Vancouver's Marcus Pettersson, acquired from the Penguins, agreed to a six-year extension. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

Tavares is thriving in the last year of his contract. It could set him up for a solid payday, unless he chooses to re-ink with the Leafs at a discount in order to keep the core four intact.

How well Toronto navigates this paradigm shift will play a big part in determining just how long its core's contention window stays open.