Despite his contract expiring at the end of this season and ongoing questions about his NHL future, especially with the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Tavares has hinted that he’s not planning to leave anytime soon. In fact, he’s expressing a strong desire to continue playing at a high level, potentially keeping the door open for a future spot on Team Canada.

After being excluded from the 4 Nations Team Canada roster this season, Tavares spoke to the media, expressing disappointment over the snub but also emphasizing that he’s not closing the door on future international opportunities. Chris Johnston reported that Tavares received a call from Hockey Canada informing him of his exclusion, and while disappointed, Tavares expressed hope that he could still make a push for a future spot on the Canadian roster.

What Does the Team Canada Snub Mean for Tavares?

There are a couple of key takeaways here. First, Tavares’ response suggests that, despite his impending free agency, he’s not ready to wind down his career. Second, if he wants to stay in the conversation for Team Canada down the road, he’ll need to maintain strong performance levels.

Tavares’ NHL Future and Team Canada Ambitions

This likely signals that Tavares will focus on playing for an NHL team that gives him the best opportunity to be productive. While he could earn more money by testing the free-agent market, Tavares will likely choose a team that provides him with strong supporting players, ensuring he remains a viable option for Team Canada. Without consistent production, especially as he gets older, it’s unlikely he would be considered for future rosters.

Could the Leafs Have an Edge in Contract Talks?

Given Tavares’ stated goal of staying in the Team Canada mix, the Leafs may have an advantage in contract negotiations. If he wants to continue being a competitive candidate for the national team, he’ll want to be surrounded by star players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander. While it’s unclear how much Tavares might be willing to reduce his salary to stay with the Leafs, his focus on maintaining his international ambitions is a promising sign for Toronto. It suggests that he might be more inclined to stay with the Leafs to continue playing alongside elite talent, potentially at a more team-friendly deal.