John Tavares

This article is about the ice hockey player. For his uncle, the lacrosse player, seeJohn Tavares (lacrosse).

John Tavares(born September 20, 1990) is a Canadian professionalice hockeyforwardandalternate captainof theToronto Maple Leafsof theNational Hockey League(NHL). In the2009 NHL Entry Draft,he was selectedfirst overallby theNew York Islanders,for whom he played nine seasons and served as captain for five seasons.

John Tavares
Tavares with theToronto Maple Leafsin October 2022
Born	(1990-09-20)September 20, 1990 Mississauga,Ontario, Canada
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight	216 lb (98 kg; 15 st 6 lb)
Position	Centre
Shoots	Left
NHLteam Former teams	Toronto Maple Leafs New York Islanders SC Bern
National team	Canada
NHL draft	1st overall,2009 New York Islanders
Playing career	2009–present

Previously, Tavares competed at themajor juniorlevel as a member of theOshawa Generalsof theOntario Hockey League(OHL) before being traded to theLondon Knightsat the 2009 OHL trading deadline along withMichael Del Zotto.Tavares broke into the OHL after gainingexceptional player statusat age 14, allowing the Generals to select him in the OHL Priority Draft as an underage player in 2005. Tavares was named theCanadian Hockey League(CHL)Rookie of the Yearin 2006 andCHL Player of the Yearin 2007. Tavares finished his Major Junior and OHL career with most goals (215), and 6th in points (433).

Tavares was the focus of an unsuccessful push to have the NHL's draft rules changed to allow him to participate in the2008 Entry Draft,as well as an attempt to allow him to play in theAmerican Hockey League(AHL) as a 17-year-old in 2007. Tavares was ranked as the top prospect for the 2009 Draft by both theNHL Central Scouting BureauandInternational Scouting Services.

Tavares has representedCanadaat fiveInternational Ice Hockey Federation(IIHF)-sanctioned events, including the2010and2011 World Championships.At the under-20 level, he won gold medals at the2008and2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.He was named the most valuable player of the 2009 tournament after scoring eight goals and 15 points in six games. He also participated in the2006 IIHF World U18 Championships,but failed to medal. Additionally, Tavares represented Team Ontario at the2006 World U-17 Hockey Challengeand2007 Super Series.On January 7, 2014, he was named to the2014 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team,winning a gold medal at the2014 Winter Olympicsdespite an injury preventing him from participating in the final two games.

Early career

Tavares was born on September 20, 1990, inMississauga,Ontario,to Barbara and Joe Tavares, who are ofPolishandPortuguesedescent, respectively. His maternal grandparents, Bolesław and Josephine Kowal, immigrated from Poland toSudbury,Ontario, and his paternal grandparents Manuel and Dorotea Tavares immigrated from Portugal toToronto,Ontario. At a very young age, Tavares moved toOakville,Ontario. This is where he was first exposed to minor hockey through the Minor Oaks Hockey Association.Tavares also playedsoccerandlacrosse,and his highly competitive nature often led him to fight with other players.Tavares excelled at lacrosse, following in the footsteps of his uncleJohn Tavares,the all-time scoring leader in theNational Lacrosse League(NLL), and was aball boyfor his uncle's NLL team, theBuffalo Bandits.The younger Tavares credits his uncle with teaching him the importance of remaining unselfish, stating what he learned by following his uncle with the Bandits has made him better both as a person and a hockey player.Many skills he learned in lacrosse—such as spinning off checks and battling in traffic—transferred to ice hockey and improved Tavares' abilities as a goal scorer.

In Oakville, Tavares attendedSt. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School.He lived five minutes fromSam Gagner,who later signed a contract with theEdmonton Oilers,and the two quickly established a friendship.Gagner's father, former NHL playerDave Gagner,built a backyardice rinkon which Tavares spent much of his time honing ice hockey skills.In the OHL, Tavares placed an emphasis on his education, earning honours as well as theOshawa Generals' Scholastic Player of the Year in 2007–08.Tavares also spends some of his time working with theSpecial Olympics.

