As the Toronto Maple Leafs clean their lockers out following another disappointing end to their season, many wonder what’s next for some of the “Core Four.”

One of those players is centre John Tavares. The Toronto native has been with the team since signing as a free agent in 2018 and has unquestionably been one of the Maple Leafs’ leaders, serving as captain for five seasons before the ‘C’ was handed over to Auston Matthews. However, after the team was eliminated by the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of the Atlantic Division Final, some are wondering if that was Tavares’ last game for his hometown team.

The pending unrestricted free agent was asked about his future with the club during the team’s end-of-season media availability on Tuesday. Tavares mentioned that talks with general manager Brad Treliving and head coach Craig Berube have been good, but it’s too early for anything to be set in stone.

“There’s still [some] decisions to be made,” Tavares said. “I had some positive conversations with [Treliving] and [Berube] today, and I’m very optimistic that it can work out where I’m back.”

The 34-year-old is at the end of the seven-year contract he signed while Kyle Dubas was the general manager. That deal had a cap hit of $11 million. While few suspect that Tavares will get that sort of money in his next contract, there’s growing suspicion that he might be offered more on the market than he would by the Leafs.

However, after Sunday’s loss, Tavares made his intentions known that he wanted to stay in Toronto. He reiterated on Tuesday what it would mean to bring a championship to the city.

“It’s an incredible place to play. Incredible fanbase. I love this team and so badly want to see it win. When it happens here again, it’s going to be something pretty remarkable, and you want to be a part of that.”

The Leafs’ loss to the Panthers marked the 12th straight playoff appearance that the team failed to advance beyond the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the seventh time while Tavares has been with the Original Six franchise. The team was unceremoniously booed on their way to its second defeat by a 6-1 score. Tavares was asked on Tuesday about his thoughts on fans’ reactions to the Leafs being embarrassed on home ice.

“There’s an incredible following and incredible passion [for the team],” Tavares said. “The history around it and why it’s so special to play here. You feel that on a daily basis. You recognize it, and that’s what makes it great.”

Tavares also addressed how high the stakes are when playing in the hockey mecca of the world.

“There’s pressure everywhere. Certainly, there’s a lot of noise playing in Toronto, but that can’t outweigh the pleasure, the privilege and opportunity that it brings. Obviously, doing everything you need to do to deal with that on a daily basis and focus on the group in here, going out there and playing.”

Tavares was asked about how his future decision is impacted by his family.

“Everything comes into it,” Tavares answered. “You want to make something work and you try to find what works on both sides – What’s fair for myself, for my family, and for the team and the club. That’s my desire, is to stay.”