Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares at a standstill on contract extension

The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching the trade deadline with some uncertainty surrounding one of the franchise’s most recognizable faces.

Former team captain John Tavares is in the final year of a seven-year, US$77-million contract originally signed in the summer of 2018.

The 34-year-old has 22 goals and 27 assists in 51 games this season, his third-best goals and points per game mark during his seven seasons in Toronto.

In 491 games with the team, he’s potted 206 goals and 262 assists for a total of 468 points across seven seasons.

With the trade deadline set for next Friday, Tavares is hopeful he’ll be able to sign a new contract with the team over the next nine days.

“I know management will do what they have to do at that time of year and whatnot. So, if we have the opportunity to [sign an extension], I’d love to do that. If not, when that time comes, we’ll get there. So, just looking forward to continuing my journey here as a Leaf — and obviously want it to continue past this season,” Tavares told reporters yesterday in Boston, as per Sportsnet’s Luke Fox.

And while trading Tavares away would be out of left field, according to an appearance with NHL Insider Chris Johnston on TSN, such an extension doesn’t seem likely.

“There have been discussions between his camp and the Leafs. I think there’s a good understanding of what that contract needs to look like with Tavares. But at this point in time, it does not sound like that is close. The team given to me was ‘doubtful’ to that before the deadline on March 7.”

For a Mississauga native whose homecoming was one of the biggest free agent signings in NHL history, it seems likely that Tavares will eventually end up signing a new deal with the Leafs, though it might have to wait until after the season.

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