Former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is in the final year of his contract with the team and now we have an update on the contract talks between the two sides. Throughout much of this season, there has been discussion over the future of Mitch Marner with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As of late, former captain John Tavares, who is in the final season of his contract with the team, has been getting lost in the background. Throughout these discussions, many fans and media members have assumed that at 34 years old this would be John Tavares' final season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Beyond being stripped of the captaincy John Tavares has also spent much of this season playing in a reduced role on the Toronto Maple Leafs' third line. Despite being moved down the lineup John Tavares has played well with 20 points in 21 games to begin this season for the Maple Leafs. All of these factors have led to much uncertainty regarding John Tavares's future in Toronto and the NHL overall. <h3>New report confirms John Tavares is working hard to stay with the Maple Leafs</h3> Today reports have come in that this might not be the case as John Tavares is apparently interested in staying with the Maple Leafs and has been in contract talks with the team. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Leafslatest/status/1862140022297649545'> </a></blockquote></div> Further reports from Chris Johnston confirmed that John Tavares and his agents are hoping for a contract in the 6.5 to 7 million dollar range. On the opposite side the Maple Leafs and Brad Treliving are currently holding firm at a 5 to 6 million dollar range that they would be willing to pay. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/nylanderthews/status/1862156350291153032'> </a></blockquote></div> It will be interesting to see if John Tavares will be willing to compromise and take less years or a pay cut to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If he and his agents do not back down then John Tavares might end up in a new home next season whether he wants to or not.