Tavares showed such promise as a hockey player that when he was seven, his parents moved him up one age group and he began playing with older children.From there, he moved on to the Mississauga Braves of theGreater Toronto Hockey League(GTHL). After playing the 1998–99 season with the Braves' novice team, Tavares moved to the Mississauga Senators of the GTHL the following season.With the Senators' AAA minor atom team, Tavares won the GTHL minor atom championship in the 1999–2000 season.Tavares eventually moved to theToronto Marlborosof the GTHL. During the 2003–04 season Tavares was teammates with his friend Sam Gagner, and scored 95 goals and 187 points in 90 games to lead the Marlboros' bantam team to the 2004 Bantam AAA Provincial Hockey Championships, where the Marlboros defeatedDrew Doughtyand the London Jr. Knights 5–0 in the championship game.Tavares scored one goal in the game and was named the tournament's top forward.The following season, Tavares joined the Marlboros' minor midget team, where he recorded 91 goals and 158 points in 72 games.For his achievements, Tavares shared the Buck Houle Award withBryan Cameron,"in recognition of outstanding on ice performance, leadership and loyalty".During this season, he also played 16 games with theMilton Icehawksof theOntario Provincial Junior A Hockey League(OPJHL), during which he recorded 11 goals and 23 points.Tavares' debut with the Icehawks came while he was only 13, making him one of the youngest players to ever play junior hockey.

Playing career

Junior

Tavares takes aface-offduring the2006–07 OHL season.During that season he was selected as an OHL representative for theADT Canada-Russia Challenge.

Tavares petitioned to gain eligibility to playmajor juniorin theOntario Hockey League(OHL) in the spring of 2005. As OHL rules did not allow for players under age 15 to be drafted,the OHL introduced anexceptional player statusclause, allowing the 14-year-old Tavares to be drafted one year sooner than he would otherwise have been eligible.Consequently, Tavares is the youngest player to ever be drafted in the OHL,althoughBobby Orrwas signed and had played at a younger age.TheCanadian Hockey League(CHL), the umbrella organization which governs major junior hockey in Canada, sent a proposal toHockey Canadarecommending that the rule be expanded across junior hockey, which eventually was granted. To date, only eight other players—Aaron Ekblad,Connor McDavid,Sean Day,Joe Veleno,Shane Wright,Connor BedardandMichael Misa—have been granted the same status.

The Oshawa Generals held the first pick in the 2005 draft, and they selected Tavares, earning him theJack Ferguson Award,which is given to the player picked first overall in the OHL Priority Selection.Tavares played his first OHL game on September 23, 2005, scoring his first OHL goal in a game held just three days after his 15th birthday.He showed he could play in the OHL immediately, scoring ten goals in his first nine games with the Generals,and finished the2005–06 seasonwith 77 points, including 45 goals. Tavares was named to the OHL's all-rookie team, and won both theEmms Family AwardandCHL Rookie of the Yearawards as the top first-year player in both the OHL and CHL respectively.

As a 16-year-old in2006–07,Tavares was selected to represent the OHL for two games in January for the annualADT Canada-Russia Challenge,including one game inOshawa.Later that month, on January 25, 2007, Tavares registered a seven-point night in a 9–6 win against theWindsor Spitfires.He scored four goals and three assists, including his 50th goal of the season in his 44th game.Towards the end of the season, on March 16, 2007, Tavares recorded his 70th and 71st goals of the season, breakingWayne Gretzky's OHL record for most goals by a 16-year-old.He was awarded theRed Tilson Trophyas the most outstanding player in the league, and named theCHL Player of the Year.

Tavares scored 40 goals in 59 games for the Generals during the2007–08 season,while his 118 points was placed him third in OHL scoring.Tavares led the OHL in scoring until he missed several games to represent theCanada men's national junior ice hockey teamat the2008 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.As Tavares was participating in the2009 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships,it was speculated that the Generals were ready to trade him to theLondon Knights.Tavares' future with the Generals had been questioned since the beginning of the season as the Generals were not expected to seriously contend for the championship, while the Knights were among the league leaders.The deal was made official on January 8, 2009, as Oshawa sent Tavares,Michael Del Zottoand Darryl Borden to the Knights in exchange forScott Valentine,Christian Thomas,Michael Zador and six draft picks.

