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John Tavares Emerges as Possibility to be Signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins
Likely, everyone who follows hockey is aware that Leafs' John Tavares is a free agent this summer, and the Penguins have emerged as a possible landing spot for him.
Following the Maple Leafs' elimination from the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs, speculation has run rampant about John Tavares' future with the franchise.
Tavares has said he would like to stay with the Leafs, often going out of his way to say how much it means to him to play with his hometown team, even if it is for less money.
But with the annual playoff failures by the team, Toronto's management might decide that it is time to move on without the 34-year-old winger, who is entering free agency.
Pittsburgh is viewed as a top destination for Tavares thanks to Kyle Dubas
If that's true, the Pittsburgh Penguins have emerged as the top potential destination for the former Leafs captain.
The best tie-in is Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, the man who had a lot to do with signing Tavares to Toronto back in 2018. The successful relationship can lead to a reunion in Pittsburgh.
The Penguins are going into a rebuild phase. Evgeni Malkin indicated that the 2025-26 season could be his last, and the immediate future thereafter for Sidney Crosby is uncertain.
With those legends in their twilight years, Pittsburgh may need an old stalwart like Tavares to spearhead the team during the rebuild.
In the immediate future, Dubas may consider Tavares to be a key player in one final push for the playoffs before the Crosby-Malkin years end.
Tavares's other possible destinations are the Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, and Montreal Canadiens.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 228 ANSWERS John Tavares Emerges as Possibility to be Signed by the Pittsburgh Penguins Do you want the Penguins to sign John Tavares? | ||
| Yes | 87 | 38.2 % |
| No | 141 | 61.8 % |
| List of polls | ||