OverDrive - Johnston on Tavares' leaguewide interest, the Panthers' free agent choices and Pettersson's trade rumblings

Episode Date: June 23, 2025

TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston joined OverDrive to discuss the headlines around the NHL, John Tavares' contract negotiations with the Maple Leafs and his value in the league, the Panthers' impending free agent deals, Elias Pettersson's trade discussions, the Stars set to make moves and more.

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CJ, in terms of Marner, like do you think it's even an option that he would go to a bad team or do you think he just simply wants to be on a competitive team? I don't think it's very likely. I think he really has prioritized the places where he thinks he's going to have a chance

to win. And, you know, especially if he doesn't end up doing a seven year deal or the maximum term, which does seem to be the way this will probably play out. You know, I think that that makes it even more important that he's in a winning environment. He's in a good spot to, you know, obviously have a big impact himself, but to set himself up for whatever the next deal would be. So you know, I would be surprised if he went off the board or went somewhere where they're kind of just coming up a rebuild.

I think he's going to go to one of the better teams in the league. So explain to us why the short term deal is all of a sudden out there and why would that make sense for Marner? Well, because you know in the next three years a cap We already know is going to go up by by a fair amount and they could write 110 million three years from now And so on a couple levels that makes sense. It makes sense, you know Players like Marner and I think he won't be the last top player I think this will become more of a trend that have've already put a lot of money in the bank. I mean, why not give yourself a little more optionality, kind of like what we

see top players in the NBA do where you become a free agent more often. I mean, it doesn't mean you're leaving where you are, but I think it keeps the sort of subtle pressure on the place you're playing to keep a good team around you, uh, gives you a chance to, to, you chance to realize any growth in the cap a few years down the road. If it's $120 million cap the next time, it just stands to reason everybody's going to be making more then. And then I think the teams in this case probably like it too, or it's just a little bit of

an uncertain time when you're looking at a new CBA and this kind of new era for the cap. And so, you know, I think it, you combine all those factors and, you know, it does make some sense. And, you know, first and foremost, me is gonna make a lot of money and he's already made a fair amount. So, you know, if that's the way it ends up playing out, I just think it's one of those things that it's gonna satisfy the team's need

than what Mitch needs himself. CJ, is there a team that we're not focusing on that could maybe make some noise here maybe carolina and i i'm not sure if you guys have focused on them but you know i think that they certainly our team that would like to get in with uh... the big offer and you know get a chance to speak with mitch once once it's july first and and you know get in front of him and

basically sell the merits of how close they think their team is and, you know, if they added a superstar into that mix, you know, why it could be good for him. But, you know, I don't think there's really, you know, there's no secrets out there, right? I don't see, you know, a team that's at the bottom of the standings being able to get in front of them. I mean, look, I, I would imagine someone like San Jose is going to make an effort to, to, to speak with Mitch. And I suppose of course that I just, uh, you know, interrupted what I, what I said, because they, they are a team that's been at the bottom of the standings, but

obviously they have a lot of, you know, young town and they're where the leaps were when, frankly, when Marner first came into the league and are looking for players to get to the next level. So I could see them trying to get involved, but I just, I don't think that's going to ultimately be something that makes the most sense for Marner himself. And you know, when, frankly, when, when you got a team like Vegas expected to knock at the door pretty loudly, I just think that, you know, with, with the fact that they're in the playoffs every year, they'd won a cup in recent memory, you know, it's going to be hard to bypass, you know, some of the big boys, I think, to go with someone else. With Chris Johnston,

John Tavares, is he being lowballed by the Maple Leafs? I don't know if it's a lowball, but it certainly has not happened as easy as I think everyone thought it would. I mean, you know, certainly the Leafs are in a position where it's no mystery. John Tavares has said about 202 times into a microphone that he wants to be a Maple Leaf. I don't think anything with that has changed, but you know, as a result from that, you know, I think the Leafs feel they can, you know, try to, to, to push the envelope a little bit to see, you know, what kind of deal they can get them to sign.

