(Toronto) With an important career milestone approaching, does John Tavares still have a lot to give?
“Absolutely,” replies the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs without hesitation. ” Absolutely. »
And you don’t have to look very far to understand why he is so convinced.
At the dawn of its 1000e career NHL game, the 32-year-old forward averaged nearly a point per game in his 14 seasons on the Bettman League.
Although he is now a long way from the outdoor rinks where it all started for him, Tavares continues to adapt to a constantly evolving sport.
“It’s hard to achieve,” says the Ontarian about the fact that he will soon become the 375e player to reach the 1000 game plateau.
“I’m just so grateful to everyone who has helped me get this far. »
Tavares also helped himself accomplish this feat — especially this past offseason.
The speed on skates of the first pick in the 2009 draft has never been his main asset, but he has particularly seemed to slow down in 2021-22.
His stats were still good — 76 points in 79 games — and his hard work on the ice hadn’t changed, but his speed, however, seemed to have taken a hit.
Tavares was no stranger to this observation. He therefore stopped doing business with the private trainer with whom he had worked since the beginning of his career to turn to the internal team of the Maple Leafs.
“A new look, recognizes the veteran center. I really wanted to reinforce certain habits and work on certain things. »
The main objective was to be more efficient in his stride.
“And to be a little lighter,” adds Tavares. I want to use the strength and the power that I have — that I know I have — to keep generating momentum. »
The difference is also clearly visible in 2022-2023.
Tavares is on track to reach 35 goals and 80 points, which would be a great comeback for the 30-something who plays in a league that keeps getting younger.
“He always stayed true to himself and what gave him the chance to succeed,” said Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe. And even as he grew older, he adapted to change. »
A long journey
If all goes as planned, Tavares will play his 1000e career game Sunday in Toronto, as the Maple Leafs host the Washington Capitals.
Tavares began his NHL career with the New York Islanders and was named captain of that roster in 2013. Once free as air, he flew to join his boyhood team signing a seven-year, $77 million contract with the Maple Leafs in 2018.
The New York fans did not like it, and they gave their former captain a not very warm welcome when the latter appeared in front of them with a blue and white jersey.
Tavares, for his part, has never spoken negatively about his time on Long Island.
“These are two great organizations, according to him. I had a lot of fun and it was quite a journey.
“(Sunday) it will probably be one of those times to take a step back and think about it all a bit. »