"Going to be taking a pay cut" - NHL insider outlines $77M star John Tavares' future with Maple Leafs

John Tavares is in the final year of his seven-year, $77 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 and negotiations for a new contract are reportedly in progress with the Leafs. Tavares is performing well this season, scoring 20 points in 21 games. He recorded 9 goals and 11 points during 17:46 minutes of ice time.

NHL insider Chris Johnston talked about the former Maple Leafs captain in his latest column for The Athletic, saying Tavares will likely take a pay cut on his next deal.

"Tavares neither projects to be, nor pretends to be, the same player he was when he signed his last contract. He’s going to be taking a pay cut this time around. The question is exactly how much less he’ll make..."

"Given his rate of production, the list of comparables the Tavares camp can bring to the table covers veteran players earning as much as $6.5-$7 million annually."

Similar players, like Claude Giroux and Anze Kopitar, earn between $6.5 million and $7 million annually. However, Toronto may seek a lower figure.

Tavares has been a key player, scoring 439 points in 461 regular season games since joining the team in 2018. Both sides are reportedly discussing options, including deferred payments, to manage the Leafs’ tight salary cap. Tavares, reportedly committed to staying in Toronto, seems open to flexible contract terms to help the team.

OHL star Michael Misa named John Tavares as his inspiration

Michael Misa, a 17-year-old OHL star, is following the path set by NHL veteran John Tavares. Both players share the rare “exceptional player status,” allowing them to start junior hockey early. Tavares was the first to receive this designation in 2005, opening the door for players like Misa and Connor McDavid.

Tavares scored 383 points in the OHL and now has a retired jersey in Oshawa. Misa recently scored a goal under Tavares’ banner during the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge. Drafted first overall by Saginaw in 2022, Misa leads the OHL in goals (23) and points (46) after 23 games. He is on track to break records set by Tavares, who had 134 points in one season.

“Just trying to follow in his footsteps. Try to take things I can learn from his game and bring it to mine. He’s one of the most reliable players out there right now, and a really good 200-foot player. And what he’s done in the NHL, it’s pretty incredible.”

Inspired by Tavares’ career, Misa aims to carve out his own long-term success in hockey.