John Tavares is returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The club announced a new four-year contract extension for the 34-year-old forward worth what many would consider a team-friendly $4.38 million in average annual value.
Tavares scored 38 goals last season with Toronto and just finished up a seven-year contract that paid him an average of $11 million per season. It was believed that the veteran could have fetched a lot more on the open market, but he made it clear he wanted to remain in Toronto.
During his medial availability on Thursday, Leafs GM Brad Treliving expressed optimism that a deal between the Leafs and Tavares would have "a good outcome."
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Says John Tavares Negotiations Will Have 'A Good Outcome' Unless Proven Otherwise
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving sounded rather optimistic about the prospect of having John Tavares return next season. The 34-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 but has expressed a desire to return. That feeling is mutual, despite reports that suggested <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-and-john-tavares-reportedly-not-close-on-extension">some distance</a> between the two sides during negotiations.
Tavares has played 1,184 NHL regular-season games with the New York Islanders and Maple Leafs where he has scored 494 goals and 620 assists. He has 53 points (28 goals, 25 assists) in 75 career playoff games. The player took to Instagram following the announcement of the signing.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Tavares' contract includes $2 million in deferred money that brought the AAV down from $4.5 million to $4.38 million. He has a full no-movement clause in the first two years of the contract. It changes to a modified no-trade five-team list in years three and four.
Deferred payment contracts will no longer be allowed in the new CBA which kicks in after next season.
"Coming to Toronto 7 years ago has been better than I ever anticipated. The challenge of helping bring the Cup back to the many generations of Leafs Fans and Leafs Nation is an incredible opportunity that pushes myself and my teammates everyday. TO is an incredible place to play and it’s an honour to pull on the Maple Leaf and wear the blue and white.I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committed to four more years! My family and I are excited to continue our journey here in Toronto. The best is yet to come!" he wrote.
With Tavares in the fold, the Leafs will not have to find a replacement for their center. However, the veteran could see his role move to a third-line role over time, or perhaps be moved to the wing, not unlike the time he pivoted to that position in certain situations in 2023 when Toronto acquired veteran center Ryan O'Reilly.
Report: Maple Leafs, John Tavares And Matthew Knies Making Progress On Contract Extensions
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly grinding away with <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/can-matt-duchene-s-extension-offer-clues-for-john-tavares-next-contract-with-the-maple-leafs">John Tavares</a> and <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/what-s-the-ideal-contract-for-matthew-knies-and-the-maple-leafs">Matthew Knies</a>' camps to get contracts signed before July 1.
Maple Leafs cap situation following Tavares deal.
With Tavares signed, the Leafs have $21,329,001 in salary cap space, per Puckpedia.com. The focus shifts to trying to re-sign pending restricted free agent Matthew Knies, who is due for a significant raise from his entry-level contract that expires on July 1.
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Unless the Toronto Maple Leafs attempt to trade up in the NHL Draft, their first selection <a href="https://puckpedia.com/draft">pegged on their draft board</a> will be at 64th, and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving Will 'Not Operate In Fear' Of Offer Sheet Possibility To RFA Matthew Knies
Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving anticipated the question and preemptively addressed whether he was concerned about restricted free agent Matthew Knies signing an offer sheet.
'The Puzzle Has Got To Come Into Play': Maple Leafs Not Rushing Contracts Of RFAs Nick Robertson And Pontus Holmberg
While the talk of the town might be whether <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/maple-leafs-gm-brad-treliving-says-john-tavares-negotiations-will-have-a-good-outcome-unless-proven-otherwise">the Toronto Maple Leafs can sign John Tavares</a> before July 1 rolls around, you cannot forget about their younger restricted free agents.