Maple Leafs Rumors: Toronto to 'Play Hardball' With John Tavares

Insider says Leafs will 'play hardball' in Tavares contract talks

The biggest question around the Toronto Maple Leafs now as they head into the offseason, is who will be the biggest casualties, as they are expected to make some monumental changes.

The three biggest questions on the ice surround pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner, restricted free agent Matthew Knies, and, the one decision that at one point seemed cut and dried: pending UFA John Tavares.

Leafs will not be offering Tavares market value

As for the former Leafs captain, coming off his seven-year, $77 million contract, he has always said he wants to stay in his hometown for the rest of his career. And it always seemed like the organization wants him back. But at what cost? According to insider Chris Johnston on his podcast on Monday, they might not make it easy on Tavares.

I think what's likely to happen is that they're going to play hardball with him, and really impress upon him the need to take something resembling a hometown discount to stay... I think that he'll probably be given the chance to come back if he's willing to do it at below market value. That's a decision that he'll have to make.

Tavares had a renaissance season at the age of 34 this year, registering 38 goals—his most in six seasons, along with 74 points. He had three goals and five points in six games in the first round of the playoffs against the Ottawa Senators, but then seemed to wear down in the second round, being blanked on the scoresheet in six of the seven games against Florida, with a two-goal effort in a Game 3 loss his only contributions.

What will John Tavares make on his next contract?

AFP Analytics has Tavares projected to get a three-year contract at just a shade under $8 million AAV. It's likely, based on Johnston's read on things, that he won't be getting that from the Maple Leafs if he wants to stay.

In his seven seasons in Blue & White, Tavares recorded 222 goals and 493 points in 515 games, performing as well as could have been expected. He's always been the consummate professional, and was never involved in any of the turmoil that sometimes surrounded the team. But he never helped bring home the Stanley Cup, which was his ultimate goal in returning to his boyhood favorite team. In 51 playoff games with Toronto, he recorded 31 points.

If the Leafs really decide to drop a bomb on the whole thing, it's possible that both Tavares and Marner don't return. That would give the team $22 million extra dollars to hit the free agent market with.

Many decisions still to come in Toronto, including a big one for Tavares himself.