May 21, 2025 | 11:39am ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

TAVARES, LEAFS TO RESUME CONTRACT TALKS

John Tavares, forward

Maple Leafs centre John Tavares reiterated his desire to sign a new contract with the club while speaking with the media on Tuesday during Toronto’s clean out day.

Tavares, 34, is in the final year of a seven-year, $77 million contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The local product has repeatedly expressed his intention of sticking with the Leafs and indicated that he is “very optimistic” a deal can be ironed out in the coming weeks.

“We're coming up soon for decisions to be made,” Tavares said. “Positive conversations with Tre and Chief today, and very optimistic that it can work out where I’m back.”

Contract negotiations between the Leafs and Tavares’ camp, led by agent Pat Brisson, are expected to get back underway by, or around, the start of June, with the likelihood of a two- or three-year extension the focal point.

Leafs GM Brad Treliving and Brisson spoke multiple times over the regular-season and both sides have a gauge as to where a deal might end up, according to TFP’s David Pagnotta.

In 75 games with the Leafs this season, Tavares registered 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points.

Meanwhile, Pagnotta reported on Monday that the Maple Leafs have internally discussed the futures of forwards Calle Jarnkrok and David Kampf, both of whom are under contract next season but could be moved out in an attempt to create additional salary cap space this off-season.