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.

It was sometimes said that John Tavares took a hometown discount when he signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Maple Leafs seven years ago, all because one other team, the San Jose Sharks, was prepared to pay him more. Tavares’ $11 million cap hit still ranked right near the top of the league for the entirety of the deal.

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.