NHL insider Pierre LeBrun claims $77,000,000 Toronto Maple Leafs star's stock has "'probably gone up" owing to electrifying 32-goal season

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Mar 27, 2025 06:36 GMT

NHL: Philadelphia Flyers at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — NHL insider Pierre LeBrun claims $77,000,000 Toronto Maple Leafs star's stock has "'probably gone up" - Source: Imagn

NHL insider Pierre LeBrun has claimed that Toronto Maple Leafs' pending free agent forward John Tavares has boosted his value after putting up impressive numbers this campaign.

Tavares' current seven-year, $77 million contract, with an $11 million AAV, ends at the end of the 2024-25 season, making him free to sign anywhere as an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

The 34-year-old veteran has made it clear that he'd like to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs for the long haul, though nothing's been finalized yet. Lebrun believes Tavares' strong season has lifted his market value.

Speaking on SportsCentre with Jay Onrait, LeBrun explained that there were few talks about a new contract during the season, but nothing serious has taken shape. He suspects the Leafs are holding off until the season ends to make a move.

"There were a couple of conversations this year about his next contract, but not really any meaningful negotiations," Pierre LeBrun said. "I think the Leafs want to wait on this until the end of the season..... but I will say this—whatever the price was to sign John Tavares back in September, when I believe he would have been absolutely open to an extension, that price has probably gone up."

LeBrun added:

"He’s had another great year. And the idea that you’re getting this guy on a very, very cheap deal? Of course, he’s going to take a pay cut—he’s making $11 million right now, and he’s not that player anymore."

Considering his age and performance this season, Tavares is far from done. He has earned himself a better payday than what might've been expected before the start of the season.

John Tavares has amassed 65 points through 32 goals and 33 assists in 65 games this season, making him the leading goal scorer among all the other pending free agents in the league.

What's next for the Toronto Maple Leafs?

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off an emphatic 7-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers in their most recent matchup. The club holds the first position in the Atlantic Division.

If the playoffs started today, the Maple Leafs would be up against the third-placed Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round. The Leafs will be up against the San Jose Sharks on the road at SAP Center next on Thursday.

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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