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Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares Signs Seven-Year Deal

By Shepard Price

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 07: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders follows the play against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on April 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Islanders defeated the Wings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Tavares
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 07: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders follows the play against the Detroit Red Wings during an NHL game at Little Caesars Arena on April 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. The Islanders defeated the Wings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** John Tavares /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed the biggest free agent to test the market in a long time. John Tavares has signed a seven-year deal with the Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially entered Stanley Cup favorites territory. They have signed John Tavares to a seven-year deal worth $11 million annually.

Tavares was the biggest free agent to actually hit free agency in a long time. Steven Stamkos had meetings with other teams, but he never actually hit July 1. He also re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on an eight-year deal. This is not the case for Tavares, as he leaves the New York Islanders for the Maple Leafs.

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After taking meetings with six teams, including the Maple Leafs and Islanders, as well as the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, and San Jose Sharks, Tavares has finally made his decision. One that will impact the NHL for a long time.

Tavares will join a special team in Toronto, with Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander already on board and good depth down the middle with Tavares, Matthews, and Nazem Kadri. Tavares said in a tweet that this was the hardest decision he’s made, but that he’s now living out his childhood dream of playing for Toronto.

Tavares was born in Ontario and grew up a Maple Leafs fan. This is a move that returns him home.

Tavares has 621 points in 669 games. That includes 272 goals and 349 assists. He has been over a point-per-game three times in his career and has come within five points twice more. He’s a very special player, one who plays a 200-foot game, and he can contribute to the Leafs immediately upon his arrival.

With current Leafs being involved in the Tavares meeting pitch, it seems like his future teammates are on board with him signing as well. He’ll certainly have a lot of help moving forward, and pressure will fall off of Matthews’s shoulders as he continues to develop.

Next: Maple Leafs Made the Most Sense for Tavares

This is a good deal all around, but especially for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

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