Veteran Tavares Re‑signs Cheap, Trade Waves Hit NHL \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ John Tavares accepted a hometown discount—four years at $4.39M cap hit—to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Brock Nelson and Sam Bennett also finalized deals, while Coyle and Wood were traded to Columbus. Edmonton secured Trent Frederic, setting the stage for Connor McDavid’s looming extension.
Quick Looks
- John Tavares, at 34, re-signs in Toronto for four years, $17.55M total.
- Brock Nelson inks a three-year, $22.5M deal to stay with Colorado.
- Sam Bennett stays in Florida on an eight-year, $64M contract.
- Colorado trades Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood for draft picks and prospect.
- Edmonton signs Trent Frederic to eight years, $30.8M; awaits McDavid extension.
- Mitch Marner likely to depart Toronto in upcoming free agency.
- Jack Quinn and William Lagesson re-sign with Buffalo and Detroit respectively.
Deep Look
A flurry of high-impact signings and trades reshaped the NHL landscape on Friday, led by one of hockey’s most respected veterans—John Tavares—who chose loyalty over a higher payday. The 34-year-old Toronto native re-signed with the Maple Leafs on a team-friendly four-year deal worth $17.55 million, drastically reducing his annual cap hit from $11 million to just $4.39 million. It was a symbolic move, signaling both his commitment to the franchise and Toronto’s strategic effort to build a more flexible, competitive roster under a tight salary cap.
Tavares, a point-per-game performer last season, made it clear he never envisioned leaving the team he grew up idolizing. “Even though I obviously left some money out there,” he told reporters, “I get to play for an amazing club in a great city—a place where I’m from and a team that’s got a real opportunity to win.” Leafs GM Brad Treliving praised Tavares’ leadership, calling him the driving force behind a smooth and mutually beneficial negotiation process.
Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche moved quickly to secure their own key asset, inking fellow center Brock Nelson to a three-year, $22.5 million extension. Nelson, acquired at last season’s trade deadline, has proven to be a critical contributor to the Avs’ offensive core. His $7.5 million annual salary reflects both his veteran reliability and Colorado’s confidence in his continued performance.
However, the Avalanche weren’t done. In a trade aimed at refreshing their depth and banking future assets, Colorado shipped veteran forwards Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood to the Columbus Blue Jackets. In return, they received the 77th overall pick in this year’s draft, a conditional second-rounder in 2027, and rising prospect Gavin Brindley. For Columbus, it was a clear attempt to bulk up its forward group after missing out on acquiring defenseman Noah Dobson. GM Don Waddell praised the incoming players for their “versatility, speed, and character,” and emphasized how they aligned with the team’s culture reset.
In Florida, the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Panthers locked down playoff hero Sam Bennett on an eight-year, $64 million extension. Bennett’s pivotal performances during both title runs earned him Conn Smythe honors and the trust of management. His $8 million average annual value reflects his transformation from a solid depth player into a clutch postseason performer and locker room leader.
Up north, the Edmonton Oilers made headlines by finalizing an eight-year, $30.8 million contract with rugged winger Trent Frederic. Acquired from Boston at the trade deadline, Frederic played a key secondary role during the Oilers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. After returning from injury, he provided physicality and reliable minutes. At just 27, the Oilers are betting on his continued upward trajectory. GM Stan Bowman also cleared cap space in preparation for a looming blockbuster: a long-term extension for defenseman Evan Bouchard and, soon after, a potential record-breaking deal for three-time MVP Connor McDavid, who becomes extension-eligible on July 1.
Not all moves were celebratory. While Toronto re-signed Tavares, they’re widely expected to lose elite winger Mitch Marner in free agency. Drafted fourth overall in 2015, Marner has become one of the NHL’s most dynamic playmakers, but cap constraints and evolving roster priorities will likely end his tenure with the Leafs. Tavares addressed the situation with diplomacy and sorrow: “If he does end up leaving, it’s a very difficult player and person to replace and what he brings to the team on and off the ice.”
Elsewhere, smaller but meaningful deals filled out rosters. Buffalo re-signed 2020 eighth overall pick Jack Quinn to a two-year, $6.75 million bridge deal. With 97 points in 178 career games, Quinn remains a key piece of the Sabres’ rebuild. Detroit also re-upped defenseman William Lagesson for two more seasons at the NHL minimum of $775,000 annually—a smart depth retention move for a team focused on internal development and cap discipline.
As teams make final adjustments ahead of free agency, these moves reflect a broader theme across the NHL: veteran loyalty, shrewd financial strategy, and a focus on roster continuity are driving decisions as contenders reload and rebuilders reset. With big-name departures looming—like Marner’s—and franchise faces like McDavid approaching historic deals, the NHL’s offseason is already heating up.
Veteran Tavares Veteran Tavares
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