John Tavares Nominated for Prestigious Award After Resilient Season With Leafs

In a season that has been full of feel-good stories, injury problems, playoff aspirations, and the start of a new identity, the 2024-25 regular season for the Toronto Maple Leafs could be considered overall a success.

While the team currently fights for Atlantic Division supremacy, they are getting some fantastic performances from a lot of their key players. One of them, John Tavares, has experienced somewhat of a career resurgence this season.

So it's unsurprising to hear that the PHWA (Professional Hockey Writers Association) nominated Tavares to be the Maple Leafs' candidate to win the Bill Masterton Trophy.

The award, given to the player who most exemplifies peseverence, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of pro hockey, was named after former player Bill Masterton; who tragically passed away after suffering an injury during a game.

Former award winners include Mario Lemieux, Tony Granato, Saku Koivu, and current Leafs forward Max Pacioretty.

Coming off a very tough year which saw him post some of the worst numbers of his career, coupled with losing the captaincy this summer; things were looking bleak for the veteran, and many were wondering if this was the start of his downfall.

However, he's defied all expectations to be one of the Maple Leafs' top offensive stars, playing as hard as he ever has, looking like he's in his prime, and continuing to lead the team by example; with or without the 'C'.

Skating into 2024-25, the noise around town was that Tavares, getting into the twilight of his career, was going to regress heavily, and it was concerning that Toronto would be handicapped heavily by an $11M player who isn't producing, but it wasn't long before he quelled all concerns.

Tavares has put up 71 points in 70 games; including a blistering 37 goals (the most since he debuted with the Maple Leafs), finding new ways to set up his teammates, and kicking into that extra gear whenever the team needs him to.

But it's not just the offense. He's a key defensive forward as well, wins face-offs at an elite rate (58.1%) and isn't afraid of throwing his 6'1, 211 pound frame around with his 85 hits.

It's a wonderful accomplishment for John Tavares, for he defied all expectations and came out looking like a superstar once again. Though I'm sure he'd trade it all in to lift Lord Stanley's Cup just once as a Maple Leaf.