John Tavares Turns Down Lucrative Offers to Remain Loyal to Maple Leafs
Veteran Captain Reaffirms Commitment to Toronto Amid Free Agency Speculation
Toronto, ON — In a show of unwavering loyalty, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has reportedly turned down multiple high-value contract offers from rival NHL teams to remain with the franchise he has led since 2018.
As the 2025 free agency period approaches, speculation has swirled around the 34-year-old forward, whose seven-year, $77 million contract officially expires on July 1. Several teams were believed to be aggressively pursuing the veteran center, with some rumored to have tabled offers exceeding $10 million annually in both term and incentives.
But according to multiple sources close to the organization, Tavares has informed the Maple Leafs’ front office of his clear desire to stay in Toronto — even if it means taking a pay cut to do so.
“Toronto is home,” Tavares said in a statement released through his agent on Saturday. “I came here to help bring a Stanley Cup to this city, and that mission hasn’t changed. The support from the fans, the passion of this franchise, and the belief I have in this group — all of that outweighs any financial offer from elsewhere.”
The decision comes as a major boost to the Leafs, who are navigating a pivotal offseason with multiple roster decisions looming. Tavares, who posted 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games last season, remains a vital presence on the ice and in the locker room. His leadership has been especially crucial during playoff campaigns, even as Toronto continues to seek its first Stanley Cup since 1967.
Among the reported suitors were the New York Islanders — Tavares’ former team — and the Los Angeles Kings, both of whom were said to be prepared to offer multi-year deals worth over $30 million. However, sources close to the situation say Tavares never seriously entertained the idea of leaving Toronto.
“He appreciated the interest, but he didn’t even let it get to the negotiation stage,” said one executive familiar with the discussions. “This was always about Toronto for him.”
The Leafs are believed to be finalizing a short-term extension with Tavares, potentially a three-year deal in the $6–7 million AAV range. While the financial terms are still being finalized, both parties are expected to announce the extension before the start of free agency.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving praised Tavares for his decision and commitment to the club.
“John’s loyalty speaks volumes about who he is as a player and a person,” Treliving said. “He’s been the heart of this team for years, and we’re thrilled he’ll continue to be a major part of our journey moving forward.”
For fans in Toronto, the decision is both a relief and a rallying point. In a league where big names often chase bigger contracts, Tavares’ commitment is a rare and welcome reminder of old-school devotion.
And for Tavares himself, the motivation remains as strong as ever: “The job’s not done. I still believe this team can do something special — and I want to be here when we do.”