John Tavares On The Move? + Breaking Down The NHL's Coaching Carrousel | The Chris Johnston Show

0:00 CJ Is Home From The Czech Republic
4:00 John Tavares and his future in Toronto
10:00 Canada getting ramped up for 2026 Olympics
16:00 McDonagh trade reaction. Are Mitch Marner or Steve Stamkos headed to Nashville?
23:00 Toronto Maple Leafs offseason outlook
33:00 Coaches Corner - Jack Adams, Coaching Turnover & More
46:00. Marc Savard rumoured to join Leafs coaching staff & Don Waddell joining Columbus?
50:00 Oilers Beat Stars In Game 1
53:30 Rangers lose Game 1 to Panthers
59:00 Stick Taps
Jesse Blake and Chris Johnston breakdown a flurry of topics on today's CJ Show. They discuss the future of John Tavares in Toronto, Ryan McDonagh being trade back to Tampa Bay, Team Canada's olympic outlook and more!
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[@chez0102]

Is Julian also serving a two game suspension on the show for his dangerous check in floor hockey ?

[@leafsfan1539]

5er

[@thinglizzy2311]

CJ and JB what a combo . Love the rotating hosts

[@rahjar]

I for one welcome our new hosting overlord

[@TheBigfootsfeet]

Don’t blame me, I voted for Steve

[@JaziB]

What happened to the audio on this one? Jesse is quite obviously behind CJ and it comes off as if he's interrupting him.

[@canadianroot]

Must have borrowed the audio equipment from TSN or the Leafs' reporters.

[@CashMacGregor]

my son played on a select peewee team that travelled from vancouver to prague for a 16 day tournament. one thing that didn't escape our notice was that they made it feel like it was the world championships. it was very important for them to beat the canadian teams. i'm not surprised that all the games are sold out.

[@leafsfan1539]

Watching Jesse Adam and Steve grow together is nice to see you can tell they’re all for each other they want what’s best for each other for sure

[@verenahummels5217]

Great Show Guys!

[@ranger2055]

Great job Jessie and Chris!!

[@adamson1957]

Jesse and CJ have matching energy.. easy listening right here!

[@boonboon9118]

Gripper Nation is Tuned in now !!!

[@jarrettsim3670]

It sounds like history repeating itself the definition of insanity. I have nothing against any of these players as people, but as players, I'm sorry you got to change this core group and as leadership Tavares is not the leader of this team, it's quite obvious

[@commissioner1969]

Matthews is not a leader either. He's a bumb

[@johnsummerhill8323]

I don't think it is a problem that Tavares is captain. He is well liked and he always stands up to the media, win or lose.

[@mike4DDL]

33:16 The homerun jacket made them hit better lol

[@montanak833]

Thanks for jinxing Canada CJ 👍🏼

[@Sir_Godz]

if only JT put that effort into the PO.. big golf clap for him

[@PP-rr1gz]

The best-case scenario is to trade JT at half-retained around the deadline. Better yet if it’s a sign-and-trade so you get max return. You save $5.5m in cap space that you can use to shore up forward and/or blue line depth. You also hope that Minten can step into the 3C role.

[@tonykung8756]

If you want to trade Marner away, what's a realistic return for this player? Because the Leafs are sellers, they don't really get to pick and choose exactly what they want(for example, they don't get to ask for Shea Theodore plus Hague plus a 1st rounder and/or more assets)...

[@bradbradbury8561]

Why didn't Marner go over with JT to play for Canada? It would have been a good experience for him.

[@johnsummerhill8323]

He was rehabbing his bad ankle until 2 weeks ago.

[@drfirewater]

Me and my son watched the team europe vs sweeden game and it was packed …. We had such a good time we blew more money to stay for russia canada

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

Nylander produces in regular season and playoffs.

[@googleisshit3220]

Not as well as Mitch statistically

[@johnsummerhill8323]

Sometimes. And often disappears. Still trying to find his own end.

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

@@johnsummerhill8323 marner ihas babyfits in the playoffs and a no show 👎👎👎

[@johnsummerhill8323]

@@user-sn8sw2vi8z He has more playoff points than Nylander and Matthews.

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

@@johnsummerhill8323 yes but not goals that mean anything he scores when the team is up 5-2 then he scores not tie break goals or go ahead goals.🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@eirikrdberg1161]

Tavares and Marner need to go. No doubt the cup is almost an impossible feat. Leafs need to do the change this summer or a cup will never happen. Marner and Tavares out now. If they stay at best they lose in second round 2025. Move them and perhaps good things happen in2025, though I dont see leafs winning cup in my lifetime. They had a shot In the 90s. Not now.

