New Information Emerges: John Tavares' New Contract a Bigger Steal for the Leafs Than Expected

John Tavares' extension this past offseason was one of the biggest talking points in Toronto.

The former Maple Leafs captain made it clear he wanted to stay, and he backed that up by signing a team-friendly deal worth just $4.39 million per season for four years.

At 35 years old, that number may have raised some eyebrows, but when you compare it across the league, it looks like a major win for the Leafs.

Take Colorado's Brock Nelson, for example. He's a year younger than Tavares and recently signed a three-year deal worth $7.5 million per season.

Also consider that Tavares could have gotten $8M+ on the open market, and his new deal immediately enters steal territory.

Through the first 14 games, Nelson has 3 goals and 5 points. Tavares, on the other hand, has 8 goals and 19 points over a similar stretch, which is a huge difference in production between two players in nearly identical roles.

Analytics back it up, too. Tavares is currently performing like a player who should be making close to $9.2 million a year, which makes his $4.39 million cap hit look like one of the biggest bargains in the entire league.

For years, the Leafs have been criticized for being weighed down by expensive contracts and underperforming stars. But this time, the tables have turned.

Tavares' resurgence could be a sign that the Leafs are finally escaping that cycle. His efficiency, consistency, and leadership are all translating into results that exceed his price tag.

For a team that's been trying to match the model of contenders like the Florida Panthers, who somehow seem to squeeze every player for a deal, this is exactly the kind of contract Toronto has been desperate for.

If Tavares keeps producing at this level, the Leafs may have finally landed something they've struggled to find for years: a veteran star who performs like a franchise cornerstone, without being paid like one.