Maple Leafs, Tavares agree to 4-year contract with $4.38M AAV

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is staying home.
On Friday, the Leafs and the veteran center agreed to a new four-year contract carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.38 million — a team-friendly deal that ensures the 34-year-old remains a key piece of Toronto’s core through the twilight of his career.

"Coming to Toronto seven years ago has been better than I ever anticipated," Tavares shared on Instagram. "The challenge of helping bring the Cup back to Leafs Nation is an incredible opportunity. I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committed to four more years!"

Tavares contract:

Year 1, $1M base salary, $4.5M signing bonus
Year 2, $1M base salary, $4M signing bonus
Year 3, $3.7M salary salary
Year 4, $1.8M base salary
Plus $2M signing bonus deferred payment payable 5 years after the end of the contract.
The deferred payment part lowers…

After posting 38 goals and 36 assists in 2024-25, Tavares proved he still has plenty to offer, even in his mid-thirties. His new deal comes after completing his seven-year, $77 million contract signed back in 2018.

By lowering his cap hit from $11 million to $4.38 million, Tavares gives Toronto much-needed flexibility heading into free agency and beyond — a move that reflects his commitment to winning a Stanley Cup in his hometown.

#JohnTavares #LeafsForever #MapleLeafs #NHLNews #NHLFreeAgency #HockeyContracts #LeafsNation #TorontoMapleLeafs #TavaresExtension #ThinkLikeAGM