As the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for the upcoming NHL season, they are engaged in negotiations with star center John Tavares, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Reports indicate that both sides are looking at a potential contract extension that deviates from Tavares's previous seven-year, $77 million deal. NHL insider Darren Dreger suggests that the Leafs may prioritize a longer-term agreement with a lower annual salary to better manage salary cap implications.

Tavares, coming off a successful season with 38 goals and 74 points, is willing to accept a reduced salary as he looks to stay with the Maple Leafs. He has expressed a strong desire to remain in Toronto, emphasizing optimism regarding the future of his contract negotiations. This trend towards longer-term deals with lower average annual values is becoming more common across the NHL, and the Leafs are likely to follow suit with Tavares.