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Maple Leafs GM's First Words After John Tavares Contract Extension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 6:46 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs will enjoy four more years of former team captain John Tavares, and general manager Brad Treliving made clear that the extension came together only because the player was determined to stay.

Tavares announced his new four-year, $17.52 million contract extension on Friday through an Instagram post on his foundation's account.

Hours later, Tavares and Treliving held a virtual press conference on Zoom, and the Leafs GM praised the player for making financial sacrifices to remain in his hometown.

“It’s a really good day,” Treliving said. “I want to give a lot of credit, first and foremost, to John. His commitment was illustrated by what he did here. There was an opportunity for John to make a lot more elsewhere."

"Full marks, full credit to John.”

Brad Treliving on John Tavares' contract: It's a really good day. I want to give a lot of credit, first and foremost to John. His commitment was illustrated by what he did here. There was an opportunity for John to make a lot more elsewhere. Full marks, full credit to John.
— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) June 27, 2025

Tavares, who grew up in nearby Mississauga, had reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams.

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, at least one team offered Tavares a two-year, $16 million deal with an annual cap hit of $8 million.

Instead, the 34-year-old signed at a cap hit of $4.38 million, well below market value considering his 74-point season through 75 regular-season games last year.

“We would all agree that there was going to be an opportunity for John to make a lot more money elsewhere, and his focus was staying here,” Treliving said. “So his work and his commitment and his desire sort of steered the process on this negotiation.”

Tavares will turn 35 in September and won’t reach free agency again until 2030. The new contract also includes a full no-move clause for the first two seasons and a five-team trade list after that, making it a near lock for the veteran forward to retire wearing the blue and white sweater.

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

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