John Tavares is sticking with the Maple Leafs.
Toronto introduced a four-year contract extension for Tavares on Friday, carrying an AAV of $4.38 million. Tavares was set to change into an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
He subsequently launched a press release by his basis’s social media channels confirming the brand new deal.
“Coming to Toronto 7 years in the past has been higher than I ever anticipated,” stated the Instagram put up. “The problem of serving to carry the Cup again to the various generations of Leafs Followers and Leafs Nation is an unimaginable alternative that pushes myself and my teammates on a regular basis [sic]. TO is an unimaginable place to play and it is an honour to drag on the Maple Leaf and put on the blue and white. I am thrilled to announce that I am dedicated to 4 extra years! My household and I are excited to proceed our journey right here in Toronto. The most effective is but to come back!”
The middle is coming off one in all his most efficient common seasons, gathering 38 objectives and 74 factors in 75 video games. It was the second time in three years Tavares had eclipsed the 30-goal mark.
Tavares, 34, initially signed with the Leafs as a free agent on July 1, 2018. He captained the staff from 2019 to 2024, when he ceded the function to Auston Matthews.
A local of the Toronto space, Tavares has put down roots along with his younger household there and had made clear all through the previous season he had no need to play elsewhere however wished a good deal when it comes to each time period and cash. In the end Tavares took lower than he might have negotiated on the open market to remain in Toronto.
Holding Tavares within the fold was a key merchandise on the Leafs’ offseason to-do listing. Toronto is unlikely to re-sign pending UFA Mitch Marner to a contract extension, which can influence their high six ahead depth. Retaining Tavares as their quantity two middle behind Matthews will assist stabilize the Leafs up entrance.
There are a restricted variety of facilities obtainable on expiring offers now that Tavares is off the board. Sam Bennett, Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter and Claude Giroux stay among the increased profile names with out new contracts.
NHL free company formally opens at midday on Tuesday.
