The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for some big changes this summer, and one insider suggests the Utah Hockey Club could be interested in their captain.
While most of the attention in Toronto is on the Mitch Marner situation, there are rumors that John Tavares might also be on the trading block. However, top NHL insider Elliotte Friedman isn't convinced.
EF: "Everything can always be made to make sense to me but I am under the impression that Tavares is going to play in Toronto next year"
Hockey personality Jeff Marek, on the other hand, thinks there could be a potential link between John Tavares and the Utah Hockey Club.
Marek on Tavares: "I had a conversation with someone who wondered about a team like Utah and here's why, Utah has a lot of young players, Logan Cooley is an obvious one, Utah is most likely in the business for veteran players on short-term deals and the theory is that they could offer Tavares a pretty healthy number on a 2-yr contract as a why to entice him to waive a no-trade, would that make sense to you?»
With Utah, formally the Arizona Coyotes joining the NHL in the 2024-25 season, Ryan Smith and Co might be looking for a big veteran name to boost their playoff chances in their maiden season in the city.
It means they could be deciding between relying on their young core or making a blockbuster move. With the NHL Draft just three weeks away, there's still time for Utah to push for a veteran star. However, like Marner, Tavares has a no-move clause that could complicate any potential trade.
Regardless, expect the Maple Leafs to make a move regarding one of their core pieces this Summer.
And with Utah's ambition for a strong playoff run, don't be surprised if they're involved in the discussions.
And with Utah's ambition for a strong playoff run, don't be surprised if they're involved in the discussions.
| POLL | ||
10 JUIN | 273 ANSWERS John Tavares linked to Utah Hockey Club in Potential Blockbuster Deal How do you feel about the possibility of the Toronto Maple Leafs trading John Tavares to the Utah Hockey Club? | ||
| I like it | 197 | 72.2 % |
| I don't like it | 76 | 27.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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