John Tavares signed a four-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs reportedly worth $4.38 million and all parties couldn’t be happier with free agency looming.

Tavares was a pending unrestricted free agent but signed an extension that constitutes a massive team-friendly deal for the Maple Leafs. The 34-year-old stated several times that he wanted to remain with the Maple Leafs and told reporters Thursday that he left more money on the table to remain with the team, while stating that he never considered other options.

Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving raved about Tavares’ character during Friday’s media availability.

“It’s a really good day. I want to start by giving a lot of credit, first and foremost to John,” Treliving said. “We talked at the end of the year (about) John’s desire and want to be here, and to win here. I think his commitment was illustrated by what he did here. There was an opportunity for John to make a lot more money elsewhere. His focus was staying here. His work and his commitment and his desire steered the process in this negotiation. Full marks and full credit to John and his representatives.”

Treliving spoke about Tavares’ point production (38 goals, 74 points) during the 2024-25 campaign and believes he’ll be continue to defy the age curve in large part due to his preparation.

“I don’t think there’s been a more committed athlete that I’ve been around in terms of his preparation. How he looks after himself, the work he puts in, he’s second to none that way. I look at John maintaining his level. Father Time is undefeated but I know we’re going to have a real good player and we expect to have a really good player for the foreseeable future and the credit goes to John, how he prepares and looks after himself.”

Tavares will remain as the Maple Leafs’ second-line centre, while the team will have ample cap space to add depth pieces around Auston Matthews and William Nylander. Toronto will largely return the same defence corps and goaltending tandem entering the 2025-26 season barring a seismic change this summer.

It’s clear that loyalty is part of Tavares’ DNA and character and signing an extension well below market value will endear him to Maple Leafs fans forever. He’s also secured a permanent vote of confidence from his general manager and Tavares will be remembered as one of the great players in franchise history when his contract expires.