Tavares withOshawa Generalsin November 2008. He was later traded to theLondon Knightsin January 2009.

Tavares made his debut with the Knights on January 11 against theMississauga St. Michael's Majors.Making his return to Oshawa at the 2009CHL Top Prospects Gameas captain of Team Orr, he recorded an assist in a 6–1 win over Team Cherry, but injured his shoulder afterZack Kassianof thePeterborough Peteschecked him behind the net.On March 8, 2009, Tavares set the OHL goal-scoring record with his 214th goal, passing the previous record held byPeter Lee.The next day, he received his third OHL Player of the Week recognition of the season.

Professional

Although he was born five days after the September 15 cutoff date for eligibility in the2008 NHL Entry Draft,there was a significant effort made to allow Tavares into the Draft. Following his 72-goal campaign in 2006–07, Tavares' agents asked the NHL andNHL Players' Association(NHLPA) to make an exception for Tavares similar to the one the OHL had made in 2005.The attempt was unsuccessful and Tavares was required to wait until 2009 to participate in theNHL Entry Draft.In October 2007, it was reported that then-Toronto Maple Leafsgeneral managerJohn Ferguson Jr.had offered the 17-year-old Tavares a spot with the team'sAmerican Hockey League(AHL) affiliate, theToronto Marlies.However, like the NHL, the AHL declined to amend its by-laws and Tavares subsequently returned to the OHL.

The NHL International Scouting Services ranked Tavares as the top draft prospect in the world, ahead of defencemanVictor Hedmanand forwardsMagnus Pääjärvi-SvenssonandMatt Duchenein its March 2009 update.The 2009 draft class was led by Tavares, who was selected first overall by theNew York Islanders.

New York Islanders (2009–2018)

Tavares with theNew York Islandersin November 2009. The2009–10 seasonwas hisrookieseason in the NHL.

On July 15, 2009, Tavares signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Islanders.His first NHL game was in the pre-season in a game against the Edmonton Oilers. He spent 22 minutes and 50 seconds on the ice alongside linematesDoug WeightandSean Bergenheimin the Islanders' 3–2 loss.Weight, a veteran NHLer, said, "John's going to be a big piece of [an Islander rebuilding effort]."Tavares scored his first career NHL goal and assist in his first ever professional game, scoring on a backhander againstMarc-André Fleuryof thePittsburgh Penguinson October 3, 2009.Tavares led NHL rookies in scoring throughout much of his first season. In December 2009, he scored five consecutive Islanders goals over a four-game span to tie the club record for most consecutive goals by one player. He scored an empty-net goal against theAtlanta Thrasherson December 3, 2009, and both Islanders goals on both December 9, 2009, against thePhiladelphia Flyersand December 10, against his hometown team, theToronto Maple Leafs.The record was originally set byBryan Trottier,when he scored five consecutive goals in a 1982 game against thePhiladelphia Flyers.On March 17, 2010, Tavares scored five points (two goals and three assists) in a 5–2 win over theVancouver Canucks.At the end of the season, Tavares finished second in rookie scoring, behindColorado AvalancheforwardMatt Duchene,with 54 points (24 goals, 30 assists) in all 82 games played.

As New York opened up their season at home against theDallas Starson October 9, 2010, Tavares suffered a mildconcussionlate during the first period. The Stars'Adam Burishbumped into Tavares, and the latter was unable to return to the game.He scored his first careerhat-trickon October 23, in a 4-3 loss to theFlorida Panthers.He then scored his second career NHL hat-trick, as well as his first career natural hat-trick, on January 15, 2011, in a 5-3 win against theBuffalo Sabres.

