(Top photo of Mitch Marner, William Nylander and John Tavares: Dan Hamilton / Imagn Images) James Mirtle is a senior writer covering the NHL for The Athletic.

As it stands, Tavares owns the 227th-ranked cap hit in the league next season and sixth highest among Leafs — trailing Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev.