This biggest signing of free agency has just happened. Elliotte Friedman has reported that superstar John Tavares will sign a seven-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The deal is worth $11 million annually.
https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1013466977765953536
Tavares’ deal with the New York Islanders, where he was drafted in 2009, expired at midnight. Tavares shared these words with Isles fans:
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
In addition to the Isles and Leafs, Tavares entertained offers from Dallas, Tampa, and San Jose. He scored 37 goals and 47 assists for the Isles last season.
Welcome home, @91Tavares. pic.twitter.com/14Weo1ANlS
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2018
He seems happy with the decision.
Not everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl
— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018
Update 1:45pm: Tavares’ salary breakdown has been shared by Pierre LeBrun. Through his 7 years, his payment is almost all bonus with less than a million in actual salary. The breakdown makes his contract lockout proof, as his salary is dependent on there being a season played. Signing bonuses get paid even if a season is canceled.
Correction on Year 2 signing bonus, it’s $14.99M, not $15.25M. So official breakdown reads like this: Year 1, $650k salary, $15.25M sb; Year 2, $910k salary, $14.99 M sb; Year 3, $910k salary, $11.09M sb; Year 4, $910k salary, $8.44M sb; Years 5-7, $910k salary, $7.04M sb each yr https://t.co/fqt0dFwl4K
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
The contract also includes a full no-move and no-trade clause.
Full no-move, full no-trade clause in the Tavares contract, which goes without saying, but I will pass it on anyway 🙂 https://t.co/fqt0dFwl4K
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018