On September 14, 2011, Tavares signed a new six-year, $33 million contract with the Islanders effective from the2012–13 seasonthrough to the end of the2017–18 season.After being held pointless in the first two games of the2011–12 season,Tavares had back-to-back four-point games against theTampa Bay LightningandNew York Rangers,respectively. From December 29, 2011, to January 21, 2012, Tavares had 21 points in a 12-game point streak, seven of which were multi-point games. He was selected to play in the2012 NHL All-Star Game.In his first careerAll-Star Game,he recorded one goal and one assist.Additionally, during the 2011–12 season, Tavares was named as an alternate captain for New York.

Tavares played withMark Streitin Switzerland forSC Bernwhile the2012–13 NHL lock-outtook place. During the shortened 2012–13 season, Tavares was third in the NHL with 28 goals (Only behindWashington Capitalsforward and captainAlexander Ovechkin,who had 32 as the league leader and Tampa Bay Lightning forwardSteven Stamkos,who had 29, respectively. He helped the Islanders reach theStanley Cup playoffsfor the first time since 2007 after the Islanders finished the season as the eighth and final seed in the Eastern Conference with scoring 47 points (29 goals, 18 assists) in all 48 games played. Tavares was also named a finalist for theHart Memorial Trophy,awarded to the NHL's most valuable player in the regular season, which was eventually awarded to Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.He made his playoff debut on May 1, 2013, against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Tavares scored his first career Stanley Cup playoff goal against Pittsburgh goaltender Marc-André Fleury in Game 3 of the2013 playoffs.He would finish with three goals, two assists and five points in six games as the Islanders were eliminated by the top seeded Penguins.

Tavares in May 2013 during the2013 Stanley Cup playoffs.

On September 9, 2013, Tavares was named as the 14th captain in New York Islanders history, replacing former IslanderMark Streitof the Philadelphia Flyers, who served as team captain since 2011.On February 19, 2014, during the2014 Winter Olympics,Tavares suffered a tornmedial collateral ligament(MCL) and a tornmeniscusin his knee during the quarterfinal game againstLatvia,forcing him to miss the remainder of the Olympics as well as the remainder of the 2013–14 season. At the time of his injury, Tavares ranked third in the NHL with 24 goals, 42 assists and 66 points in 59 games.

Half way into the 2014–15 season, he was selected for the2015 NHL All-Star Game,along with teammateJaroslav Halák.Tavares finished the 2014–15 season as runner up for theArt Ross Trophywith 86 points (38 goals, 48 assists) in all 82 games played, one point behind the recipient, Dallas Stars forward and captainJamie Benn.Additionally, Tavares was named a finalist for the Hart Memorial Trophy for the second time in his career; ultimately ceding the award toMontreal CanadiensgoaltenderCarey Price.On April 19, 2015, Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime against Washington Capitals goaltenderBraden Holtbyin Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the2015 playoffs.The goal, which gave the Islanders a 2–1 victory in the game and a 2–1 lead in the series, was the first game-winning overtime goal in the playoffs for the Islanders since1993.Despite this, the Capitals would go on to win the series in seven games.

Tavares scored the first regular season goal for the Islanders atBarclays Centerin a 3–2 overtime loss to theChicago Blackhawkson Blackhawks' goaltenderCorey Crawfordduring the first game of the2015–16 seasonon October 9, 2015. On March 12, 2016, Tavares scored his 200th career NHL goal in a game against theBoston Bruinson Bruins' goaltenderTuukka Rask.That season, he was also named to theNHL All-Star Gamefor the third time in his career and was voted captain of theMetropolitan Division.He finished the 2015–16 season playing in 78 games with 33 goals, 37 assists and 70 points. On April 24, Game 6 of theEastern Conference Quarterfinalsagainst theFlorida Panthers,trailing 1–0 in the final minute of play, assisted byNikolay KuleminandNick Leddy,Tavares scored the game-tying goal on Panthers goaltenderRoberto Luongooff a loose puck in the crease with 53.2 seconds left in regulation. He finished the job by scoring the series-clinching goal in double overtime, winning a playoff series for the Islanders for the first time since 1993 before getting ousted in the second round in five games by the Tampa Bay Lightning.

