The question seems to be "when" not "if" John Tavares will extend his contract with the Maple Leafs.
After recently passing the captaincy onto Auston Matthews; John Tavares was not shy in stating that it was Matthews' time and it was his team now.
The question then popped up if Tavares would stick with Toronto, or if he was going to be winding down his career. Tavares stated that his heart was in Toronto and he had no intentions of departing once his contract expires.
NHL Analyst Mike Johnson echoed those sentiments, as he believes that Tavares will not only sign an extension, but do so at a reduced rate.
"I think he probably signs an extension... Sometime, probably in the fall, he'll sign a three-year extension for significantly less money and it will allow him to be what he is. A quiet pro."
A three-year extension would have Tavares at 36 once the contract expires; which although not an age where players are essentially shipped off to retirement, isn't a spring chicken; though at a hometown discount it would be a smart choice to keep him around for good.
His $11M cap hit will certainly shrink next year , and taking a three-year deal at around $5M AAV would not only save the Maple Leafs money in the long run, but ensure Tavares gets paid because he still deserves it.
