. Rantanen doesn't seem worried either.

“There are discussions, obviously, with my camp and the front office, and it's done when it's done,” Rantanen said during practice last month. “Business will always take care of itself, and I'm just here to play hockey and prepare for another season and try to help my team win.” That is my intention. My job is to try to help this team win every game.”