Speculation emerges on Leafs asking John Tavares to accept a trade

Earlier this month, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares commented on his desire to stay with the team who grew up watching and looking forward to being a part of Toronto’s “Core 4” of William Nylander, Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and Tavares himself, though it now count for $46.65 million against the salary cap.

However, it just happens to be coming up on a contract year next season; his seven year, $77 million deal that was given to him by former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas comes to a close in the summer of 2025. This prompted Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun to suggest that the Maple Leafs should consider asking Tavares to waive his no-movement clause, either before the end of this season or during the summer. Simmons points to the captain’s drop in production and his age coming into play amidst a young roster.

“The contract hasn’t worked out well for Toronto, but that’s more circumstantial, and COVID- and salary cap-related than anything else. Tavares has mostly delivered at a point-a-game pace. He isn’t spectacular the way Auston Matthews or Nylander can be spectacular. He isn’t game-changing the way Marner can often be game-changing.”

That’s a tough assessment of the captain by Simmons, and I doubt that the Maple Leafs would dare to go up to Tavares and ask him to accept a trade. On top of that, I feel like there is very little chance any rival team out there would be able to $11-million cap hit, even with the cap rising by a projected $4.2 million for next season.

And most importantly, I don’t believe Tavares would accept to waive his no-mouvement clause. And IF he did, he would probably want to join a contender and I don’t see any of them wanting to add Tavares to their roster…

Tavares hasn’t recorded a point since January 6, when he last played against the San Jose Sharks and put up an assist. He has gone nine games without a point.

Still, I feel like Tavares is staying put in Toronto. What do you think?

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