The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the future of veteran forward John Tavares, signing him to a four-year contract extension worth \$17.52 million.
The deal, finalized on June 27, 2025, carries an average annual value of \$4.38 million, a significant reduction from his previous \$11 million per year contract.
Tavares, 34, completed his seventh season with the Maple Leafs in 2024–25, delivering one of his most productive campaigns. He recorded 38 goals and 36 assists for 74 points in 75 games, marking the second-highest goal total of his career. In the playoffs, he contributed 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) in 13 games.
Originally drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, Tavares joined the Maple Leafs in 2018 on a seven-year, \$77 million contract. Over his 16-season NHL career, he has amassed 1,114 points (494 goals, 620 assists) in 1,184 games. His leadership was instrumental in the Leafs’ success, including a five-season tenure as team captain before stepping down in 2024.
In a statement, Tavares expressed his enthusiasm for the extension, stating, “Coming to Toronto seven years ago has been better than I ever anticipated… 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 decision to accept a lower salary reflects Tavares’s commitment to the team and his desire to remain in his hometown. General Manager Brad Treliving acknowledged Tavares’s willingness to take less money to stay, emphasizing his dedication to the team’s success.
This extension ensures that Tavares will continue to play a pivotal role in the Leafs’ pursuit of a Stanley Cup. His leadership and consistent performance make him a cornerstone of the team’s core, alongside Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Morgan Rielly, all of whom are under contract through the 2027–28 season.
With Tavares’s future secured, the Maple Leafs can now focus on other offseason priorities, including potential contract negotiations with forward Matthew Knies. However, the looming free agency of star winger Mitch Marner adds an element of uncertainty to the team’s roster plans.
In summary, John Tavares’s four-year extension represents a blend of loyalty and strategic planning, reinforcing the Maple Leafs’ commitment to building a competitive and cohesive team for the upcoming seasons.