John Tavares Stays with Maple Leafs

This time, John Tavares isn’t going anywhere.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the veteran center with a four-year contract extension, averaging around $4.38 million per year.

“I’m thrilled to share that I’m committing for four more years!” Tavares posted on Instagram. “My family and I are excited to continue this journey in Toronto. The best is yet to come!”

The 34-year-old, originally from Mississauga, Ontario, spent nine seasons with the New York Islanders, who drafted him in 2009. He returned home in 2018, signing a seven-year, $77 million deal as a free agent.

Tavares consistently scored at least 24 goals every season, notching 47 in his debut season with the Maple Leafs.

“We certainly left some money on the table,” Tavares remarked on a media call. “But I’m still doing well. I have the chance to play in an amazing city, for a great club, with a real opportunity to win. The team is strong, and there’s a lot of conviction here.”

Since he joined, Toronto has become one of the most formidable teams in the NHL, yet they still face a 57-year drought for the Stanley Cup.

“It’s getting tougher,” Tavares lamented about the Leafs’ struggles in the playoffs. “My runway is getting shorter. My faith in my abilities is stronger than ever, but let’s be realistic—I’m not in the early stages of my career anymore; I’m on the back nine. Opportunities for players in my position are dwindling. It’s getting harder when you realize so many chances have come and gone.”

Tavares’ extension keeps a significant part of the Maple Leafs’ core intact, even as questions linger about the future of fellow star Mitch Marner.