Is the Weight Finally Over?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching the 2025 NHL trade deadline with a clear mission: strengthen the team and, hopefully, finally win the long-awaited Stanley Cup—something they haven’t done since 1967.
But here’s the problem.
Despite already making solid additions before the season, like Chris Tanev, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Anthony Stolarz, there are still gaps to fill. One crucial factor that could change everything? The future of captain John Tavares.
The situation surrounding the 34-year-old veteran has sparked much discussion among fans and analysts.
On one hand, he remains a key piece for the team, with 50 points in 53 games this season. On the other, his current contract carries an $11 million cap hit, a figure that will almost certainly be reduced in his next deal.
The big question is: when will this extension happen?
According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, a new contract for Tavares will not be finalized before the trade deadline. That means that, as much as he wants to finish his career in Toronto, the franchise has other priorities at the moment—such as strengthening for the playoffs and managing future contract extensions, including Mitchell Marner’s and, later on, Auston Matthews’.
The Maple Leafs’ challenge is finding a balance between keeping their captain and maintaining the financial flexibility needed to bolster the team now. Some believe Tavares could test free agency if the Leafs take too long to offer a new deal.
That possibility, though small, can’t be entirely ruled out.
Teams looking for an experienced and productive veteran would certainly be interested, but all signs point to Tavares wanting to stay put.
Looking at his last few years, he has been one of the most consistent players in the NHL. Since joining the Maple Leafs in 2018, he has totaled 479 goals and 611 assists, reaching 1,090 points in 1,162 career games.
These numbers prove that, even as a veteran, he continues to perform at a high level.
The Leafs know that losing a player of this caliber would be a major blow. A new contract is the most likely scenario, but perhaps under different terms than expected. A three-year extension worth around $6.8 million per season seems fair for a player of his caliber, but still lower than what he could command on the open market now. If the Leafs want to keep him longer, a five-year deal at $6 million annually might be a viable alternative.
Of course, it all depends on how the team plans to structure its roster for the coming years. Another factor that can’t be ignored is Tavares’ impact in the locker room. He’s not just a reliable scorer but also a leader who directly influences the team’s mentality. His commitment and playoff experience are valuable assets for any team with championship aspirations.
The question for the Maple Leafs is simple: is it worth the risk of losing a player with this level of impact, even if it means signing a shorter and more financially adjusted contract?
Beyond that, what would this extension mean for the franchise’s future?
If the Leafs finalize a deal before the start of next season, it could indicate a clearer plan for the team’s next moves. However, if negotiations drag on, it could open the door to speculation about the team’s future and even the possibility of more drastic changes to the roster. At the end of the day, everything points to Tavares staying in Toronto. Since arriving in 2018, he has made it clear that this is where he wants to finish his career.
The question is when and for how much.
Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs need to balance their finances and decide which pieces to add to make a real championship push.
Is Jake Evans the Right Fit?
The Toronto Maple Leafs are racing against the clock to strengthen their roster before the trade deadline, and one name that keeps popping up in rumors is Jake Evans of the Montreal Canadiens.
But here’s the issue: the Habs aren’t looking to make life easy for their longtime rivals and are demanding a steep price to part ways with the forward.
The big question is: is it worth paying that price?
Over the past few days, teams like the Colorado Avalanche and New York Rangers have made big moves to reinforce their lineups. The pressure is mounting on Brad Treliving, and Leafs fans know that doing nothing could come at a steep cost in the playoffs.
While Toronto’s GM isn’t necessarily chasing a blockbuster deal at all costs, he knows he has to consider every option available if the goal is to acquire a reliable third-line center. Evans could be an intriguing fit.
The problem? Montreal views Evans as a premium asset and expects to be compensated accordingly. The initial asking price set by GM Kent Hughes is around a second-round pick. Toronto does have one via Florida, but it isn’t as valuable compared to what other teams can offer. On top of that, there are indications that Montreal would only be willing to trade Evans to the Leafs if the offer were significantly higher than what other teams are putting forward, making the situation even trickier.
Looking at the technical aspects, Evans, 28, has been a solid player for the Canadiens this season, recording 12 goals and 16 assists in 60 games. He has also won 52.4% of his faceoffs and netted five game-winning goals—a crucial factor for a team that has struggled in high-pressure moments.
Toronto has an urgent need in this area, and Evans could fill that gap immediately. He’s also a key penalty killer, an area that has become a growing concern for the Leafs. His ability to close out tight games could be a real asset in the playoffs. But is giving up a second-round pick for him the right move?
One alternative for Toronto could be trying to convince Montreal to accept a third-round pick and a prospect like William Villeneuve, a promising defenseman born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, who might interest the Canadiens. This type of deal could make sense for both sides, but there’s no guarantee that Hughes would budge.
Another key factor is that Evans is under contract through next season with a relatively affordable cap hit, which would give the Leafs an immediate upgrade without compromising long-term financial flexibility.
However, if Toronto is going to pay a premium price, they might be better off investing in a player with greater offensive impact or more established playoff experience. That’s why another interesting alternative could be Scott Laughton of the Philadelphia Flyers. He brings a similar profile but with more experience and a stronger track record as a defensive center. Additionally, his physicality and clutch presence make him an attractive piece for any team looking to contend in the playoffs.
If the cost is the same, Toronto should seriously weigh this option before finalizing a deal with Montreal.
At the end of the day, the Maple Leafs have a decision to make: pay the asking price to secure a player who could strengthen the team right away or explore a more financially viable alternative.
Winning in the NHL often requires taking risks, and Toronto might be on the verge of doing just that.
So what do you think? Is Evans worth the investment, or should Toronto look elsewhere?
