Veteran Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares finds himself on a pace that would take him to 40 goals in 82 games after his hat trick Sunday against the Buffalo Sabres.
Although he has long been one of the most consistent forwards in the NHL over his previous 15 seasons, Tavares has only reached that plateau once.
It was 2018-19, his very first year with the Leafs, and he had 47.
At 34, the former New York Islanders first overall pick is well positioned to do so a second time as he enters the final year of his seven-year, $77 million deal signed with Toronto in 2018.
For now, Tavares appears to be heading toward full autonomy on July 1.
The Mississauga, Ontario native has 13 goals and 28 points in 30 games. This comes after a drop in production in 2023-2024; he had amassed 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games.
“I’m just playing,” Tavares said simply after the victory against the Sabres. I think I believe in my game and my skills, whether it’s scoring or making an impact all over the ice. »
“All my life I have been able to produce offensively, score goals, and I want to continue to do that when the chances come my way. »
Captain of the Islanders from 2013 until his departure for the Queen City five years later, Tavares inherited the “C” with the Leafs in 2019, before ceding this responsibility to Auston Matthews during the last summer period.
The growing leadership exercised by No. 34 was a factor, as was the obvious lack of playoff success with the current core.
Only William Nylander is ahead of Tavares in goals for Toronto at the moment, the latter having already found the back of the net 18 times.
Even though he now wears the “A” for assistant rather than the “C” for captain, Tavares remains a leader within his club.
Moreover, although his contractual future may be uncertain, both parties remain interested in negotiating a new agreement.
“Tavares has made clear his preference to remain in Toronto rather than test the autonomy market, but so far, discussions have not led to the kind of offer that would make everyone happy,” summed up the informant of TSN Chris Johnston last month on this subject.
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