Insider links Maple Leafs captain John Tavares to Western Conference team

Big moves are expected for the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer and insider Jeff Marek has now linked captain John Tavares to Utah's new NHL franchise.

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs' core four suffered another first-round loss this year, increasing the likelihood of significant changes. While Mitch Marner is the most likely to be traded, there's been speculation, particularly on the popular 32 Thoughts Podcast, about captain John Tavares.

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"

However, Jeff Marek has a different take. Marek suggests that the NHL's newest team, Utah Hockey Club, could be a potential fit for Tavares.

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?"

Moving Tavares won't be easy for the Maple Leafs due to his no-move clause and $11 million salary. However, for a team like Utah needing to reach the salary cap floor, Tavares could bring significant experience. This situation is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

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10 JUIN \| 530 ANSWERS Insider links Maple Leafs captain John Tavares to Western Conference team Do you think Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares would accept a trade to the Utah Hockey Club?
Yes	268	50.6 %
No	262	49.4 %
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