On January 13, 2017, in a game against the Florida Panthers, Tavares scored his 500th NHL point in his 550th career NHL game, making him the first player from his draft class to reach the milestone.

Tavares in March 2018. The2017–18 seasonwas his last season with the Islanders.

Tavares' contract with the Islanders was set to expire following the completion of the 2017–18 season, during which he recorded 37 goals, 47 assists and 84 points in all 82 games. With Tavares set to become anunrestricted free agentfor the first time in his career, he decided to test the free-agent market by meeting with six teams in the days leading up to the opening of the signing window on July 1, including a meeting with the Islanders to contemplate re-signing before hitting free agency.Although many analysts predicted that Tavares would sign a new contract with New York before he hit the open market,the re-signing deadline passed without a new contract being signed, and Tavares officially became a free agent at noon (EDT) on July 1. Many publications called Tavares the biggest free agent in the modern history of the NHL.Just before 1 pm, almost one hour into the free agency period, it became public knowledge that Tavares had informed the Islanders he would be leaving the team and signing with Toronto.

Toronto Maple Leafs (2018–present)

On July 1, 2018, it was announced that Tavares had signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with his hometown team, theToronto Maple Leafs.Tavares cited "Toronto's chances as aStanley Cupcontender, as well as living out his childhood dream to play for his hometown team ", as his reason for signing the contract. Tavares rejected higher-paying offers in favour of joining the Maple Leafs, including a seven-year, $91 million offer from theSan Jose Sharksthat would have made Tavares the highest-paid player in the NHL.In his debut for the Maple Leafs in the2018–19 seasonopener on October 4, 2018, against theMontreal Canadiens,Tavares scored his first goal for the club on goaltenderCarey Pricein a 3–2 overtime win.On October 7, Tavares recorded his ninth career NHL hat-trick (and first for Toronto) in a 7–6 overtime victory over theChicago Blackhawks.On January 10, 2019, Tavares recorded his 300th goal in a 4–2 win over theNew Jersey Devilson Devils goaltenderKeith Kinkaid.Tavares made his first return toLong Islandto play the Islanders on February 28, in a highly-publicized, sold-out game. Tavares was relentlessly booed and heckled by Islanders fans throughout the match, including during his tribute video, and items were thrown at Tavares on the ice.The Islanders would win the game 6–1, scoring six unanswered goals after Toronto initially scored early in the game.In response to the way Tavares had been treated in his return to New York, fans and the Maple Leafs team organized a Tavares appreciation day two days later for a home match against theBuffalo Sabres,which garnered support from Toronto mayorJohn Tory;the day, which was dubbed "TavaresDayTO" concluded with the Maple Leafs defeating the Sabres 5–2 in a game in which Tavares scored.On March 17, Tavares recorded his 700th career NHL point with his 40th goal of the season in a 6–2 loss to theOttawa Senators;in scoring that goal on Senators goaltenderAnders Nilsson,Tavares also became the third player in Maple Leaf history to record 40 goals in his first season with the team.On March 26, Tavares recorded his tenth career NHL hat-trick (and first four-goal game) in a 7–5 win over theFlorida Panthers.In so doing, he became just the third player in modern team history (since 1943) to record multiple hat-tricks in his debut season with the club, followingWilf PaiementandDaniel Marois.In the Maple Leafs' next game against the Islanders, Tavares recorded his 87th point of the season (a new career-high and his first point against his former team) in the 2–1 win, which clinched a playoff berth for Toronto.Tavares finished the season playing in all 82 games with 47 goals, 41 assists and 88 points recorded while the Maple Leafs as a team finished as the sixth seed in the East for the second consecutive season. His 47 goals led the team in goals and was third overall in the NHL only behind the 50 goals scored byLeon Draisaitlof theEdmonton Oilersand the league leading 51 goals scored byAlexander Ovechkin,captain of the Washington Capitals. In the opening round of the2019 playoffs,the Maple Leafs would be eliminated in seven games by the third-seededBoston Bruinsfor the second consecutive year and surrendering a 3–2 series lead this time around. In the series, Tavares would also record two goals and three assists for five points in all seven games played.

