A Maple Leafs seventh round pick makes his NHL debut on the same night Joe Bowen calls his final game

Tverberg, 24, is finally getting his break after being drafted in the seventh round (213th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft and with a solid 160 games of AHL experience and 75 points — the hometown hero is ready for the show.

However he does so on a very sentimental night, and he probably couldn't have asked for anything more (especially being a Richmond Hill native).

Monday night marks the final night that legendary broadcaster Joe Bowen will call a Toronto Maple Leafs home game. Bowen announced his retirement prior to the 2025-26 season and the entire year has been filled with memories and tributes to the announcer.

While Tverberg no doubt is going to have some focus on his debut, it's hard to overshadow someone like Bowen, who has been a staple in homes for the last four decades.

It's going to be incredible for Tverberg to have the chance to say that not only did he play in the final home game of Bowen's career, but if all goes well he can tell his kids about a legendary 'Holy Mackinaw' coming courtesy of his first NHL goal.

Bowen is an icon in Toronto media and his voice is synonymous with the Maple Leafs, so hearing him one final time at home is going to no doubt pull on the heartstrings and likely expect Bowen to have a hard time keeping it together once that final horn sounds.

Though it's coming perhaps a little bit too late in the year, Tverberg has been a steady presence in the Marlies lineup for a few years now and it's worth giving him a look.

He's 5'11 but weighs nearly 190 pounds and doesn't mind throwing his weight around. He's a very disciplined player (72 PIM in 160 games) and his defensive game has improved considerably; he went from minus-three last year to plus-15 this year.

Tverberg also battled injuries, and ahead of Monday's game was very grateful for the chance to finally showcase his stuff:

He's likely more of a bottom-six player however with the team needing a complete overhaul in that department, a strong audition could lead him to a bigger role next year. Tverberg is a player who could replace Calle Jarnkrok and provide just as much defence with a lot more of an offensive ceiling.

And if his hands from the preseason were any indication — Toronto could have a very solid piece on their hands:

There's a lot to appreciate about Tverberg, a guy who always seems to be one of the final cut when it comes to the preseason scramble and now finally gets the shot he deserves.

He's just hoping he can give Bowen something to remember, just like he has for the entirety of Leafs Nation.

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