Elliotte Friedman hints at an extension being imminent for a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs core-four

Following the press conference the Toronto Maple Leafs put on this week, where Auston Matthews was handed the captaincy by John Tavares, who has held that role since 2019 after signing a seven-year $77 million deal in 2018, rumours have emerged from Elliotte Friedman that John Tavares will be getting a contract extension imminently.

This will make him the third of the core four members to be locked up past this season, with Auston Matthews about to start his four-year extension at $13.25 million annually, and William Nylander is about to get going with his eight-year $11.5 million annual deal. Mitch Marner is on the last year of his six-year deal worth $10.903 million annually, and may not be given an extension.

Elliotte Friedman, on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, said this about a potential John Tavares extension:

You can listen to the episode of the podcast Where Elliotte Friedman lays down a possible Tavares extension here.

Turning 34 in September, the hometown boy will likely be looking for a deal in the range of four years at an annual average value hovering around $6 million, however he may take a discount to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Is keeping John Tavares in Toronto the right move, or should the Maple Leafs move on from their former captain?