Mar 8, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) scores on a shot in the first period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

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John Tavares Open to Contract Talks Throughout the Season

After a rough night against Colorado, Tavares shares his thoughts on what went wrong and where the Maple Leafs need to improve moving forward.

John Tavares has made it clear, he wants to stay in Toronto. The Maple Leafs captain is open to negotiating a contract extension during the season, according to TSN. While he understands that team management is taking a patient approach, he has expressed his willingness to work things out.

Tavares is in the final season of the seven-year, $77 million contract he signed in 2018. At the time, the deal was made with the expectation of a rising salary cap, but the pandemic slowed league revenues, leaving the Leafs with limited flexibility for other roster moves.

The last three players to score 70 goals in the OHL:

Nick Lardis
John Tavares
Eric Lindrospic.twitter.com/4EjGc5Y2TP
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) March 9, 2025

Now, Tavares may not command the same $11 million per year on his next deal, but his production remains strong. Despite reduced ice time and fewer power-play opportunities, he has still put up 24 goals and 29 assists in 55 games this season.

The Maple Leafs have a big offseason ahead, with both Tavares and Mitch Marner set to become unrestricted free agents. Marner’s future is expected to be the priority, but if Tavares reaches free agency, he would be one of the most sought-after players on the market.

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John Tavares Reacts to Maple Leafs Tough 7-4 Loss to Avalanche

Despite a strong offensive effort from Mitch Marner and John Tavares, who each found the back of the net twice, the Maple Leafs couldn’t keep up with the Colorado Avalanche’s relentless attack, falling 7-4. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz made 27 saves in the loss, but Toronto struggled to slow down Colorado’s high-speed offense.

John Tavares records his 13th career 25-goal season#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/iKxqfvdqWz
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 9, 2025

“Yeah, obviously a very dangerous team offensively. They skate extremely well, and we put ourselves in a good spot, especially since we weren’t carrying most of the play through the first 40.” John Tavares said.

Tavares acknowledged the Avalanche’s skill, praising their speed and ability to create scoring chances. He also credited Stolarz for holding his ground and was happy with the Leafs’ ability to capitalize early. However, costly mistakes proved too much to overcome.

Valeri Nichushkin led the charge for Colorado with a hat trick, while Nathan MacKinnon scored twice. Jonathan Drouin and Joel Kiviranta also contributed, and Mackenzie Blackwood made 17 saves for the Avalanche.

The Leafs will look to regroup and get back on track when they take on the Jazz in Utah on Monday night.

Image Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

John Tavares

Maple Leafs

NHL

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!