[@kurtwpg]

I love how Toronto accumulates a whole bunch of stars from Toronto who desperately want to play for Toronto. Then gives them No Move Clauses, then figure they'll just ship them out.

[@johnsummerhill8323]

They are called #1 draft picks.

[@jarrettsim3670]

It's not the media it's the team he doesn't stand up too. 7 years it's not there. All A's and C should be changed

[@SedatKulafofski-eh5pc]

If Tavares is on those future international teams, Canada will be in trouble.

[@Chillin24Seven]

I’m not a fan of JT’s cap hit but I’m ok with keeping him around. I feel like he’s still a very useful player and I think he’s willing to stay and resign for a better number.

[@cantrait7311]

Best news yet Let’s hope Weak captain

[@quercusquercus532]

Cuz it kinda looked like a haiku, at a glance... Warm spirits rising Ships deftly sail azure seas Drop the albatross

[@canadianroot]

@@quercusquercus532 I thought the same thing. Looked like a haiku to me. But we were both wrong.

[@ricklatour2794]

Tavaras was a -3 in semi-final game - him and PLD were the only minuses on team canada - who is going to take him at 11m

[@michelleloader5560]

Hi❤❤

[@briandonovan1381]

And tavares said he wasn't leaving the Island. A liar.

[@daveallen9921]

To be an honest person you have to say the truth in the moment. How can anyone predict the future? How many people were lying on their wedding day only to be divorced later? Were they also a liar? I suppose so, but the wedding attendees are not lining up to point a finger and say "liar". You could but what does that say about you?

[@RyanJones4444]

Still crying bout that lol

[@cdfmmcc]

🐍🐍🐍

[@wizzerwiser2056]

@@daveallen9921 Tavares asked the Islanders not to trade him prior to the trade deadline.

[@daveallen9921]

@@wizzerwiser2056 I don’t know if he had a no trade contract but if so, then that’s all he can do to protect himself. No trades, I’m leaving at the end of my contract or may be I will stay. It is what happened to the Leafs when Mats Sundin left. He left to cash in elsewhere. Leafs fans didn’t burn his image in a parking lot. Or cry because the teams own contract put the fans in that position. Oh well. That’s why Leaf fans don’t get why Islanders fans are Sooo butt hurt. The team did that to him, he didn’t do that to the team, he exercised his only option, to change his mind and leave for greener pastures.

[@babayaga4355]

Marner could have been a hometown hero, but that contract ruined that chance. It’s not so much the player, it’s the brutal contracts and cap.

[@mattrix4200]

It's funny how times change... for the first 5-6 yrs I wanted Matthews & Nylander gone, Gone, GONE (lazy on and off the ice, horrible role models & leaders, always getting into issues with the coaching staff...etc). But the past 2yrs I've gotta say it's time for Tavares, Marner, (and maybe even Matthews?) to move on and it's Nylander who's the one keeper. Ugh I feel unwell saying that. ;)

[@johnpaulgeorgeandringo3559]

It's apples and oranges to compare the NHL to this tournament. Any player would benefit from a larger ice surface. The style of play is different. Blocking shots is non existent.

[@macleanclassics]

I have zero issue keeping tavares a leaf until he can't play anymore... at the right cap hit. Current contract was fair, earned and he gives everything he has.

[@mkultra2962]

Jesse. Why are you so damn handsome?

[@nadia0701]

John may leave if leafs retain, but I'd like to have him back for a better number next year. I'd do the same with marner but if he wants $12m bench him until he waives his NMC. We need assets back

[@wizzerwiser2056]

Benching Marner for a stupid reason like that only hurts the team not help.

[@nadia0701]

@@wizzerwiser2056 you don't let Marner walk.

[@wizzerwiser2056]

@@nadia0701 And you don't bench him either. He has a NTC and has every right to exercise it. Why would you bench a player with his skill level over something so stupid. He'll play his best to get a new contract which will only benefit the Leafs. having Berube behind the bench can only benefit him. No team with trade for him unless he agrees to an extension which he won't. If he walks after this season then so be it. The Leafs gain cap space with him and Tavares off the books.

