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John Tavares Doesn’t Hesitate When Asked About Maple Leafs Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:47 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs were sent into another early offseason after a 6-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 at Scotiabank Arena on Sunday.

As Toronto will inevitably face growing calls for large roster changes after suffering one more collapse in their recent past, former team captain John Tavares was asked about his future with the franchise.

Tavares, who turns 35 before next season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after completing a seven-year, $77 million deal signed in 2018.

When asked directly if he wanted to return to Toronto, Tavares responded without hesitation.

John Tavares speaks with the media following a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Panthers pic.twitter.com/DkQloPjf9t
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 19, 2025

“Yes,” Tavares said. “It’s meant everything to me. It was a big decision I made seven years ago.

”I’ve loved it, and it’s been amazing for myself and for my family.”

Tavares finished the 2024-25 regular season with 74 points in 75 games, including 38 goals, but was largely ineffective in the final three postseason games against the Panthers.

“Just accept responsibility,” Tavares said. “We haven’t been able to come through and play well enough to get to where we want to get to.”

John Tavares makes it clear that he wants to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs pic.twitter.com/BluFtbRYeA
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 19, 2025

If Tavares doesn't return to the Maple Leafs, he'd close his chapter in Toronto with 493 points through 515 regular-season games spanning seven seasons, as well as appearing in 51 postseason contests, scoring 22 points.

Tavares signed with Toronto in the 2018 free agency after spending the first years of his professional career playing for the New York Islanders.

Overall, Tavares has played 1,184 regular-season games scoring 494 goals and 1,114 total points.

Mitch Marner, another member of Toronto's Core Four and also a pending UFA, was less committal about his future.

“I don’t have any thoughts right now,” Marner said. “Pretty devastated with what just happened. I’ve always enjoyed this team and this city.”

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

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