As the NHL trade deadline looms, speculation continues to circulate about the future of Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. The 34-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and as of now, there’s little indication that a contract extension is imminent.

NHL insider Chris Johnston provided more insight on TSN’s First Up on Tuesday, shedding light on the uncertainty surrounding his situation and on teammate Mitch Marner – who is also a pending UFA.

However, both players hold no-movement clauses in their contracts for the 2024-25 season.

“As of this morning, it doesn’t sound like to me that we’re going to see a contract for any of those players (Tavares and Marner) by the (March 7) deadline. That can obviously change within 10 days of being there, a different offer or a different willingness to accept the contract on one side or the other could influence that. But there doesn't seem to be much optimism in at least the short-term about getting something done in the Tavares case,” said Jonhston. 

“It doesn't mean that either player is leaving Toronto, but as you get closer and closer to that free agency, there is less incentive for the player to sign,” he added.

Despite the uncertainty, according to his head coach, Craig Berube, Tavares remains as steady as ever. 

After a day off on Monday, the Maple Leafs hit the ice for practice Tuesday morning before their matchup with the Boston Bruins. Berube was asked if the contract situation has had any impact on the veteran forward’s mindset.

“Not a little bit. He's a pro. He just does his thing,” Berube said. “It's every day. He just comes to work. He does his routine. He's got it down. And, you know, he's played extremely well for us. I don't think he thinks about it, to be honest with you. Not that I've noticed or I haven't noticed any of that with him.”

Report: Maple Leafs And John Tavares' Agent Have Engaged In Contract Extension Talks, Is A Deferred Money Deal The Best Course Of Action? Tavares has made it clear he wants to remain with the Maple Leafs beyond this season.

Tavares has certainly let his play do the talking, registering 22 goals and 26 assists for 48 points in 50 games this season. Amid injuries to key offensive players, he has remained a crucial piece for the Maple Leafs to rely on this season. 

The former No.1 overall pick has made it clear he wants to remain a Maple Leaf once his seven-year, $77 million contract is up, however, he mentioned that he wasn’t prioritizing a new deal at the start of the season. 

“It's not something I'm going to talk about or focus on every single day and whatnot (contract negotiations), but obviously, I want to be here, I want to be here long-term and hopefully that happens,” Tavares told reporters in September.

‘I Want To Be Here Long-Term And Hopefully That Happens’: John Tavares Sets Sights on a Driven 2024-25 Season with Maple Leafs Tavares is entering the final year of his seven-year, $77 million contract with the Leafs in 2024-25.

Competing in his seventh season with the club, Tavares has 218 goals, 273 assists, and 491 points in 528 regular and postseason games combined. 

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