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.

John Tavares reportedly took a significant annual average pay cut to stay with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. NHL Insider Jeff Marek believes “Tavares probably could have gotten $8 [million] x 2 [years] with Anaheim.” Marek also wondered if the Utah Mammoth would enter the sweepstakes.

Although John Tavares might be holding onto a glimmer of hope that Mitch Marner returns to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he's being realistic about the situation.