You know, ultimately I do think he's going to remain in Toronto, even though as we sit here right now, I was told today, the gap is pretty wide still from, you know, how the sides see this playing out in terms of what the number ends up being. But, you know, this is, this is, this is a player that I feel like if there's anyone who leaves, could, could, you know, push hard, it would be this type of guy. Right. I mean, I just talked about Marner having made a lot of money. Well, John Savaras is deeper in his career. He's made even more. And you know, he's, he's given up a lot in terms of, you know,

invested a lot into being a Maple Leaf and trying to help this group. He wants to be here. It's a great situation for his family. You know, this, this could be a time where, you know, certainly I think if he signs with the Maple Leafs, um, he's going to take less here than he would be able to get if he went to July 1st and went out to the highest bidder. And so determining how much lower than the market value is really where they're at right now that he should take and so You know the the Leafs are I think pushing that that mark and I don't blame them because in this case every dollar saved Is something they can spend somewhere else? You know, you have a player wants to be here players, you know over a hundred million dollars deep in his career

I think they're mindful of not wanting to you know know, that there's pride involved here as much as money for money's sake. But, you know, I do think it's been, they've driven maybe a harder bargain than you might have imagined under the circumstances. But look, there's still a week for the sides to come together and get a deal done. And as of today anyways, I don't, I don't sense that that's not going to happen. But this one's been a little rockier. I think that everyone was expecting Isn't this the one though that the Leafs it feels like they have to win this one like everything is kind of going in their Direction here. You got a guy who's like you said invested in the team has been here a long time has made a lot of money Here has roots here already like I guess if you're Tavares you look at it and you say well

If you guys don't want to come up a little bit I'm sure there's a team that's dying to be aggressive and pay me a ton of money just you know how much more money would be out there for John Tavares if he can't get a deal done with Toronto like how aggressive is a team gonna get considering there's really not that much available in the center market well I think there'd be a lot more money for him if he if he was truly willing to be a free agent and consider you know all 31 other markets whoever wants to call them you know we just saw Brock Nelson get seven and a half million on the extension in Colorado I have no doubt that Tavares

could get that on the open market for many one of a number of teams that have you know an opening down the middle I don't think that makes as much sense here and you know it's funny Frankie when you put it that way, I think a win for the Leafs could still be a win for Tavares. I mean, being seen and look, I can't make a decision for him and his family, but I just, I think being seen as someone who's taken a little less to help the team out, you know, being as invested as he is in the community and everything. I mean, that, that stuff can go a long way too.

I mean, there's probably that fine line between good sentiment and good feeling and then the actual dollars that you're leaving on the table. But there should be a solution in there for everybody. And I do think that it can be a positive thing for John too if he takes what's deemed to be less and he gives management a little bit more freedom to operate and put a good team around him and give him a chance to win the Stanley Cup. He coveted here in Toronto. CJ with the C with the UFA list being a little thinner.

Is there more trade chatter going on than usual or not? I think there's probably a normal amount of trade chatter. I mean, look, this is one of the busiest trade weeks of the year. We got the draft on Friday and outside of the deadline period, this is where a lot of transactions happen. So, we had the Zegrist deal today, but I would not be surprised at all to see more go on. And some of that's also just needs-based, which you're getting at the noodles where if you're a team that needs a centerman or a right shot D I mean there's a couple options on the on the UFA list but there's only you know there's only one team each for each of those players and there's definitely more demand out there than there is

supply when it comes to pure free agents and I think that's where the trades come in and also you know one benefit of having the cap bump up finally is I do think it slackens things a little where there's just a little bit more money moving in the system and you know some players in the past that maybe would be on contracts we might call them you know not movable or very challenging to move it's a little different environment that way so you know the only problem we have right now is we don't have enough teams that are trying to rebuild or retool and you know in the basically on purpose and so if we had that I think the market would be really hot.

But right now, we just don't have too many teams that I would label as pure sellers. But certainly, there's a lot of trade chatter going on. And I would think really right through the weekend, we're going to see a number of moves made between teams. What about a carry price contract trade? Have you heard any rumblings about that? Or Montreal trying to free up some money? I actually haven't, but it would make sense.

The Canadians moved Shea Weber's deal under similar circumstances a couple of years ago. From the accounting standpoint, it makes things easier for the Habs to not have that kind of contract that's basically just sitting dead on their books on LTIR. And to move those types of deals out to a team maybe that isn't spending to the cap, usually you're attaching something to it. So maybe you should text me offline if you know something. Yeah. I told you this is on it, man.

No, I'm just thinking about it. If Montreal is going to be a proactive team to try and get You know get better here in the offseason. They took a step. They were a playoff team They're not going to want to take a step back So, you know you got Savard's money coming off the books But if you were able to find the landing spot for ten point five million of carry prices to a team that it could be on LTI are they get a big chunk of it back in insurance. It doesn't cost them much, but you can get a lot of financial freedom if you're the Montreal Canadiens.

