Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

NHL Insider Shares Big Update on Maple Leafs' John Tavares Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 29, 2025 3:56 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering a crucial summer that could see the team look very different come next season. With multiple key players entering free agency, the Toronto front office has some tough decisions to make.

One of the bigger names expected to hit the open market is star John Tavares, who has made it clear he would like to stay with the Maple Leafs. But whenever a player enters free agency, anything can happen.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving shared some more insight into the plans for Tavares, saying that the door is open to retain him. Treliving confirmed that the team may be open to giving Tavares a new deal, but that he wouldn't comment on the potential offers during the process.

Clarification on the Leafs positioning on Tavares and Marner. Treliving doesn’t comment on contract offers during the process. That doesn’t mean he’s not going to offer both pending UFA’s new deals. That door is still open.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 29, 2025

There is also the matter of star Mitch Marner, but it seems that Tavares has a better chance of returning than Marner.

Tavares took a major step back this season in terms of production, and he wasn't the same player during the postseason. But if he is willing to take a pay cut from his $11 million salary, a return to Toronto could be in the cards.

But the Maple Leafs may also look to move on from Tavares after another early playoff exit. This team needs a drastic change in the locker room, and it could come by moving on from some players.

Toronto has put together a star-studded roster, but it hasn't materialized into anything of substance. The fans showed their frustration after Game 7 of the second round against the Florida Panthers, and the organization knows that the clock is ticking to win.

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

More must-reads: