Since the 2018-19 season, John Tavares has spent his hockey career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tavares has recorded 24 points in 30 games against the Senators since joining the Maple Leafs.
However, Tavares had his best success against the Senators in the 2025 playoffs when the Maple Leafs eliminated the Senators in the first round in six games.
Tavares' future was uncertain when the Maple Leafs were eliminated in seven games in the second round by the Florida Panthers, but the Mississauga native isn't going anywhere now.
Tavares re-signs in Toronto
Today, Tavares agreed on a four-year extension worth $4.38 million per year. The value for Tavares at 34 years old is solid, but the Senators will have to deal with Tavares for four more years.
4x$4.38M https://t.co/rsvCmGKRP9
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 27, 2025
Against the Senators in the 2025 playoffs, Tavares was solid with recording five points in the series. Three of Tavares' points were goals. Tavares scored the game-winning goal in Game 1 of the series, and two of his goals were powerplay goals.
Questions whether or not Tavares would stay in Toronto are out now with a new four-year extension. Heading into the 2025 playoffs, Tavares and Mitch Marner were under the most pressure with both being unrestricted free agents after the season.
The Senators don't have to worry about Marner returning to the Maple Leafs after NHL insider Andy Strickland confirmed Marner was moving on from Toronto back on June 13, but Tavares is staying in Toronto.
After the 2025 playoffs, the Battle of Ontario is due to heat up more. It can heat up more with Tavares re-signing who will be eager to continue to have success against the Senators carry over from the playoffs.