You can go after some really darn good players here in free agency or via trade. So I don't know, I'm just thinking out loud. I didn't see any chatter. It was just kind of a thought process as to maybe Montreal does something with that contract to try and free up and take another step here this summer. Right well the other thing the Canadians have is they have two picks in the first round on Friday night back-to-back in the middle of the first round and you know I know that they've talked to teams about that they have you know a lot of prospects because of where

they've drafted I mean they're definitely looking for players you know they're looking to add guys that can help their team next season now. They're certainly trying to move out of that window where we might call them in a rebuilding mode. So, you know, when you look at the track records since Ken Hughes took over, they've made a number of deals around this time, whether it was New Hook or Kirby Doc in past years. And, you know, I would think that they've got a glaring hole that they feel, especially after Nick Suzuki down the middle. When I talk about teams looking for a second line center, if Tavares doesn't hit the market

and maybe think about Montreal, what are they doing behind Suzuki? I would think it's likely to come through the trade route. And so I think it'll be pretty busy there with with the canadians and in the coming days what is the latest on the three of phase in florida act loud bennett marchand well they need a whole lot of ad bill i think today after what what i've been being on social media hangover haven't yeah might be one of the i'd be drifted to get through the day today but

uh... look at i still have the mind that they're not going to be able to keep all three. I mean, Bennett, it seems like it's as good as done. Obviously they don't have a contract and nothing's done until it's done. But really I'm expecting him to stay. Brad Marshan is an interesting one. There's obviously a lot of chatter about what he hit the market, does Toronto make sense? Which I do think it does, you know, from a high level. But, you know, it's sounding a little bit more like we might potentially see him stay with the Panthers. I mean, don't have any confirmation on that. But even, even you can see it in some of the public comments he's made. It's hard to know what's, what's just, you know, a couple of drunk guys talking to a mic, what's, what's maybe some trolling going on. But, you know,

there's definitely a feeling I'd say in some of the conversations I had today around the league that that he's more likely to stay and so you know we'll just have to see where that shakes out I know obviously as I've mentioned in our hits the past few weeks I mean he's someone who's gonna is deserving of a big contract and I think is gonna be out there looking for one and so you know maybe Florida surprises us and finds a way to keep him as well the act act like seems to be the one that that is more likely at the at the open market of the tree right now but uh...

you know the one good thing for bill do you know i think last year they won the cup june twenty-fifth so they did a lot of business in five days he still got another week to sort this out but you know i i bet he ended up keeping one for sure to most likely not all three of them at this point. The thing with Ekblad that I find fascinating is,

listen, first overall pick with Florida, he's been a lifer there, I'm sure he doesn't want to leave. If he does end up leaving, would it be because he's gonna command too much money on the open market, or is it Florida looks at it and says, he might not be an 82 game player every season for us, so why are we gonna invest another seven and a half million if he's willing to stay at the number he's at right now?

Like, why does that make sense for us if we're gonna get 59 to 63 games a year out of him? Well, that's part of it, and I think even just the long-term durability, Frankie, like, are we talking a seven-year, eight- year deal here? You know, he's only 29 I believe but you know there's a lot of miles on the chassis there and so you know they definitely would like to keep him in a perfect world. I just think he's the opportunity for him elsewhere is going to be greater in terms of the

kind of deal he can get. I mean if he was willing to stay at a similar cap number and not do the maximum term, I'm pretty sure that deal would already be done. But the reality is he's just come through, he's won another Stanley Cup, he played 24 minutes a night during the playoffs for the Panthers. Obviously in all situations, guy right shot. I mean, there's a lot of attractive things that he can take to the open market on July 1st where I think he's just going to be able to get a contract that's miles better than where the Panthers are comfortable paying him on this deal. With Chris Johnston one player that is not a free agent but he's got some protection that kicks in a week

tomorrow would be Elias Pedersen of Vancouver Canucks where as of July 1 I believe a full no move full no trade kicks in but over the next eight days or seven days they can trade in wherever they want to uh... it's it's got a very core four vibe to it from a couple years ago should you move off mariner before kicks in did you move off willy before kicks in what is your understanding of

vancouver's approach in the likelihood that Pederson remains a Canuck for a long time? Well, the Canucks certainly are giving off all indications that they are comfortable keeping him. That's where they're sort of focused on that they like the way the summer started for him because you know, some of the issues there, I think they feel were just in his preparation and his training last summer wasn't where it needed to be leading to the season he had. But I will say that there are at least whispers around that perhaps some teams are trying to get in and see here

in this last week whether they can you know use that window to perhaps get the player. I mean this is really the last chance you have at a trade you know obviously players do get moved with no moves but it's a totally different process if you're a team to make that kind of trade whereas you know, obviously players do get moved with no moves, but it's a totally different process if you're a team, uh, to, to make that kind of trade. Whereas, you know, for until, uh, July 1st, at noon Eastern time, you know, they, they got a chance to trade them basically anywhere where they can make a deal. And so I would think that they'll at least be keeping the phone on in Vancouver

to see what kind of offers might come in. I think it's plausible because everybody around the league knows about this deadline. You know, it's plausible. everybody around the league knows about this deadline. You know, it's plausible maybe some of the offers get better than what they have been. And you know, something comes across the Canucks, you know, desk here where they feel like they have to think about it.

