NHL Free Agency: John Tavares Linked To Surprising Western Conference Team

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 ,
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares reacts during 2025 game.

The Minnesota Wild are approaching the offseason with urgency, and with a gaping hole down the middle. 

After Brock Nelson re-signed in Colorado and Sam Bennett appears bound for a Florida return, the Wild are on to Plan B. According to The Athletic's Joe Smith, that new plan may include a serious push for Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares, assuming he becomes available in free agency. 

Tavares has expressed a desire to stay in Toronto, but significant changes in the Maple Leafs' front office and playoff struggles could push the veteran out.

With the Leafs potentially parting ways with Mitch Marner and already moving on from team president Brendan Shanahan, general manager Brad Treliving has made it clear the roster is due for a shakeup. If that shakeup includes moving on from Tavares, the Wild may be in perfect position to pounce. 

They have the cap space, around $16 million, and a clear need for a veteran, two-way center who can win faceoffs and run the power play. Tavares checks every box.

A Strong Fit on the Ice - and on the Cap Sheet

If Tavares hits the open market, Minnesota could offer a deal in the range of three years at $8 million annually, which aligns with recent projections from AFP Analytics and comparisons to Brock Nelson’s $7.5 million deal. 

Tavares scored 74 points in 75 games last season, including 12 power-play goals, and posted a 58.3% faceoff win rate, on a Wild team that ranked 28th in faceoffs last year, that's huge. His offensive production would’ve led Minnesota in both goals and points in 2024–25, and he would immediately elevate the team’s power-play threat alongside Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy.

Beyond the numbers, Tavares brings veteran presence and playoff experience to a group in need of leadership. Wild GM Bill Guerin said he wants “forwards who’ve got some battle scars,” and Tavares fits that mold exactly. His gritty net-front game and leadership style could be exactly what the Wild need to get over the hump.

If Not Tavares, Then Who?

Minnesota’s backup options aren’t nearly as enticing. Matt Duchene had a strong season with Dallas (82 points), but the Wild reportedly aren’t sold on his fit. Jonathan Toews, who hasn’t played since 2023 due to health issues, is reportedly eyeing a comeback but would be a much riskier bet. That leaves Tavares as the clear-cut No. 1 target. If Toronto lets him walk, Minnesota must be ready to act fast.

John Tavares may not be the player he once was, but on a team like the Wild, with structure, stars on the wing, and a desperate need for his exact skill set, he might still be a game-changer.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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