Five years ago to the week, the Toronto Maple Leafs made one of the most iconic free agent signings in NHL history.
On July 1st, 2018, John Tavares signed a 7-year, $11 million AAV contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
This was a massive move made by the Leafs, as they were an up-and-coming team with a very young core led by Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.
Tavares was 27 at the time of this deal, and at the peak of his prime, but how has he done since?
Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares’ Contract 5 Years Later
It’s safe to say Johnny T has done just fine.
In his 5 years with the Leafs, he has played 360 games and scored 155 goals with 354 points in total. (stats: nhl.com)
In these years, his 155 goals rank him 17th in the entire NHL, and his 354 points rank him 24th. (stats: statmuse.com)
The Leafs signed a star, and he has sure played like a star. Tavares has continued to produce at a very strong level, including this past season, where despite being 32 years old, he still scored 36 goals and 80 points in 80 games.
On top of this, Tavares has been captain of the Leafs since the start of the 2019-20 season. He has been a great leader for the team, including leading the charge in their first playoff series win in 19 years when they beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2023.
Oh, and Tavares scored the series winner in OT, now that’s a leader.
In more recent years, some have suggested he be replaced as captain by either Auston Matthews or Morgan Rielly, who are both good choices. Regardless of what they decide to do regarding the captaincy, Tavares has done a great job leading this Leafs team.
However, is Tavares still worth his $11 million AAV?
In short, not really. But the contract isn’t bad by any means.
Currently, Tavares is the 7th-highest-paid player in the NHL, and it’s safe to say he’s no longer a top-10, or even top-20 player in the NHL anymore.
When the Leafs acquired Tavares, he was arguably one of the 10 best players in the entire NHL, and even though he is no longer at that level, he is still an elite first-line player that any team would want.
When Tavares came to his hometown team, his goal was to lead the Leafs to a cup, and even though he hasn’t done that yet, he has been an elite player for the past 5 years and will continue to be an integral part of this team until he leaves.
If the Leafs do win a cup with Tavares on the roster, it’s a safe bet to say he’ll be a huge part of it.
It’s been a great 5 years so far Johnny T, thanks for the series winner.
Now let’s go win a Cup.