John Tavares gave up millions to stay with Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs will be saving a few dollars this upcoming season.
After signing one of the biggest free agent deals in NHL history back in 2018 with the Leafs, John Tavares accepted a more modest salary this go-around.
Signing in 2018 on a seven-year deal worth US$11 million per season, Tavares’ new contract carries a US$4.38 million cap hit over four years.
And Tavares believes he would’ve picked up a much larger deal had he opted for the open market for the second time in his career.
“Even though I obviously left some money out there, I’ve done pretty well, I’m still doing pretty well and I get to play for an amazing club in a great city — a place where I’m from and a team that’s got a real opportunity to win,” Tavares said today in a virtual press conference with the media. “I wanted to make it work and find a way to make a deal that was very good for both sides.”
Toronto’s front office appears to feel the same way.
“We would all agree there was going to be an opportunity for John to make a lot more money elsewhere, and his focus was staying here,” Toronto general manager Brad Treliving added. “His work and his commitment and his desire, it sort of steered the process on this negotiation, so full marks and full credit to John.”
Tavares, much like Auston Matthews did two years ago, actually broke the news of his own contract via a letter to Leafs fans.
“Coming to Toronto seven years ago has been better than I ever anticipated,” Tavares wrote. “The challenge of helping bring the Cup back to the many generations of Leafs Fans and Leafs Nation is an incredible opportunity that pushes myself and my teammates every day. TO is an incredible place to play, and it’s an honour to pull on the Maple Leaf and wear the blue and white.