New York Rangers to land Toronto Maple Leafs top veteran forward during the offseason
According to NHL Insider Adam Gretz, the New York Rangers are one landing spot for Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares. This summer, Tavares will be a UFA, and there's no word on an extension being offered from Brad Treliving.
John Tavares might be 34, but he's still producing at a high level in Toronto's system, and has hit 30 goals for the second time in three seasons.
While the Maple Leafs do want to re-sign their veteran center, there's somethings that need to happen beforehand
It depends on whether Brad Treliving will make it a priority to re-sign Mitch Marner first, which also depends on whether or not the Maple Leafs make it beyond the first round in the playoffs.
If Tavares is deemed not worthy of being re-signed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, a retooling team like the Rangers could be a fit, according to Gretz.
With the recent addition of J.T. Miller down the middle, they could still use more depth in light of Mika Zibanejad's current struggles, and a veteran like John Tavares could plug that hole and add some consistency.
Gretz notes that a veteran name near the end of his career is «vintage Rangers.»
The only question is if GM Chris Drury is willing to open his wallet for Tavares, should he find himself without a contract in 2025.
Tavares's seven-year, $11 million AAV deal is expiring at the end of the season he will be a UFA.
This season with the Maple Leafs, he's scored 72 points (37 goals, 35 assists) in 71 games..
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
AVRIL 11 | 2259 ANSWERS New York Rangers to land Toronto Maple Leafs top veteran forward during the offseason Should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers sign forward John Tavares, a Toronto Maple Leaf, in July? | ||
| Yes | 719 | 31.8 % |
| No | 1540 | 68.2 % |
| List of polls | ||