TORONTO -- John Tavares wanted to remain with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and was willing to take less money to ensure it happened. The 34-year-old forward signed a four-year, $17.52 million contract on Friday. It has an average annual value of $4.38 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Friday that they signed veteran center John Tavares to a four-year contract extension worth $4.38 million per season.

One of hockey’s most well-respected, well-rounded veterans gave his hometown team a hometown discount, a couple of younger players signed the longest contracts still available to them and trade dominos began falling Friday around the NHL.