Analyst Shares Major Update On Contract Extensions For Two Key Leafs Forward

3 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors

According to NHL analyst Nick Kypreos, the Toronto Maple Leafs are holding off on contract negotiations with pending unrestricted free agents John Tavares and Steven Lorentz, prioritizing a long-term deal for Mitch Marner first.The Maple Leafs have two of the NHL’s biggest names—Tavares and Marner—heading toward free agency this summer. While Marner remains the team’s top priority, depth forward Lorentz also faces an uncertain future as his one-year deal expires.Kypreos recently reported in The Hamilton Spectator that Toronto’s management plans to wait until the offseason before extending offers to Tavares and Lorentz. The focus, for now, is ensuring enough cap flexibility to either re-sign Marner or acquire suitable replacements if he departs.Tavares, 34, has enjoyed a resurgent season, tallying 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 64 games—proving he remains a high-impact player. His current seven-year,  $77 million deal per year expires this summer.John Tavares has done well so far in Year 7 of his contract pic.twitter.com/8kNFghrqsK— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) March 26, 2025As for Lorentz, the 28-year-old forward joined the Leafs on a professional tryout after spending last season with the Florida Panthers. He later secured a one-year, $775K deal and has since contributed six goals and 10 assists in 69 games—just three points shy of his career-high 19 points set with San Jose in 2022-23.With the offseason approaching, Toronto’s strategy hinges on Marner’s future, leaving Tavares and Lorentz in a holding pattern for now. Image - John E. Sokolowski-Imagn ...

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