Analyst Thinks the Maple Leafs Should Continue to Invest $77 Million

The Toronto Maple Leafs should extend their contract with John Tavares, who is about to enter his final year of play, according to NHL analyst Frankie Corrado.

Entering his final season of a seven-year, $77 million contract, Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs of his hometown in 2018. As of July 1, Tavares was able to sign an extension because he was approaching the last year of his contract, but nothing has materialized.

Nonetheless, Corrado—a former NHL player himself—thinks Toronto ought to consider extending its captain.

Corrado expressed on SC with Jay Onrait, “Honestly, Jay, I would try to negotiate for more. If it means that much to you and considering it hasn’t quite worked out here because the team hasn’t delivered. Yeah, there might be another role available, possibly with less pay. If you simply extend these players, it’s a clear statement of continued belief.”

He continued, “When contracts expire, it’s almost like a ‘Get Out of Jail Free’ card—it’s a resolution. You don’t have to face the tough decision of arranging a trade and dealing with no-move clauses and such. So, it’s a crossroads moment where you ask, do we really continue to push forward relentlessly? Or do we decide to cut our losses and say,”

“‘Hey, listen, thank you for everything, it was awesome, and we’re going to find a different route to go. John has been a great soldier in Toronto, a very good player. He has never done anything wrong. The only thing he’s a victim of is the fact that the group he leads has not won. That is the only thing that John Tavares is a victim of in Toronto because he has done everything else exceptionally well,’ Corrado concluded.”

Corrado’s remark is intriguing, especially since many Leafs fans have contemplated trading Tavares this summer to move on from the core four.

Following Toronto’s elimination in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Boston Bruins, Tavares expressed his desire to sign an extension with the Maple Leafs, indicating his commitment to remain with the team.