As the Toronto Maple Leafs look ahead to the 2025 offseason, John Tavares’ $11 million cap hit expiration presents both challenges and opportunities. Although Tavares remains productive, scoring 29 goals and recording 65 points last season, his declining play-driving ability raises questions about his value at such a high salary. With his contract ending, the Leafs face a pivotal moment in exploring roster enhancements.
Ironically, the most realistic option might be to retain him.
### Plan A for the Maple Leafs in 2025
If Tavares seeks market value next summer, the Maple Leafs will likely need to explore other options. They can’t afford to pay him what another team might offer, nor should they. However, the 2025 free-agent market for centers appears weak.
Harman Dayal of The Athletic notes that unless a significant name like Leon Draisaitl or Sidney Crosby becomes available, which is highly unlikely, options are limited. Players like Brock Nelson, Sam Bennett, and Matt Duchene might be on Toronto’s radar but may not represent significant upgrades. Nelson, for instance, is also likely to be well-compensated, making him an unrealistic option.
This puts Toronto in a difficult position, needing to replace Tavares’s offensive production while remaining competitive.
Given these constraints, the Maple Leafs may need to explore the trade market for a center upgrade. However, acquiring a top-tier center requires significant assets, and the Leafs must carefully consider what they are willing to sacrifice. With their talented roster, Toronto would need to weigh the pros and cons of trading young players or draft picks for a new center.
### Plan B: Re-Sign Tavares
Re-signing Tavares at a reduced salary might be a better option. Dayal writes that while exploring the trade market is an option, the cost in assets may be too high. A heavily discounted extension for Tavares could be a fallback.
Re-signing Tavares to a more reasonable salary that matches his current on-ice impact could provide stability and experience to the roster. This option would allow the Leafs to maintain depth at center while freeing up cap space for other roster needs.
### Not Just About Dumping Tavares
Reducing Tavares’s cap hit offers financial relief, but moving him out might not be the best option. The Leafs would need to replace his contributions effectively, and there aren’t many better alternatives. By significantly reducing Tavares’ cap hit, the Leafs can build a strong supporting cast around star players like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, crucial for Toronto’s success. Tavares could take a step back in terms of the captaincy and embrace a complimentary role.
While moving out Tavares and his salary seems intriguing, retaining him makes more sense. Paying him based on his on-ice value and allowing him a lesser role would ensure a smoother transition and less problematic behind-the-scenes narrative.
Source: ‘Seven NHL teams that will shed bad contracts and gain major salary-cap relief in 2025’ – Harman Dayal – The Athletic – 07/31/2024
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