Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares announced through his foundation that he will sign a four-year extension ahead of free agency.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston also reports that Tavares’ extension includes a no-movement clause for two seasons, then converts to a five-team no-trade list.

Tavares was a pending unrestricted free agent and a top priority for Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving.

The veteran forward wrote the following via the John Tavares Foundation, on Instagram:

Tavares always maintained that he wanted to remain with the Maple Leafs and the extension will make him one of the longest-tenured players in franchise history. During the opening day of free agency in 2018, Tavares signed a seven-year contract worth $11 million annually with the Maple Leafs, arguably the highest-profile free agency signing of the 21st century for the Maple Leafs.

During his tenure with the club, Tavares spent five seasons as captain, before handing the ‘C’ off to Auston Matthews in August 2024. He’s been a tremendous leader for the Maple Leafs and was the catalyst that started the Core Four era in earnest.

The 34-year-old recorded 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games during the 2024-25 season for the Maple Leafs. Tavares used his power game and hockey intelligence to great effect, while using his size and innate scoring touch in the bumper role on the power play.

“It’s meant everything to me,” Tavares said about playing for the Maple Leafs during the team’s end-of-year media day on May 20. “It was a big decision I made seven years ago, and I’ve loved it and it’s been amazing for myself and my family. So, just accept responsibility, we haven’t been able to come through and play well enough to get to where we want to get to.”

This is a massive win for the Maple Leafs, as Matt Duchene’s four-year deal worth $4.5 million annually with the Dallas Stars was considered the baseline for Tavares’ next contract.