[@nadia0701]

@wizzerwiser2056 Marners team took Dubas to the woodshed. He held out for $3m more than others at his level. Marner did not perform to his salary the first 3 years and is not built for the playoffs. Leafs are more than 1 piece away. Losing him for nothing is very dumb. Sit him until he waives...this is business

[@wizzerwiser2056]

@@nadia0701 Dubas had no idea that had he let Marner and Nylander sit the first time around. They either would've caved or signed else where and the Leafs would've been compensated with loads of first round picks. Dubas had leverage with both of them and screwed up. Marner wanted $9 million before his RFA year and then got $2 million more. Sitting him serves no purpose. Losing him to free agency will not hurt the team that bad. It opens up cap space. No team will trade for him unless he signs an extension which he won't and he's not waiving his NTC. best to let him walk like the Islanders did with JT

[@TrevorStevens91]

As much as we want I don’t think he’s going anywhere Committed to finishing his career there

[@peterk5712]

Mitch extension - 8 x $9M. Are you dissapointed?

[@cjmllvv]

He never takes that

[@nadia0701]

I'd keep him if he agrees to that

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

He ain't waiving his no trade clause he has 3 little kids and his wife lives in Mississauga. Marner needs to waive his no trade clause.

[@zascorpusa]

Leafs need to move on from Marner, Matthews and Reilly change it up now

[@Blackwingdesigns]

@59:16 Crazy how Vasy only has one vezina win and yet nominated like 4 straight years. I hate the way hockey writers are with awards. "Well clearly McDavid is the best player but we have to give it someone else." Happened with Vasy when they gave it to Fleury that one year for a lifetime achievement award

[@karmeshpatel4354]

Love CJ but ain’t no way marner is better than kessel

[@LemonsGraphics]

Tavares will be rejuvenated for 82 games next season if he stays healthy.

[@ASmith-ju7pr]

Marner better than Phil at his peak?? 🤔

[@judistzoinkiski3395]

i rather Jessica campbell over Savard thats just me tho. Someones gonna get Campbell hope its the Devils(but we know the devils are clueless)

[@barkman05]

You guys are constantly being surprised at edmonton playing strong D, which just shows you had your mind made up prior to the season and havent paid attention at all since the coaching change. They've been the best defensive team in the playoffs in limiting scoring chances, but please, keep with the notion that they're powerplay merchants that can only outscore you to win

[@Marixa1979]

I find it fun as we can easily see which hockey fans actually watch all the hockey games, and which just follow narratives and echo chambers. I get that in the Eastern time zones it's tough to watch western teams regularly, but if you aren't actually watching the games, don't parrot the same recycled narratives that the eastern media keeps churning out.

[@arthurjamesaltmann729]

JT is going into a contract year--my money would be on him having a "resurgent" season--whether that translates to playoff success is another story. As for Mitch I'd be happy to trade him for next to nothing and use the cap space in a better manner--IE 1 or 2 defense upgrades.

[@matthewsommerville8911]

Watch the leafs are gonna do the opposite of what fans want and trade Nylander because his value is higher right now

[@johnsummerhill8323]

The real fans that established teams care about are under 15 years of age. They do not want rid of their star players.

[@user-xg8ig6zx5r]

Tavares can not be captain anymore strip it now if he leads by example what example is it to get 2 points in playoffs , to suck defensively and not even win face offs which is supposed to be his specialty, he can NOT skate and is just getting older and worse! I sure hope he is traded, not that Tavares is bad but at 11M is a giant anchor strangling the TML from actually building a proper team. At best Tavares is a 5M player, he has slowed down and he was not even doing well in face offs in playoffs and had 2 points! He has to go and must be retained or 0 chance any team will touch that contract!

[@markb3272]

One thing for sure is that you cant believe anything Tavares says. He is a hockey robot and just spouts out what he is programmed with. I wouldn't put any stock whatsoever in ANYTHING he says.

[@jaymac_87]

As a leafs fan we don’t care how he plays overseas in a tournament, it actually pisses us off that he puts more effort there than he does the team he’s suppose to play for. Tavares needs to go.

[@daveallen9921]

As a Leafs FAN I do care. I wish them ALL well. Fans wish the best for teammates. Please dont speak for the fans anymore. You sir, are a critic.

[@jaymac_87]

@@daveallen9921 lol I wish him all the best, just not with the Leafs anymore. We don’t all want participation trophies like yourself.

[@daveallen9921]

@@jaymac_87 lol. I played! I want my trophy. Now! I think the fans need to go. I ended up unsubbing everyone except the hockey guy.

[@BearsAndPuzzles]

JT isn't moving now. Maybe after this contract.

[@ThePalisky]

honestly I think it would be more likely he takes a cut to stay if he isn't traded and plays 3C

[@duncanmac2195]

Its time to rip the C off Tavares and hand it to Mathews. Then just let him focus on his game. He isnt built for that mentally nor his game. The truth is the Leafs havent had a real Captain since Sundin. A capt is more impactful on the game than Tavares is. He will be a 3rd line C next year.

