NHL Trade Rumors: Maple Leafs captain John Tavares could be on Ducks radar if no deal is reached

A new NHL rumor has caught the attention of fans. On the latest episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, sports insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned something interesting about Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares.

He said that if Tavares and the Leafs can’t agree on a new deal, another team might be waiting. That team? The Anaheim Ducks. But nothing is confirmed—this is just what’s being talked about.

NHL insider links John Tavares to the Ducks during 32 Thoughts podcast

On June 8, 2025, during Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts podcast, hockey reporter Elliotte Friedman shared a possible scenario involving John Tavares. He said that the Anaheim Ducks might be a team that shows interest if Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs don’t agree on a new contract.

Tavares, 33, has just one year left on his current deal with the Maple Leafs. He signed a seven-year contract in 2018. There are now questions about what happens next, especially as Toronto works to build a younger, faster team around stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander.Friedman said on the show, “If Tavares can’t work something out with Toronto, I wonder if Anaheim could be one of the teams to watch.” He didn’t confirm that the Ducks have made contact or that there is a real offer.

He was only talking about what might happen in the future. Fans are now sharing this clip across social media, adding to the buzz.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Mitch Marner might leave Toronto and head to a Western Conference team

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares remains quiet as fans react to the trade talk

Tavares has not made any public comment about the rumor. The Maple Leafs also haven’t said anything official about his future. For now, he’s still with Toronto, and he’s expected to play out the rest of his deal. But with NHL free agency and trades always a hot topic in the offseason, fans are watching closely.The Anaheim Ducks are currently in a rebuild, with young talent like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish. Adding a veteran leader like Tavares could help guide their younger players.Whether this rumor turns into something real or not is still unknown. But thanks to Friedman’s podcast, fans now have another big NHL story to follow this summer.