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Maple Leafs Reportedly Exploring ‘Creative’ Contract in John Tavares Talks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 6:37 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively working on a new contract for John Tavares but are facing resistance from the veteran forward’s camp.

Despite what insiders are calling “creative” proposals from Toronto, it looks like Tavares has not bought into those contract terms a week away from free agency.

According to Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman, reporting during Monday's episode of the "32 Thoughts" podcast, both the Leafs and Tavares’ agent are committed to securing the best possible deal, but the two sides remain apart.

“You’ve got a team trying to get Tavares to the best deal they can get, and you’ve got an agent trying to get Tavares to the best deal they can get,” Friedman said. “Toronto is trying to be creative, and right now, Tavares isn’t biting on what they’re doing.”

32 Thoughts Monday morning news, information, analysis and interview podcast.

Today's guest is Matthew Schaefer. Favourite answer: about one of Montreal's draft interview questions. Very impressive young man.

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— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 23, 2025

Friedman said that he “a billion percent” believes Tavares wants to stay in Toronto, and noted the Leafs are exploring mechanisms like deferred money in the deal.

“I think (a deferred-money-type contract) is possible,” Friedman said. “This could be the last year you’re allowed to defer money. There’s a chance all of this could go away under the CBA.”

Chris Johnston also referred to the team’s approach as “creative” on Monday's episode of "The Chris Johnston Show" podcast, aligning with Friedman’s assessment about deferring money.

"There are creative ways, and the Leafs are a creative team with their contracts," Johnston said. I wouldn't be surprised. I've said all along that I think this is one of those times a deferred money deal might even make sense now (that) those are being wiped out, I believe, in the next CBA."

Tavares, coming off a 74-point season, has publicly expressed his desire to return to Toronto.

“Obviously, I’ve expressed my desire to stay and make it work,” Tavares said. “Very optimistic that we can work something out where I’m back, but obviously haven’t put a lot of thought into it, it’s only been a couple of days.”

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

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