John Tavares could flee Toronto following CRA legal dispute

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Axel Williams
September 9, 2024 (11:32)

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John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs is currently in the midst of a legal dispute with none other than the Canada Revenue Agency.

Overall, Tavares is upset due to the fact that the CRA is coming after him with a pretty hefty tax bill. When Tavares signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs a few years ago, he received a $15 million bonus. However, instead of being taxed like a bonus, the money was taxed as income which means Tavares owes $8 million.

He does not want to pay this amount and is doing anything he can to avoid it at all costs. However, according to some insiders, they believe the wording of Tavares' Maple Leafs contract is what has done him in. As a result, it is predicted that he will lose. Although there are no guarantees right now.

Now, a new piece of Editor In Leaf is suggesting that Tavares' next contract could hinge on the CRA case. If he loses, then he may ultimately be discouraged from ever signing another contract in Canada. Only time will tell if this is the case.

"If the next ruling comes down against him, which it most certainly will, Tavares could be discouraged to re-sign in Toronto. He may opt to sign with an American team, preferably one in Florida, where the tax rate is much lower [...]

If and when the hammer comes down on Tavares, Canadian NHL teams' lawyers will need to work over time in order to ensure that future contracts eliminate the possibility of issues such as the one Tavares currently faces."

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Source: Editor In Leaf
Legal case could decide John Tavares' future with the Toronto Maple Leafs