Kim Klement-Imagn Images

John Tavares Makes Obvious Admission About Maple Leafs Extension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 7:08 AM ET

John Tavares will play for the Toronto Maple Leafs through the 2028–29 season, and according to the captain himself, the financial terms he agreed to weren’t the most lucrative offered to him.

Tavares officially announced his four-year, $17.52 million extension on Friday. The deal includes a full no-move clause through June 2027 and a modified, five-team no-trade clause active for the final two seasons of the contract.

The 34-year-old forward made the reveal via his foundation’s Instagram account.

“Coming to Toronto 7 years ago has been better than I ever anticipated," Tavares wrote. "I’m thrilled to announce that I’m committed to four more years! My family and I are excited to continue our journey here in Toronto.”

John Tavares says he feels happy and relieved to get the deal done after a couple weeks of negotiating: "I get to do what I love, what I've been doing since I was a kid. And even though I obviously left some money out there, I've done pretty well. I'm still doing pretty well."
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) June 27, 2025

During a Zoom call with reporters after the extension became official, Tavares admitted he could have earned significantly more on the open market.

“Even though I left some money out there, I’ve done pretty well,” Tavares said. “I’m still doing pretty well, and I get to play for an amazing club and a great city, a place where I’m from, and a team that’s got a real opportunity to win.”

According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, one offer topped out at two years and $16 million. Still, Tavares made it clear money wasn’t the deciding factor.

Meanwhile, general manager Brad Treliving praised Tavares for setting the tone in negotiations.

"We would all agree there was going to be an opportunity to make a lot more money elsewhere," Treliving said. "His focus was on staying here. His work, his commitment, and his desire steered the process on this negotiation."

"Full marks and credit to John and his representatives, and on our side, Brandon Pridham. It was a team effort, and it was led by John."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: