John Tavares signs 4-year extension with Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares signed a four-year contract extension worth $17.52 million on Friday.

Tavares recorded 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games last season with Toronto while playing in the final campaign of a seven-year, $77 million contract.

The 34-year-old Ontario native was set to hit unrestricted free agency as of Tuesday.

"Coming to Toronto 7 years ago has been better than I ever anticipated," Tavares wrote on his foundation's Instagram page. "The challenge of helping bring the Cup back to the many generations of Leafs Fans and Leafs Nation is an incredible opportunity that pushes myself and my teammates everyday. TO is an incredible place to play and it's an honor to pull on the Maple Leaf and wear the blue and white.

"I'm thrilled to announce that I'm committed to four more years! My family and I are excited to continue our journey here in Toronto. The best is yet to come!"

Tavares has totaled 1,114 points (494 goals, 620 assists) in 1,184 career games with the New York Islanders (2009-18) and Maple Leafs. He was selected by the Islanders with the top overall pick of the 2009 NHL Draft.

--Field Level Media