John Tavares has officially committed his future to the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a four-year contract extension with the team. The announcement, made by the Maple Leafs on Friday, June 27, 2025, secures the veteran forward's presence in Toronto through the 2028-29 season. The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $4.38 million, a figure widely considered team-friendly given Tavares' contributions and leadership.

Tavares, 34, is coming off a productive season where he tallied 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 regular-season games. He also contributed 7 points (5 goals, 2 assists) in 13 playoff games. Over his seven seasons with the Maple Leafs, since joining as a free agent in 2018, Tavares has amassed 493 points (222 goals, 271 assists) in 515 regular-season games. His playoff record with the team stands at 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) in 51 games.

This new contract represents a significant pay cut for Tavares, whose previous seven-year deal carried an $11 million AAV. This willingness to accept less money underscores his desire to remain in Toronto and continue his pursuit of bringing a Stanley Cup to the city.

The contract includes a no-movement clause (NMC) for the first two seasons, providing Tavares with security and control over his future. In the final two years, the NMC converts to a five-team trade list, offering some flexibility for both the player and the organization. Additionally, the contract includes $2 million in deferred compensation, a mechanism that will be outlawed in the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) starting in 2026-27.

With Tavares's contract settled, the Maple Leafs have approximately $21.3 million in salary cap space, according to Puckpedia.com. This provides them with some flexibility to address other roster needs, with re-signing restricted free agent Matthew Knies as a key priority.

Tavares' decision to stay in Toronto is not just about hockey; it's also about family and community. A native of Mississauga, Ontario, he has embraced the city and its passionate fanbase. His commitment to the Maple Leafs is evident in his words: "Coming to Toronto 7 years ago has been better than I ever anticipated...TO is an incredible place to play and it's an honor to pull on the Maple Leaf and wear the blue and white.”

Throughout his NHL career, split between the New York Islanders and the Maple Leafs, Tavares has played 1,184 regular-season games, accumulating 1,114 points (494 goals, 620 assists). He was the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Islanders. Internationally, Tavares has represented Canada multiple times, winning gold at the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.