Maple Leafs’ $77 Million Forward ‘Doesn’t Want’ to Waive No-Movement Clause: Report
John Tavares, the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs doesn’t want to waive his no-movement clause, The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reports.
Tavares is entering the final year of the seven-year $77 million deal he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2018. The forward will earn $11 million in 2024-25, but he has been the subject of trade rumors following Toronto’s first-round loss in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
However, LeBrun reports that Tavares doesn’t want to waive his no-movement clause should he be asked to.
“Speaking of the Leafs, there’s been no conversation between them and John Tavares’ camp, led by agent Pat Brisson. But either way, should the Leafs ever ask, Tavares — a 2025 UFA with a full no-move clause — doesn’t want to waive to go anywhere,” LeBrun wrote in his article on The Athletic.
Tavares has the right to block any trade due to the no-movement clause in his contract, meaning he likely will be a member of the Maple Leafs next season.
Tavares Loves Playing for the Maple Leafs
Tavares was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area and grew up a Maple Leafs fan, so when he signed in Toronto in 2018 it was a special moment for his family.
With Tavares being from the area, he says he loves playing for the Maple Leafs and believes he can play a key role in the team winning the Stanley Cup.
“I love playing here. It’s a remarkable place to play,” Tavares said, via Sportsnet. “And when I committed here six Naturally, I saw a ton of talent years ago, as well as a wonderful hockey market and organization that is totally dedicated to winning and doing all in its power, and I still feel that way.
“We’ve definitely shown a lot of growth in those areas, whether it’s (facing) defensive teams, physical teams, or whatever is required,” the player said. It’s obvious that we still have certain obstacles to get past in order to do the work, and both I and we are responsible for that. However, I believe we’re there,” Tavares continued.
In 80 regular season games the previous season, Tavares totaled 65 points with 29 goals and 36 assists. In seven playoff games, he added one goal, one assist, and two points.
Maple Leafs to Consider Everything This Offseason
After the Maple Leafs were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, fans called for major changes to the roster.
Speculation immediately started on potential trades involving Mitch Marner and Tavares. The speculation grew after Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan said the front office is considering everything this summer.
“We do an analysis at the end of every season. We look at our team, we look forward and we look for ways to be better. We do that every year. In the past, I believe there are times where you talk about patience, and I still think that there are instances when exercising patience is the right course of action,” Shanahan stated at a press conference on May 10.
But if you notice that patterns continue and the outcomes remain the same, you need to reevaluate your assumptions. This summer, we’ll examine everything and give it some thought. All in the name of our one and only goal, which is to win and improve the Maple Leafs,” Shanahan went on.
Due to the no-movement provision in their contracts, the Maple Leafs do require Marner and Tavares’ approval before making a trade, thus it remains to be seen if either of the forwards will be transferred.
