Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander talked about his teammate and captain, John Tavares. Tavares was painted as a key member of the locker room, the heart of the team, by Nylander, in comments on his decision to remain with Toronto at a significantly reduced wage. This choice shows the commitment of John Tavares to the club and its ambitions to bring home a Stanley Cup, the championship that the Toronto team has not won since 1967.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares accepts humungous pay cut
On June 27, 2025, John Tavares signed a four-year extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs for $17.55 million, which gives him an AAV of just $4.39 million. This is a huge cut nearly 60% less than his last AAV of $11 million creating important cap space for the team to go after more players.The deal was revealed during talks of mutual interest between Tavares and the Leafs, with insiders mentioning that Tavares opted to forgo some money to help the team strengthen its roster.Tavares himself explained his reasoning in a press conference shortly after the signing, emphasizing his love for the city and the team. “This is where I want to be. I’ve always dreamed of winning here, and I’m committed to doing whatever it takes,” Tavares shared his thoughts with reporters at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.The contract has performance bonuses and a no-movement clause, making sure Tavares is part of the lineup until he’s 38. General manager Brad Treliving praised this move as a “selfless act” that shows a transition to a more balanced roster, potentially allowing the Leafs to improve their defense and goaltending.The 2024-25 season was the one to show that Tavares has plenty to offer as he scored 38 goals and made 74 points in 75 regular-season games. He also found seven points in the 13 playoff games, which is evidence of his ability to perform in high-stress situations even though the team did not last long.
William Nylander calls John Tavares the true leader of the Toronto Maple Leafs
William Nylander openly expressed his admiration for Tavares’ choice. In a recent interview on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio, Nylander noted that Tavares’ decision to take a pay cut showcases genuine leadership and dedication to the team.“He’s been an incredible leader for me, and I’ve learned a lot from him both on and off the ice,” Nylander told the hosts of SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. “He’s been great for the team and showed his commitment to wanting to wake up in Toronto. I think everybody on the team appreciates that a lot, that shows leadership for sure.”Also Read: NHL insiders predict Jack Eichel’s next Golden Knights contract could be the most lucrative deal in league historyTavares taking a pay cut might really shake things up. With extra cap space, the Leafs have strengthened their defense and brought in some experienced players, making them serious contenders in the Atlantic Division. Nylander’s support for Tavares as a leader highlights that the team’s spirit is alive and well, even as they work towards redemption.
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