{"id":276944,"date":"2025-05-21T11:52:22","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T11:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/21\/top-5-potential-destinations-for-ex-leafs-captain-owing-to-murky-future-in-toronto-ft-pittsburgh-penguins\/"},"modified":"2025-06-25T17:08:22","modified_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:08:22","slug":"top-5-potential-destinations-for-ex-leafs-captain-owing-to-murky-future-in-toronto-ft-pittsburgh-penguins","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/2025\/05\/21\/top-5-potential-destinations-for-ex-leafs-captain-owing-to-murky-future-in-toronto-ft-pittsburgh-penguins\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 5 potential destinations for ex-Leafs captain owing to murky future in Toronto ft. Pittsburgh Penguins"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> [ad_1]<br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div id=\"article-content\" data-postid=\"4925582\" data-slug-id=\"2526970\">\n<div class=\"vidazoo-player-container\">\n<span class=\"vidazoo-close-btn  hidden \"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/cmc-predictor\/v2\/cross-icon.png?w=40\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" alt=\"close\"\/><br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Following the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/toronto-maple-leafs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Maple Leafs&#8217;<\/a> elimination from the 205 Stanley Cup playoffs, speculation has gone into overdrive regarding John Tavares\u2019 future in Toronto.<\/p>\n<p>Tavares has been adamant about his desire to stay with the Maple Leafs. He\u2019s reiterated on several occasions how being with his hometown team is something he\u2019d rather pursue instead of going elsewhere, potentially for more money.<\/p>\n<p>However, with the team\u2019s playoff futility on display each season, the club\u2019s management could choose to cut ties with the 34-year-old impending free agent.<\/p>\n<p>If that\u2019s the case, John Tavares will need to find a new home this summer. So, here are the top five landing spots for the Toronto Maple Leafs&#8217; former captain if he leaves town.<\/p>\n<p><template id=\"also-read-articles-template\"><\/p>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<h2>Top five potential destinations for former Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares<\/h2>\n<h3>#5 Montreal Canadiens<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"A younger team like the Canadiens would use a solid veteran presence - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg\"\/><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"A younger team like the Canadiens would use a solid veteran presence - Source: Imagn\" src-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26220692-1747826471.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>A younger team like the Canadiens would use a solid veteran presence &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rumblings have surfaced about John Tavares being a good fit for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/montreal-canadiens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Montreal Canadiens<\/a>. While he certainly would add a solid, experienced center in what is essentially a young core, the organization may balk at a long-term deal.<\/p>\n<p>If the Habs and Tavares can find a middle ground, adding the veteran center could be the boost the team needs to take the next step on their quest to return to relevance.<\/p>\n<h3>#4 Buffalo Sabres<\/h3>\n<p>A team like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/buffalo-sabres\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Buffalo Sabres<\/a> could be desperate enough to throw a long-term deal at Tavares to get a high-end top-six forward to solidify its core.<\/p>\n<p>While Tavares may not be necessarily chasing a substantial dollar amount, he would be enticed to try to get the longest deal possible at his age. That\u2019s where Buffalo, looking to make a splash, could go off the deep end and bring Tavares in on a six-year deal.<\/p>\n<h3>#3 Chicago Blackhawks<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"The Blackhawks are another rebuilding team that could benefit from more veteran leadership - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"The Blackhawks are another rebuilding team that could benefit from more veteran leadership - Source: Imagn\" src-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/26199717-1747826511.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201280%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>The Blackhawks are another rebuilding team that could benefit from more veteran leadership &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/chicago-blackhawks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> are in the market for solid veterans to insulate Connor Bedard as he continues to develop into a franchise player. As such, Tavares could be an intriguing option in the Windy City.<\/p>\n<p>The Blackhawks don\u2019t have much cap space to splurge on John Tavares. But if the team agrees on a longer-term deal, they could get the AAV down to a reasonable point for their current cap limitation.<\/p>\n<p>While the Blackhawks as still a long way from being contenders, Tavares could be a piece that accelerates their path toward relevance.<\/p>\n<h3>#2 Los Angeles Kings<\/h3>\n<p>The Los Angeles Kings will be looking to upgrade their lineup as much as possible to get past the first round after yet another defeat at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.<\/p>\n<p>Tavares could become a valuable piece to help the club get over the hump and back into another long playoff run given his consistency and experience. The Kings may need to get a little creative to fit Tavares\u2019 contract under the cap but could make it work.<\/p>\n<h3>#1 Pittsburgh Penguins<\/h3>\n<figure class=\"image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"sk-app-thumbnail\" alt=\"Kyle Dubas' relationship with Tavares could be a key factor in bringing the free agent to Pittsburgh - Source: Imagn\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg\"\/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy-img\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1344\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=190 190w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=720 720w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=640 640w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=1045 1045w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=1200 1200w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=1460 1460w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=1600 1600w, https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg 1920w\" alt=\"Kyle Dubas' relationship with Tavares could be a key factor in bringing the free agent to Pittsburgh - Source: Imagn\" src-low=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/05\/19886701-1747826604.jpeg?w=640\" bad-src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,&lt;svg%20xmlns=%22http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201920%201344%22&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;\"\/><figcaption>Kyle Dubas&#8217; relationship with Tavares could be a key factor in bringing the free agent to Pittsburgh &#8211; Source: Imagn<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The most evident connection between John Tavares and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/pittsburgh-penguins\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" data-is-sponsored=\"false\">Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> is GM Kyle Dubas. Dubas was instrumental in bringing Tavares to Toronto. Plus, there\u2019s a known relationship there that could resume now that John Tavares is a free agent.