Fans Set to Celebrate a Maple Leafs Legend as John Tavares Is Honoured Tonight
Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs
For over a decade, John Tavares has been the heartbeat of every team he's led and tonight, the Maple Leafs are making sure their former captain finally gets his flowers.
When John Tavares scored his 500th career goal in a blowout loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, there was not much to celebrate, as Tavares was stoic, and even the play-by-play announcers were unable to muster any passion; a move that was later apologized for.
In fact, Tavares was more excited for Easton Cowan scoring his first than his 500th, although it shouldn't be lost on the fact he is one of only 49 players to ever reach that plateau.
Maple Leafs Honour John Tavares for His 500th Career Goal in Front of His Family
So it's great to see that although it's a little later, the team is going to be making amends and celebrating the historic milestone.
According to Lance Hornby of The Toronto Sun, the team is expected to honor John Tavares and his family ahead of Wednesday's game against the Utah Mammoth:
Berube wearing a 'Tavares 500' ball cap for his morning presser. The Leafs will honour JT with a video and ceremony for his milestone goal tonight with his family before Utah game.
A Milestone That Cements Tavares' Legacy as One of Toronto's Classiest Leaders
The team also displayed the merchandise that Hornby was talking about, with Craig Berube sporting the ballcap, and Matias Maccelli wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with 'Tavare500.'
A few of his teammates too were also amazed at his longevity and how his career evolved; and how he's still elite even in his older age.
He's picked up right where he left off last season as well, with 16 points through 13 games (6 goals, 10 assists) and at 35 is still showcasing elite talent; a rarity in the NHL.
It's something his teammates are blown away by and part of what makes Tavares who he is:
It's great to come to the rink every day and see what he does and trying to pick up things from him and learn too. I mean, he's a future Hall of Famer. I mean, he's just a phenomenal player. - Matias Maccelli
Yeah, it's incredible. I mean, not many guys have done that. He's been an incredible player for a long time. You don't get the 500 goals without a massive level of commitment and drive. He's been a real role model for a lot of people. - Morgan Rielly
One of the greatest pros I've seen. Everyone talks about how good of a pro he is off the ice, but the details in his game away from the rink, and he's been great to me since I've gotten here, and we've become pretty close. He's a super nice guy and a great family man. - Scott Laughton
There's no shortage of love for Tavares, who went from free agent blockbuster, to team leader, to wise veteran sage for the rest of the team. The fact he has been so consistent and consistently good just goes to show the type of player he is.
He's never quit when times get tough, he's persevered through injuries, and he's become one of the most beloved players not only in Toronto, but the entire league.
While there's debate whether or not he truly belongs in the Hall of Fame, there's no doubt he's etched his legacy with the Maple Leafs.
To him, that might mean even more than getting inducted.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 5 | 1222 ANSWERS Fans Set to Celebrate a Maple Leafs Legend as John Tavares Is Honoured Tonight Do you believe John Tavares belongs in the Hockey Hall of Fame when he retires? | ||
| Yes | 1150 | 94.1 % |
| No | 72 | 5.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
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