The Toronto Maple Leafs are about to reach the final year of John Tavares’ contract, but insider Elliotte Friedman predicts that could soon change.

On August 14, Tavares handed over the captaincy to Auston Matthews, marking a leadership transition for the Maple Leafs. Many believed that to suggest Tavares, who is beginning the last year of a seven-year contract worth $77 million, will not receive a contract extension following this campaign.

On his 32 Thoughts Podcast, Friedman did, however, state that Tavares’ extension is still being considered.

“I believe that Tavares still has options, including a possible extension,” Friedman stated. “I don’t believe it’s finished. I doubt they could overshadow Matthews even if they did. It has been talked about. It’s not unthinkable, in my opinion, that Tavares will receive a contract extension as a Toronto Maple Leaf.

In 80 games played last season, Tavares totaled 65 points with 29 goals and 36 assists.

Tavares Still Has “Good Hockey” Left in Him, According to the Maple Leafs GM

Tavares, who will turn 34 on September 20, has been a member of the NHL since the 2009–10 season and has participated in more than 1,000 games.

Tavares is getting close to the end of his career, but according to Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, he still has a lot of good hockey left in him.

John still has a lot of hockey left in him, in my opinion. Lots of good hockey, Treliving stated on August 14th on The Fan Pregame.

Despite his belief that Tavares still has a lot of good hockey left in him, Treliving would not discuss any possible contract extension discussions.

“Those will remain behind closed doors, as I do with any discussion that relates to contractual status,” Treliving continued. “These conversations we had about the captaincy are not related to any conversations we may or may not have about contract negotiations.”

Tavares has made it clear that he intends to stay in Toronto for the long haul.

Tavares thinks Matthews is ready to take on the role of captain.

Since the 2019–20 season, Tavares has led the Maple Leafs as captain.

But on August 14, Tavares handed over the captaincy to Matthews, stating that it was time to hand off the reins.

“I just wanted to let him know how I felt about him, that I believed the time had come for him to lead our club and assume the role of captain, and that I believed he was ready for it. During the news conference on August 14, Tavares stated, “He’s got my full support to continue what I came here to do six years ago, wanting to bring the Stanley Cup back to Toronto and finding a way to do that.”

Treliving reiterated Tavares’ assertion that he chose to hand Matthews the captaincy.

“This wasn’t a difficult conversation because, at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal when you start talking about the team and the evolution,” Treliving remarked. “John is a really smart guy.” “Winning is the aim here, and you’re constantly coming up with new strategies to speed up the process. John has witnessed Auston’s development since our initial conversation about it. It was a simple procedure.