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Maple Leafs fans celebrate John Tavares’ team-first legacy after signing extension

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Michael Mazzei | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares signed a four-year extension that carries an AAV of $4.38 million with his hometown team on Friday.

While many insiders were anticipating that something would eventually get done, there were some hiccups along the way that relate to term and capital which delayed the signing up to the NHL Draft. But it was clear that Tavares was eager to stay on, even accepting a deal where he left money on the table to get it done.

In the wake of the signing, we asked you on social media about your thoughts on the Tavares extension, and we got hundreds of responses across all of our platforms. Here are some of the highlights about what Leafs Nation thinks about the alternate captain getting re-upped by the Leafs.

Solidifies a "team" first legacy for Tavares, perfect 2C for next year that becomes a 3C when the next guy gets signed as a UFA in '26. Awesome

— Andy's Bath, Gates & BBQs (@andysbathgatesbbqs.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T17:10:43.238Z

The consensus among fans was that they were pleased to see this deal get done, but especially because of the fact that Tavares was willing to accept a discount to make it a reality. It is reasonable to suggest that he will age gracefully with this contract, which shouldn’t be a huge detriment to their spending down the line.

Unbelievable steal of a contract and a huge discount. This really, REALLY opens the door for a big upgrade at 2C, and he could be our Lundell for the duration of this contract. You need elite 3Cs, and this contract ensures he can be that.

— Aksis_21 (@aksis_21) June 27, 2025

Rumours were suggesting he could have made north of $7 million on the open market and get a deal similar to what Brock Nelson signed with the Colorado Avalanche. Some felt Tavares would have been happy to take a deal with the Leafs that got him around $5 million, so the factit came in less than that is a win.

Great value. Keeps 2C from being a gaping expensive hole to fill. The answers are not in UFA land…this year, at least.

— Timbo T Baggins (@ohheytimbo.bsky.social) 2025-06-27T17:08:25.942Z

The fact that Tavares was willing to work with the team to sign with a number that both sides can be happy with is a testament to his team-first mentality that he has always had. This further cements the fact that he will be fondly remembered long after his playing days are over, regardless of whether or not the Leafs win the Stanley Cup.

What a captain. Even without the “C”

— Kirk (@Kirkyboy_1979) June 27, 2025

Tavares has proven time and time again that he is a leader willing to do what it takes to win. By accepting a discount, he is opening up room for GM Brad Treliving some room to bring in some reinforcements while inspiring his teammates to do the same.

John is forever above reproach in this market. Ok now announce Knies, lets get some cost certainty up in this before Tuesday.

— BarScourge Radahn (@RealHubHockey) June 27, 2025

Now that Tavares’ contract has been sorted out, the next order of business will be to get a deal done with Matthew Knies, and it sounds like things are trending in the right direction on that front. After that, they will decide what to do with Mitch Marner and who knows what else they have in store for the days ahead!

We want to hear from you: what are your thoughts on the John Tavares extension?