John Tavares the Man the Myth the Legend

[kevsh]

Signing Tavares wasn't the problem. It was the underlying management who failed to fix anything else once he was signed.

Yes, but once AM, Mitch & Nylander got their extensions filling out the roster with enough talent becamse nearly impossible.

The other deals you mentioned after were all bad, but in part they all tie back to the JT deal. Kadri's cap hit was considered too rich for a 3C (never mind his playoff suspension problems), so he was the one contract that had to be moved so Ducas could afford to bring in Barrie. No JT, Kadri is a great cap hit and a solid 2C.

And on it went. Every hole that needed to be filled then became a TDL deal because the team couldn't afford to take on bigger contracts. That led to a shortage in young (cheap) talent with all the picks & prospects being traded away which made building a balanced roster even more difficult.

But if you want to draw a chart/graph illustrating how the Leafs got to where they are, there's no real question the JT signing is at the very start/top of it.

 

[TopCheeseShotta]

Probably a Top 3 free agent signing in Leaf History guys. Definitely tops in the cap era. Dude has done his part - with just one more thing to add!

But ya - again.. this is not a contract thread u wankers.

 

[Killakirillthethrill]

Most consistent forward in the last month!

 

[ashs]

Tavares is quickly becoming one of my fav leafs, hope he resigns to a team friendly deal and retires here.

 

[PROUD PAPA]

Really happy he kept hs quality of play up throughout his contract. Just too bad we had no playoff success through it.
Maybe the 7th time is the charm.

 

[TopCheeseShotta]

Really happy he kept hs quality of play up throughout his contract. Just too bad we had no playoff success through it.
Maybe the 7th time is the charm.

It needs to beeeeeee, my friend.. it neeeedddsss to be!!!!

 

[PROUD PAPA]

It needs to beeeeeee, my friend.. it neeeedddsss to be!!!!

I can’t think of anyone I would like to see score us a cup clinching goal more captain John. JT or Knies actually.

Then he can lead the parade in leafs pajamas. Instant legendary move.

 

[TopCheeseShotta]

I can’t think of anyone I would like to see score us a cup clinching goal more captain John. JT or Knies actually.

Then he can lead the parade in leafs pajamas. Instant legendary move.

Hahaaaa.... 100%. He's the only one that's scored our 2 series clinching goals in this era too (*ok, 1 officially.. thx Justin Holl...lol)....

But somebody's gotta score the big series winners for us, and so far - you couldn't pick anybody more likely, or deserving!

 

[Twine Tickler]

If this is Johnny's last year as a bud, I am genuinely happy for him and how his tenure will end with us. Whether or not signing JT was the right move at the time or not, Johnny has given us everything he has over the last 7 years. I will always have respect for JT and how he chose to come home and wear the blue and white.

Although I hope he is back next year and beyond, if this is in fact the end of his tenure, I am very grateful for his efforts throughout the years.

So fun watching him play right now. Who would have thought he would dial back the clock in year 7 of this deal and arguably play his best hockey of his career. Absolutely bonkers TBH

 

[Confucius]

Yeah looks like 3x7 is a pipe dream. lol 3 x 8.5 will be closer to the truth

 

[Antropovsky]

Really happy he kept hs quality of play up throughout his contract. Just too bad we had no playoff success through it.
Maybe the 7th time is the charm.

Said for years, Keefes on the fly offense wasnt Tavares style. Hes muvh more suited for Berubes style.

Dubas, Shanahan and Keefe really wrecked a good thing.

Firing Lou was moronic. Read an Athletic article interviewing agents and they listed Lou as one of the hardest negotiators and someone who stands his ground. Yep einstein move to dump him right when Matthews, Marner and Nylander needed new contracts.

The Islanders have risen in the minds of agents, particularly after Lou Lamoriello joined the organization.

“Lou, man, he’s always treated the guys well after the contract negotiation. He may f*** you over in the contract negotiation, but he treats guys great once they are in.”

“You know what you get with Lou. He’s not going to listen to you or tell you what he’s gonna do with a trade or something like that. But there is a reason every time I have a client play for a team he’s run they rave about it on the daily and would love to go back there.”

 

[ACC1224]

Maple Leafs' John Tavares talks Masterton nod, unsettled contract, lost captaincy

The stereotypical and slightly cynical view of the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy is that it should be awarded to the NHLer who overcame the most debilitating of ailments and rallied through gruelling rehab and a string of doctors’ appointments to compile a decent season.
Battle a career-threatening illness? Suffer a gruesome on-ice injury? Well, jump to the front of the line.
But what of the wounds we can’t see?
By definition, the award goes to the “player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.”
In that context, and considering the Toronto Maple Leafs roster, the image of John Tavares should pop immediately to mind.
Tavares is not only wholly deserving of his 2024-25 Masterton nomination from Toronto’s chapter of hockey writers, but his candidacy should be taken seriously league-wide.