John Tavares' Contract Breakdown Proves Just How Much He Did the Toronto Maple Leafs a Favor
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares just signed a contract extension with the franchise, and when you dig into the details, you realize he did the team a favor.
John Tavares and the Leafs had been negotiating a contract extension for a few weeks, and while they seemed to be far apart, things have since settled down.
According to reports, the former captain signed on for another four more years with the team at an AAV of $4.38 million per season, which is a huge pay cut.
However, Tavares wanted to stay in Toronto, and the Leafs wanted him to accept a team-friendly deal that would give them the flexibility to go out and sign big-name free agents.
John Tavares contract extension breakdown
In a new contract breakdown from Pierre LeBrun, we got to see the genius of Brad Treliving, who really delivered a masterclass with this negotiation.
Essentially, Tavares is taking millions of dollars in signing bonuses and deferred money, which will help the Leafs when it comes to the salary cap.
Year 1, $1M base salary, $4.5M signing bonus
Year 2, $1M base salary, $4M signing bonus
Year 3, $3.7M salary salary
Year 4, $1.8M base salary
Plus $2M signing bonus deferred payment payable 5 years after the end of the contract.
The deferred payment part lowers the cap hit from $4.5M to $4.38M
Full NMC in Years 1-2
Modified NTC, 5-team list, in Years 3-4
Year 2, $1M base salary, $4M signing bonus
Year 3, $3.7M salary salary
Year 4, $1.8M base salary
Plus $2M signing bonus deferred payment payable 5 years after the end of the contract.
The deferred payment part lowers the cap hit from $4.5M to $4.38M
Full NMC in Years 1-2
Modified NTC, 5-team list, in Years 3-4
You have to hand it to Tavares for taking a deal like this despite scoring 38 goals last season. He could have easily told Brad Treliving to kick rocks, but instead, he helped the team out.
Now, the Leafs need to take advantage of the cap space and go out and acquire some big-name players.
If they don't do that, then some fans will feel as though there was a wasted opportunity here, especially as it pertains to the Tavares deal.
Overall, the Leafs are in a great position right now, and with the NHL Draft going down tonight, there is a lot to be excited about.
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