But you know, at this point in time, I don't have any reason to believe that trade's gonna happen, but that's not to say it can't, because this is the end. You know, we saw way back when, when that Subban, Chez Weber deal happened, that was just before you know to ban got a no move clause you know had the Leafs done it with with you know they had it moved on from Marner would have been two years ago in this same window and you know

unfortunately for them it was you know a week or two after Brad tree living was hired it wasn't really a good spot to throw a new GM to make that kind of call but you know this is this is this is often a deadline that does force movement on these types of players. Do you think Jim Nill will be the busiest general manager leading up to the draft based on their cap situation? They have just over two million dollars available to them and they have to sign you know potentially five players if they want to get to 23. Like it just seems like there's not a lot of wiggle room there for a team that would likely, you know, want to stay active and stay where they're at as far as pushing for a Stanley

cup. Yeah. I mean, they've already been pretty busy too. I know not always the biggest splashes, but trading Marshman last Thursday, resigning Duchenne, getting Maverick Bork signed, who might've been an offer sheet candidate, you know, had he not got that deal done. I mean, the Stars are, it feels like it's gonna be a pretty aggressive off season there. I mean, they're in the process

of trying to hire their new head coach after firing Pete DeBoer earlier this month. So, there's a lot of moving pieces there and it's a place a lot of players wanna play. Matt Dumba's name has been out there as someone they might like to trade. Obviously they've been gauging the rock, the, the, the market on Nick Robertson or sorry, Jason Robertson, pardon me. Um,

it doesn't mean that all that's going to come together, but it just, it just does feel like they, because of their cap situation, but also having reached the final four or three straight years and looking to get over the hump that they're going to have to do something. So yeah, Jim Nell will be busy, but I think a lot of his counterparts will be too. I mean, let's face it, we focus a lot on the Leafs here, but Bradford Living has a lot of roster spots

that still haven't been spoken for, right? There's a lot of contracts to work out and then decisions to be made, depending on exactly what holds are there come July 1st. Well, and that's what's gonna be interesting, how much gets done from July 2nd onward. You don't have to do everything on July 1st. A lot of it does happen this week leading up to the draft.

A lot of it happens on July 1st. But with the Leafs, is it possible that they're gonna have to slow play this, even if it's not what they want to do, it's that the rest of the league isn't willing to play on their timeline, and we may see moves kind of sporadically dropped on us throughout the summer. It seems that way I know it's gonna be bad for Piers you know like to put the gone fishing sign up on July 2nd. I think I do

think this is gonna be a summer probably league wide with more moves but certainly even even the Leafs They seem to have that approach already that they know the team that they have on paper, you know, the night of July 1st whenever Tree Living speaks, that day to the media won't be the team that he's bringing to training camp. I just think there's a lot going on with this roster and, you know, we can count on him losing Marner, which is obviously $11 million in space, but what happens if it goes down to the wire with the bar so he doesn't sign in

all of a sudden you got to pretty big spot you got a lot of money to spend but they probably don't want to spend it all you know in in a frenzy on july first so uh... i do think it's gonna be that kind of summer which uh... which will be good for content and back for the insiders

yes exactly let's let's strike this man. You get to go to the cottage CJ or you just hear all the stories from Pierre? I've been to his cottage. I don't have my own cottage so I'll be in the city and I'm ready to work so if they want to make a big trade on July 11th I'm ready to report for duty. Attaboy. Good man. That's what we're looking for. That's commitment to the craft. We love hearing that. All right, CJ. It'll be a busy week, maybe weeks, maybe months. You'll be all over it. We'll do it again soon. Thank you for this. All right, boys. Have a good night.

There's Chris Johnston, our TSN hockey insider, joining us here on the Maple Toyota Hotline. Drive the built-in Canada fuel-efficient, fun to drive Toyota RAV4, gas or hybrid models available. Visit mapletoyota.com. efficient, fun to drive Toyota RAV4 gas or hybrid models available visit mapletoyota.com and more with travel from tripcentral.ca four nights at Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain and $500 spending cash. You are so cool! Just listen to iHeart new music on the iHeart Radio app for 10 minutes every day for your chance to win

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