<\/p>\n<p>The Penguins will be looking to retool this season as Evgeni Malkin has announced that next season will be his last and Sidney Crosby is likely nearing the end.<\/p>\n<p>With Crosby and Malkin eventually leaving, the Penguins will need a veteran player to lead the transition into what seems like an evitable rebuild. In the meantime, Dubas and the Penguins could be looking to bank on one more playoff push before Malkin and Crosby hang up their skates for good.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-post-rating-widget\">\n<p><template id=\"post-rating-feedback-modal-template\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-feedback-box\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-content\">\n<div class=\"post-rating-feedback-data\">\n<p>Why did you not like this content?<\/p>\n<p><textarea id=\"dislike-feedback-text\" rows=\"4\" placeholder=\"Please type your feedback...\"\/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<button class=\"close\">Cancel<\/button><br \/>\n<button class=\"submit\">Submit<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/template><\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-widget-parent hidden\">\n<div class=\"rating-parent-container\">\n<div class=\"rating-content-holder\">\n<p>Was this article helpful?<\/p>\n<div class=\"post-rating-action-container\">\n<div class=\"like-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-like-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"like\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"like selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dislike-container\">\n<button class=\"post-rating-dislike-button post-rating-button\" data-action=\"dislike\"><br \/>\n<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"post-dis-like-image post-rating-image\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/like-articles\/upvote-icon-grey.svg\" height=\"20\" width=\"20\" alt=\"avatar selected\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\nThank You for feedback\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post-author-info-parent\">\n<span class=\"about-the-author\">About the author<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"author-info-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-pic-holder\">\n<img decoding=\"async\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"author-pic\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,&lt;svg width=\" height=\"100\"\/><rect width=\"100\" height=\"100\" style=\"fill:rgb(128, 128, 128);\"\/>&#8221; data-lazy=&#8221;https:\/\/keedag.sportskeeda.com\/user-pic\/2981390-1716632323-200.jpg?w=200&#8243;<br \/>\nalt=&#8221;Nestor Quixtan&#8221; height=&#8221;72&#8243; width=&#8221;72&#8243;&gt;\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author-bio-detail-holder\">\n<div class=\"author-bio\">\n<p class=\"author-bio\" id=\"author-bio-text\">\nNestor is an NHL and MLB writer at Sportskeeda with over 10 years of experience. Growing up in Toronto, he became an avid Maple Leafs and Blue Jays fan, but also admires the New York Islanders and Los Angeles Dodgers for their dominance in the 80s. Holding an Economics and Education major, Nestor\u2019s passion for writing and sporting events led him to take up reporting about the sport professionally.<\/p>\n<p>Nestor credits the Leafs\u2019 playoff runs in the early &#8217;90s as having a lasting impact on him. His favorite players are Doug Gilmour and Mike Bossy, as he feels they were tough, talented leaders, while Pat Burns is his favorite coach of all time for always preaching a fast-paced game.<\/p>\n<p>Growing up in Canada, it was natural for Nestor to become interested in ice hockey and he played Minor Hockey as a teenager, which has given him a unique perspective on the sport. Nestor has mastered the art of how to best present facts and he also has a knack for knowing which sources can be trusted, and which can&#8217;t for stories.<\/p>\n<p>When he is not writing about Canada\u2019s national passion, Nestor enjoys running and hiking.\n<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"author-know-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/author\/nestor-quixta\" aria-label=\"Author know more\">Know More<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"tag-cloud\">\n<div class=\"tags-text\">\n<div class=\"scrollable-content-holder  article-padding\">\n<p class=\"article-p  \">Quick Links<\/p>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerLeft\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Left \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-left.svg\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button><\/p>\n<nav id=\"pnProductNav\" class=\"pn-ProductNav\">\n<\/nav>\n<p><button id=\"pnAdvancerRight\" class=\"pn-Advancer pn-Advancer_Right \" type=\"button\"><br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" style=\"background: none;\" src=\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/skm\/assets\/article\/article-scroll-right.svg\"\/><br \/>\n<\/button>\n<\/div>\n<p>More from Sportskeeda<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\n<span class=\"publisher-name\">Edited by Nestor Quixtan<\/span>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[ad_2]<br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/us\/nhl\/john-tavares-free-agency-landing-spots-top-5-potential-destinations-ex-leafs-captain-owing-murky-future-toronto-ft-pittsburgh-penguins\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[ad_1] Following the Maple Leafs&#8217; elimination from the 205 Stanley Cup playoffs, speculation has gone into overdrive regarding John Tavares\u2019 future in Toronto. Tavares has<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":276945,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[180],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276944"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276944"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/276944\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/276945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276944"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=276944"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/michigandigitalnews.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=276944"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}