Prior to the2019–20 season,Tavares was granted a leave of absence from the team's first pre-season game inSt. John's, Newfoundland and Labradorin September 2019 to spend with his wife and newborn son.On October 2, 2019, just before the first game of the NHL season against the Ottawa Senators, Tavares was named the 25th captain in the history of the Maple Leafs,filling a position that had been vacant for more than3+1⁄2years since the trade ofDion Phaneuf.On October 16, in a game against the Washington Capitals, Tavares sustained a broken finger after getting hit in the hand with the puck, which caused him to miss seven games. He then returned to the Leafs lineup on November 5, against theLos Angeles Kings.

On April 5, 2021, Tavares recorded his 800th career NHL point with an assist on anAuston Matthewsgoal in the Maple Leafs' 5–3 win over theCalgary Flames. On May 20, in the Leafs' openingStanley Cup playoffgame against the Montreal Canadiens, Tavares was upended by Canadiens defencemenBen Chiarot.Canadiens forwardCorey Perryattempted to jump over Tavares as he fell to the ice, in doing so, however, Perry's knee clipped Tavares in the head. Ultimately, Tavares was stretchered off the ice and was transported to the hospital.After the game, Perry felt remorse for his role on the incident: "I don't know what else to do there. I tried to jump. I know Johnny pretty well and just hope he's OK."Tavares was taken toSt. Michael's Hospital,and was discharged the following day, but was ruled out indefinitely with a concussion.In his absence, the Leafs would rally to win three games in a row, but would ultimately lose the series to the Canadiens in seven games, surrendering a3–1 series leadin the process.

On November 15, 2022, Tavares scored his 400th NHL goal in a 5–2 victory over thePittsburgh Penguins.He played his 1,000th NHL game on January 29, 2023, a 5–1 victory against the Washington Capitals in which he had two assists.Forbesremarked on the occasion that "in terms of individual achievements, the 32-year-old has absolutely realized the lofty potential that made him the first-overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft."Tavares finished the season playing in 80 games and recording 36 goals, 44 assists and 80 points. The Maple Leafs finished fourth in the league in the2022–23 season,second in the Atlantic Division and third in the Eastern Conference, setting up a second consecutive first-round meeting with theTampa Bay Lightning.While the Leafs were generally identified as the favourites going into the series as the higher seeded team, the long history of failure to advance past the first round was widely acknowledged.Many suggested that the outcome of the series would have major ramifications for the team going forward, including the status of both general managerKyle Dubasand head coachSheldon Keefe,as well as the long-term future of the core that included Tavares.Tavares recorded his first ever playoff hat-trick on April 20, in afirst-round gameagainst the sixth-seeded Lightning.He would go on to score the series-winning goal against Lightning goaltenderAndrei Vasilevskiyin overtime in Game 6, sending the Maple Leafs to the second round for the first time since2004.Tavares and the Maple Leafs would eventually be defeated in the second round by the eighth-seeded Florida Panthers in five games.

On December 11, 2023, entering a game against his former team, the New York Islanders, with 998 career points, Tavares recorded a goal and an assist to reach 1,000 career points in the NHL, becoming the98th player to do so.His 1,000th point came from an assist on a game-tying goal byMorgan Riellywith 6.4 seconds left in the third period to send the game to overtime, which the Maple Leafs ultimately lost 4–3.The Islanders organization offered a congratulatory tribute to Tavares on the jumbotron prior to the overtime period, which was largely booed by the home New York fans in attendance.

Entering his final season under contract, Tavares relinquished his role as captain to Auston Matthews on August 14, 2024, instead stepping into the role of alternate captain, the same position he was in during the 2018–19 campaign, his first season with the team.

