Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

John Tavares Reveals Where He Wants to Play Next in Post-Elimination Interview

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated May 19, 2025 9:21 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are going home without a Stanley Cup again in 2025, but it appears as though one of their top stars wants to return for 2026.

Despite giving their fans more to hope for in 2025, the Toronto Maple Leafs once again broke their hearts with a disappointing Game 7 performance that saw them fall 6-1 for the second time in their last two games played on home ice.

Many fear that could be the final game in the Maple Leafs career of both Mitch Marner and John Tavares, and after the way he performed, the belief is that No. 16 played his way out of Toronto in this last series.

As for Tavares, the belief is that he is more likely than not to re-sign with the team in 2025/26, and after the game, a heartbroken former captain addressed how he's feeling after the loss.

'Never going to quit. Never going to stop trying.'

On top of that, according to reporter James Mirtle, Tavares indicated that he'd like to be back in Toronto next season, as he has plenty of unfinished business since signing a seven-year free agency deal that saw him come home following the start of his career with the New York Islanders.

The final decision on his future still lies with General Manager Brad Treliving, but with the team having so much salary cap space given the likely departure of Mitch Marner, the potential to bring back Tavares and add another star is very likely.

For now though, Tavares is going to soak in another disappointing Stanley Cup Playoffs loss with the Maple Leafs, and if he wants to return to the team to finish what he started, don't be surprised to see him back in blue for the remainder of his career.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: