One of the NHL’s most respected and versatile veterans gave his hometown team a discount, a couple of younger stars secured long-term deals, and trade activity picked up Friday across the league.
John Tavares signed a four-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs worth $17.55 million, significantly less than his previous $11 million annual salary. His new cap hit will be $4.39 million through the 2028–29 season. A point-per-game player at age 34, Tavares said staying in Toronto — the city he grew up in — was always the plan.
“I left some money on the table, but I’ve done well, I’m still doing well, and I get to play for a great team in my hometown,” Tavares told reporters. “I wanted a deal that worked well for both sides.”
Meanwhile, Brock Nelson — a fellow center and just under a year younger than Tavares — re-signed with the Colorado Avalanche for $7.5 million per year over three seasons. Nelson was acquired at the trade deadline from the Islanders.
Toronto GM Brad Treliving praised Tavares for prioritizing staying with the Leafs. “John could’ve earned more elsewhere, but his commitment to staying here really shaped the negotiation,” Treliving said.
Florida also made headlines by keeping a key piece of its back-to-back championship runs. The Panthers locked up playoff standout Sam Bennett, the reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner, with an eight-year, $64 million extension.
Trade Action
The Avalanche remained busy by trading forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for a third-round pick in 2024, a conditional second-rounder in 2027, and prospect Gavin Brindley. Columbus bulked up its forward group after failing to land Noah Dobson from the Islanders.
“Charlie adds size and versatility, while Miles brings elite speed and energy,” said Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. “Both are high-character guys who’ll fit in well with what we’re building.”
Dobson instead was dealt to the Montreal Canadiens in a sign-and-trade. Montreal gave up the 16th and 17th picks in the draft plus forward Emil Heineman. Dobson signed an eight-year, $76 million deal, averaging a $9.5 million cap hit.
“It was a no-brainer,” Dobson said. “Montreal is the best hockey market in the world. I love playing at the Bell Centre, and I’m excited to join the group they’re building.”
Edmonton’s Moves
Out west, the Edmonton Oilers inked winger Trent Frederic to an eight-year, $30.8 million deal after acquiring him from Boston at the deadline. Frederic had three points and played around 11 minutes a game during Edmonton’s run to the Final.
“I get better every year,” said Frederic, who turns 28 next season. “My best hockey is still ahead of me.”
GM Stan Bowman made room for Frederic’s $3.85 million cap hit while preparing for big contracts coming up, including Evan Bouchard’s next deal and the start of Leon Draisaitl’s $112 million contract. Edmonton also has its sights on extending Connor McDavid, though those talks can’t begin until July 1 and are expected to take time.
Marner on the Move
While McDavid appears likely to stay in Edmonton, Toronto is preparing for life without Mitch Marner. The 2015 fourth overall pick is expected to test free agency next week.
“It’s tough to think about losing a player like Mitchy,” said Tavares. “If he does leave, we’re losing someone who brings so much on and off the ice.”
Other Signings
Elsewhere, the Buffalo Sabres signed RFA forward Jack Quinn to a two-year, $6.75 million deal. The 2020 eighth overall pick has tallied 97 points in 178 games. The Detroit Red Wings re-signed defenseman William Lagesson to a two-year deal worth the league minimum — $775,000 per season at the NHL level.
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