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Elliotte Friedman on Maple Leafs' Pending Free Agent: 'You Have to Believe...'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 27, 2025 6:38 AM ET

While much of the spotlight around the Toronto Maple Leafs has centered on Mitch Marner's uncertain future, another longtime Maple Leafs star appears to be nearing a resolution.

Veteran forward John Tavares, 34, just wrapped the final season of his seven-year, $77 million contract signed in 2018. He posted 74 points in 75 games this year, including 38 goals — his second-best total since joining the Leafs.

The former team captain remains one of the team’s most productive forwards, and any new deal will likely come at a reduced rate as it's assumed he will give Toronto a hometown discount.

On Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, Elliotte Friedman said Toronto and Tavares are progressing toward a new contract, with mutual interest in a return.

Monday morning 32 Thoughts playoff reaction, news, information and analysis podcast

Links to your preferred platform, here:https://t.co/io7Mr1QEpm Enjoy!
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 26, 2025

"I think this week you're gonna see the Leafs look at some of their summer business," Friedman said. "Brad Treliving was away as he was dealing with his daughter's graduation. Now, I think we start to see where their offseason gets figured out.

"Tavares, there was a lot of talk about him wanting to stay, and them wanting him to. As long as neither side is unreasonable, you have to believe a deal gets done."

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, both sides might find common ground around a $5 million salary, although the price might have risen following Tavares' season.

"At the start of the year, I think Tavares' camp told the Leafs that he'd be ready to extend then and there, and they probably would have signed for around $5 million a year," LeBrun said. "Then he went out and had a huge season, so I don't know if the number can stay there."

Friedman believes both sides will eventually reach a point of agreement, probably sooner rather than later.

“Tavares can’t (ask for) $8 million a year, and Toronto can’t offer $1 million a year,” Friedman said. “But there is something here both sides are happy with.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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