NHL Free Agency: Top 5 Landing Spots For John Tavares
While Tavares is now in his age-34 season, he remains a highly productive player, averaging a point per game and reaching the 30-goal mark for the second time in three years. The Maple Leafs are expected to re-sign him, especially given their limited options for an immediate upgrade.
However, much may depend on their playoff performance and how they handle Mitch Marner’s future. If Toronto bows out early, the front office may feel pressured to make significant changes to the core, and Tavares could be one of the casualties.
John Tavares has 37 goals in 70 games this season.
— Nick Barden (@nickbarden) April 9, 2025
It's his most as a Maple Leaf since his first season with the club when he scored 47 in 82 games.
If Tavares is not brought back by Toronto, several contenders and retooling teams make sense as destinations, Gretz writes.
The New York Rangers, facing a ton of disappointment and inconsistency down the middle, could pursue Tavares as a short-term fix, particularly if Mika Zibanejad continues to struggle. Gretz notes that a veteran name near the end of his career is “vintage Rangers.”
Out west, the Colorado Avalanche still haven’t found a stable No. 2 center behind Nathan MacKinnon since losing Nazem Kadri. Brock Nelson, acquired at the deadline, is a pending UFA, and Charlie Coyle hasn’t met expectations. Tavares would offer a proven scoring boost for a team still in win-now mode.
John Tavares continues to stay hot!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XWV6P5FmGF
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 9, 2025
The Vancouver Canucks, after a frustrating season and the departure of J.T. Miller, may look to Tavares to support Elias Pettersson, especially with Filip Chytil’s future uncertain due to injuries.
Meanwhile, the Montreal Canadiens—on the rise with a promising young core and 2024 No. 5 pick Ivan Demidov incoming—could benefit from adding a veteran like Tavares behind Nick Suzuki. Gretz argues it would not only give Montreal needed depth at center but also deal a blow to their biggest rival: “It’s a win on multiple levels.”
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