TORONTO June 27, 2025 – Maple Leafs fans will be relieved to learn that Toronto has re-signed veteran centre and former captain John Tavares to a four-year contract extension. The average annual value of the contract is a cap-friendly $4.38 million.
Nicknamed, ‘Johnny Toronto,’ Tavares has more than likely accepted a lower deal to remain wearing the blue and white of his hometown, ahead of testing the waters of free agency, where he could have gone to the highest bidder in a market where highly contributing centres of his calibre are hard to come by.
Tavares, 34, had a terrific season in his contract year, appearing in 75 games with the Maple Leafs last season, recording 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists). The Mississauga, Ontario native has played 1,184 NHL regular-season games with the New York Islanders and Toronto, amassing 1,114 points (494 goals, 620 assists). He has also contributed 53 points (28 goals, 25 assists) in 75 career playoff games.
Internationally, Tavares has represented Canada multiple times, capturing gold at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.
Tavares was initially selected by the New York Islanders in the first round (1st overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft.
by Terry Lankstead with notes from Toronto Maple Leafs
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