John Tavares Signs Four-Year Contract Extension in Toronto

John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo via Sportsnet

Toronto Maple Leafs forward signed a four-year contract extension worth $4.38 million annually and $17.52 million total.

Tavares made the announcement today through his foundation’s Instagram account that he’d be staying in Toronto for four more years. The contract includes a full no-movement clause for the first two seasons and a five-team trade list in

The contract breaks down to have a $1 million salary with a $4 million signing bonus in years one and two, a $3.75 million salary in year three, and a $1.8 million salary with $2 million deferred in year four.

The Leafs signed Tavares to a seven-year contract worth $11 million annually in the 2018 NHL Offseason. Tavares has produced at a point-per-game pace since being signed, and it’s unlikely his production will take a dip.

The former first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft will look to push Toronto to the Stanley Cup Playoffs yet again, and take them even further in the 2026 postseason.

The 34-year-old, Mississauga, Ontario-born player has posted 1,114 points (494G, 620A) in 1184 career NHL games. He’s added 53 points (28G, 25A) in 75 career NHL postseason contests.

The reports from notable insiders like Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston reported that Tavares would likely be able to get $8 million on the open market. This contract cuts his cap hit by well over 50% and is considered another hometown discount.

Tavares’ re-signing takes one of the biggest free agents off the board that would’ve had many teams calling. Free agency opens on July 1st at 11 pm CST.

ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again Inside The Rink

Join Chris and Conrad as they break down the Florida Panthers winning back-to-back Stanley Cups, Trevor Zegras traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, the AHL Calder Cup winning Abbotsford Canucks, and the upcoming 2025 NHL Draft!
  1. ITR 44: We Have A Champion…Again
  2. ITR 43: It's Winning Time
  3. ITR 42: Ripe For Repeat?
  4. ITR 41: Stanley Cup Final – The Rematch
  5. ITR 40: Headed For A Repeat?

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Conrad Jack

Conrad Jack is a Manitoba based sportswriter covering the Winnipeg Jets (NHL) and the Manitoba Moose (AHL). He also covers the NHL Draft and World Junior Championship for ITR. He writes the Bargain Bin blog which covers NHL News & Rumours.

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