Fans Can’t Contain Their Excitement Over John Tavares’ Four-Year Deal originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
John Tavares is staying home after signing a long-term extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs at a price that caught NHL fans off guard.
On Friday, the Maple Leafs announced a four-year, $17.52 million contract extension for their alternate captain, keeping him in blue and white through 2029.
The deal carries a $4.38 million AAV and includes a full no-move clause for the first two seasons that turns into a modified no-trade clause for the second half of it.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, Tavares could have earned at least $8 million per year elsewhere, but the veteran center opted to remain with his hometown team, most likely, for the remainder of his career.
JOHNNY TORONTO 🔵⚪️
We have re-signed John Tavares to a four-year contract extension pic.twitter.com/iLPhQRto9H
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) June 27, 2025
The 34-year-old posted 38 goals and 36 assists in 75 games last season, making the decision a huge win for the Leafs not only because of the financial terms, but also for the production Tavares is still able to yield.
The reactions to the contract extension announcement on social media were immediate, and it’s fair to say most Leafs fans were ecstatic, full of praise, and grateful for Tavares’s decision.
“Great contract, welcome back!” one fan replied.
“There’s a guy who loves being a Leaf. Model of consistency and took a team friendly deal despite having C taken away from him. Truly Johnny Toronto!” an account acknowledged.
“If anybody needed further proof that Tavares is as pro-Toronto as they come, look no further. This is precisely how you win the hearts of a fanbase. Thank you, John!” another wrote.
“Toronto Hockey Legend made. Thank you John 🏆” another person said.
“Leading by example. My captain 🫡” a fan posted.
“Johnny ‘Hometown discount boy’ Tavares,” one account opined.
“keeping Tavares might be the glue holding everything together,” another user stated.
There’s a guy who loves being a Leaf. Model of consistency and took a team friendly deal despite having C taken away from him. Truly Johnny Toronto!
— 5maninfield (@5maninfield) June 27, 2025
“Johnny T is back baby! Let’s go! 4 more years of John Tavares,” an excited fan posted.
“thank you JT for being the only star to take a discount. a real sign of a leader,” one person acknowledged.
“This is how a true athlete dedicated to his hometown does it: with respect, honour, and integrity. This is how it’s done. Much love to Tavares. I hope all the major corporations in Toronto spoil him filthy with rich endorsements,” another account said.
Related: John Tavares Doesn’t Hesitate When Asked About Future With Maple Leafs
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 28, 2025, where it first appeared.