[@user-sn8sw2vi8z]

Matthews is not going anywhere

[@MySundin13]

JT stays.... ship Mitch

[@briandonovan1381]

john tavares: one. ONE. playoff series win in 6 years. The leafs will NEVER win the cup with him. He is cursed.

[@justinriley3447]

Tavares is worst Captain in Leafs history. He is dogshit in playoffs, not a leader, a slow non-factor.....Ship him out

[@whoanelly-]

um did you forget the Phaneuf era? You are out to lunch

[@richardhayling4339]

​@whoanelly- lol I agree phaneuf era was horrible

[@wizzerwiser2056]

@@whoanelly- Yes thanks for reminding us how bad that era was.

[@KevinJL]

None of these core Leafs are winning a Stanley Cup anywhere.

[@dix_neuf]

5:45 my foil hat theory is that he went to the WC to try and get a gold medal that he doesnt have yet. he's got olympic gold, world juniors, canada cup (wch). he wouldnt have gone had he already have gold there. it is nice of him to take his family with him.

[@nvsblty]

pretty reasonable theory, no need for the foil IMO

[@MisterMister5893]

@@nvsblty Nonsense, foil makes the world go around. I like JT, just not at 11M. At 5-6M it would be a steal but that is the NHL we have. You can't pay someone with his pedigree and scoring prowess 5-6M without underpaying him in this league. If Treliving can make him fit in the plans and cap, go for it. There are other fat that can be trimmed.

[@Spike10111]

He had 2 points in 7 games in the playoffs. That's not good enough. Good guy, better teammate, great family man, sure, that's all true, but the Leafs will never win a cup with this guy on the team. He just isn't a playoff performer.

[@sheaandrus-oak6546]

Maner and J.T. need to go. J.T for contract reason's Marner because he's soft and not that guy

[@jarrettsim3670]

I never said Matthews as captain. You need a young leader like KNIES

[@user-fx4qb3tg6n]

Just sell 4 dollar beers and "they" will come

[@BaneOfV]

Im also thoroughly enjoying the exchange of ideas and perspectives in this thread. Tis indeed intellectually stimulating 🫦

[@breezyolive]

And I'm out at Dylan cousins 🫡

[@sals79]

i don't care what tavares and his family wants. his robotic ass hasn't been getting it done in the playoffs. his contract is an albatross on this team. the team has to do what it has to do to WIN!! no. i never wanted tavares.

[@xchemicalorgyx]

First

[@Krokodilius]

why would anyone extend tavares...that's as dumb as trading marner. it's great he feels better beating up jabronis at the candy ass open but no.

[@Krokodilius]

pass.

[@ML-my8qq]

Tavares and Marner are great examples as to why Toronto born players don’t really want to play in Toronto

[@RareMusicLJM]

cause they literally never elevate their play, ever?

[@johnsummerhill8323]

Did they tell you that? Didn't think so.

[@47moochy32]

Nobody wants Tavares in Toronto ffs

[@johnsummerhill8323]

Yes they do.

[@wizzerwiser2056]

They did 6 years ago.

[@patrickhamos2987]

Enjoy Marner this year leafs. He's yours.

[@johnsummerhill8323]

Thank goodness.

[@bradbradbury8561]

Not hard to enjoy your top penalty killing defensive forward who also gets 99pts a year.

[@wizzerwiser2056]

@@bradbradbury8561 Leaf fans forget that. They don't like players with talent. They want meatheads like Max Domi who cheap shot opponents and get suspensions.

[@Emphatic83]

WILL PEOPLE PLEASE SHUT UP ABOUIT TRADING MARNEr

[@47moochy32]

Stop feeling sorry for tavares and get rid of him

[@jonthedawn]

Folks hoping to trade Mitch are fkn crazy imo. Are we even watching the same games?? Lol. Stop being so emotional Leafs fans, ffs.

[@daveallen9921]

Totally agree.

[@bradbradbury8561]

That's not the point, the point is, he's a great player but you can't afford to pay him more than Willie Styles at 11.5m to keep him and fill out the rest of the roster as it should be. More needs to be spent on a top line right shot d man and a goalie just in case Woll gets injured, which is inevitable, and you can't do that with all the cap tied up in four guys up front, it just doesn't work.

[@williamarmour1656]

But PLEASE don't spend 45 minutes talking Leafs Carnival.

[@47moochy32]

Trade nylander, send Tavares to the island and keep Marner

[@briandonovan1381]

WE DON'T NEED HIM!!!! He and his family can rot in leafs hell.

[@sheaandrus-oak6546]