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Why Maple Leafs May Need to Let John Tavares Leave

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Levine | Last updated May 19, 2025 12:56 PM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs couldn't get the job done in Game 7 at home against the Florida Panthers. Despite leading the series 2-0 at one point, Toronto fell into the same old patterns and ended up falling short.

The team was outscored 12-2 in their final two home games of the season, putting a very sour note on what was a special year. Now heading into the offseason, the Maple Leafs could be on the verge of losing multiple key players.

Both John Tavares and Mitch Marner are free agents and could depart. Marner will be a hot commodity on the open market, putting his return very much in question.

But Tavares is in a very different situation. He actively chose to come to Toronto years ago and has expressed a desire to stay.

However, with the Maple Leafs folding in the postseason once again, it may be time to drastically change things up. Tavares was the big signing for the Maple Leafs years ago, but his time with the team may need to be over.

The 34-year-old is coming off a 38-goal and 36-assist season, but he has clearly lost a step. Tavares isn't as explosive as he once was, naturally, but something seems to be missing with this team.

Despite having a stacked roster year in and year out, deep playoff runs have eluded them. While it's not all Tavares' fault by any means, something needs to change.

The veteran star could be a casualty of a team that desperately needs to change things up. It remains to be seen what type of contract Tavares will want on the open market, but the Maple Leafs can't afford to mess around.

This team has a city waiting to win, and the extreme frustration was shown in Game 7. Something needs to change, otherwise, this franchise will stay stuck in the mud for years to come.

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

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