John Tavares agrees to seven-year deal with Maple Leafs

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Photo credit Brad Penner/USA Today Sports

The sweepstakes for John Tavares is over. Tavares chose a seven-year, $77 million deal with his hometown Maple Leafs on Sunday.

“I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs,” he tweeted. “I feel very fortunate to come join a team with a great young core and play where I grew up learning and loving the game. I can’t wait to get started!” 

pic.twitter.com/3229r6WMoD

— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018

Not everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl

— John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018

The contract will count for $11 million against the cap. It’s not devastating to the Bruins, who were also in the running for Tavares, but a division rival with center depth in Auston Matthews and Tavares is not ideal.