JUST IN: NHL superstar Links Maple Leafs $77 Million Forward
NHL insider Jeff Marek of Sportsnet believes that Utah could be a suitable destination for Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares.
Tavares is entering the final year of the seven-year, $77 million contract he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2018. Earning $11 million in his last year, Tavares has been the focus of trade speculations this summer.
Despite his no-movement clause, Marek speculates whether Tavares might be willing to waive it to move to Utah, as it seems like a promising fit for him.
“One player that many of us are curious about is John Tavares, who’s entering the final year of his contract. I spoke with someone about a week and a half ago who mentioned Utah as a potential destination. Utah has a lot of young talent, with Logan Cooley being a standout,” Marek stated on June 10 during The Jeff Marek Show.
“Utah is likely looking for veteran players on short-term contracts. The idea is that they could offer Tavares a substantial deal on a two-year contract to persuade him to waive his no-trade clause,” Marek added.
While a trade to Utah is intriguing, as Marek notes, it would require Tavares to waive his no-movement clause to proceed.
Last season, Tavares scored 29 goals and 36 assists, totaling 65 points in 80 regular-season games with the Maple Leafs.
Insider Expects Tavares to be a Maple Leaf Next Season
Although Tavares has been the subject of trade rumors, his no-movement clause gives him control over his fate. If he chooses not to be traded, he will complete the final year of his contract with the Maple Leafs.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, based on his conversations, anticipates that Tavares will remain a Maple Leaf next season.
“I believe Tavares will play in Toronto next year,” Friedman said on The Jeff Marek Show. “As of now, my understanding is that he intends to stay here (Toronto) next year. I don’t think he has any desire to leave, and we’ll see if anything changes. But, the last time I checked, which was about a week ago, I was told he plans to be here next year, so we’ll see.”
Tavares has every right to maintain his no-movement clause, and Friedman expects that he will.
Tavares Wants to Remain in Toronto
John Tavares signed with his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, on July 1, 2018, the opening day of free agency.
While playing for Team Canada at the World Championships, the 33-year-old Tavares expressed his love for playing in Toronto and his belief in the team’s potential to win the Stanley Cup.
“I love playing here. It’s a remarkable place to play,” Tavares said, via Sportsnet. “When I committed here six years ago, I saw a tremendous amount of talent and an amazing hockey market and organization that’s fully committed to winning and doing whatever it can — and I still feel that way.
“Whether it’s (facing) defensive teams, physical teams, whatever’s required, I think we’ve shown a lot of growth in those areas. Obviously, we still have hurdles to overcome to get the job done — and that’s on us and on myself. But I think we’re right there,” Tavares added.
Since joining the Maple Leafs, Tavares and the team have won just one playoff series.