The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced a four-year contract extension for center John Tavares, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $4.38 million. The move comes as the team looks to stabilize its top-six forward depth and bolster its playoff prospects.
Tavares, 34, had become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 but opted out of exploring his options by taking less to remain with the Leafs. He cited the team’s “amazing club” in a great city, where he grew up, and the opportunity to play for a strong hockey team that can make a real push for the playoffs.
Tavares is coming off one of his most productive regular seasons, collecting 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games. He has been an elite player throughout his career, consistently improving through on-ice work and off-ice recovery. The Leafs are confident that Tavares’ dedication to improvement will continue to make him a valuable asset.
The four-year contract, while potentially long for Tavares’ age, is a calculated risk the Leafs were willing to take given his exceptional performance and commitment to the team. General manager Brad Treliving noted that Tavares’ aging curve is expected to kick in eventually, but he has been able to defy it through dedication to self-care and preparation.
Keeping Tavares in the fold is crucial for the Leafs as they look to build on last season’s success and make a deeper playoff run. The team’s top-six forward depth will be impacted by the upcoming free agency of Mitch Marner, but retaining Tavares as the No. 2 center behind Auston Matthews provides stability.
Tavares himself is confident that the Leafs can get back to winning a championship. He credits first-year head coach Craig Berube for establishing a new mentality that has given them fresh results. With a sense of urgency and determination, Tavares believes that the team is ready to find its way and do something special in Toronto.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/45597294/john-tavares-thrilled-land-4-year-extension-maple-leafs