International play

Medal record
Ice hockey
RepresentingCanada
Olympic Games
	2014 Sochi
World Junior Championships
	2008Czech Republic
	2009Canada
Canada Cup / World Cup
	2016 Toronto
Spengler Cup
	2012 Davos

Junior

During his rookie season in the OHL, Tavares competed forTeam Ontarioin the2006 World U-17 Hockey ChallengeinSaskatchewanas a 15-year-old, but failed to medal. Later that year, at the end of the2005–06 season,he was selected to joinCanada'sunder-18 teamfor the2006 IIHF World U18 ChampionshipsinSweden,but failed to medal once more, falling to theCzech Republicin the bronze medal game. Later in the off-season, he was invited to the under-18 team's summer training camp to prepare for the 2006Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournamentin theCzech RepublicandSlovakia,though an injury ultimately prevented him from participating.

During the following season, Tavares was invited toCanada's national juniorselection camp in preparation for the2007 World Junior Championships,but was not named to the final roster.After completing his second OHL season, however, Tavares was named to the Canada's junior team for the2007 Super Seriesagainst Russian junior players. He scored four goals and one assist as Canada won the series 7–0–1.

Tavares earned another invite to the selection camp for the2008 World Junior Championshipsand made the final roster for the tournament on his second attempt.He scored four goals to help Canada to its fourth-straight gold medal in the competition. Returning the next year, along withZach Boychuk,P. K. SubbanandThomas Hickeyfrom the previous year's gold medal-winning team, Tavares was selected to compete in the2009 World Junior ChampionshipsinOttawa, Ontario.He scored three points in the first round-robin game against theCzech Republic,an 8–1 win, and was named Player of the game.In the final round-robin game against theUnited States,Tavares scored ahat-trickfor his 12th career goal of the tournament to tieEric LindrosandJeff Carterfor the all-time Canadian junior record.In doing so, Tavares helped propel Canada to a 7–4 win that gave them the top spot in their pool and a subsequentbyeto the tournament semifinal. He was also named Player of the game for the second time in the tournament for his performance on the night.MeetingRussiain the semifinal and down 5–4 with less than ten seconds left in regulation, Tavares fought off two Russian players along the boards and backhanded a shot towards the goal. The shot was blocked bydefencemanDmitri Kulikova few feet in front of the net, but after the puck came loose, teammateJordan Eberleretrieved it and sent it into the right side of the net to dramatically tie the game with 5.4 seconds left. Then, as the game was forced into ashootout,Tavares scored to put Canada up 2–0 in the tie-breaker and into the gold medal game againstSweden.Recording an assist in the final, he helped Canada defeat the Swedes 5–1 to capture their fifth-straight gold medal. Tavares finished the tournament with eight goals and seven assists for 15 points in six games, second only to teammateCody Hodgsonin tournament scoring. Tavares was also named one of the top three players on the Canadian team by its coaching staff,as well as atournament All-Star, Top Forward and MVP.

Senior

Tavares as a member of the Canadian ice hockey team during the2012 Spengler Cup.

As the New York Islanders failed to qualify for the playoffs in Tavares' rookie season in the NHL, he was selected to theCanadian men's teamfor the2010 IIHF World ChampionshipinGermany.Canada General ManagerMark Messiermade a specific effort to assemble a young team;as a result, Tavares was one of five teenagers on the final roster.With seven goals in seven games, Tavares led all tournament players in goal-scoring. Despite recording no assists, he ranked fifth in points.He helped Canada to the quarterfinal againstRussia,where they were defeated 5–2.

The following year, Tavares returned to the national team for the2011 IIHF World ChampionshipinSlovakia.He improved to nine points over seven games with five goals and four assists to lead Canada in scoring; he ranked fifth among all tournament players for the second consecutive year.As Canada again reached the quarterfinal, they were eliminated once more by Russia, losing 2–1.Tavares was chosen by coaches as one of the three best players on Team Canada, along with defencemanAlex Pietrangeloand forwardAndrew Ladd.

Tavares played forSC Bernin Switzerland during the2012–13 NHL lock-outand quickly became thePostFinance Top Scorer,tallying 42 points—including 17 goals—in just 28 games. He also played for Team Canada at the2012 Spengler Cup,which the nation ultimately won after defeatingHC Davosin the final.

Named toCanada's Olympic teamfor the2014 Winter Olympics,Tavares injured his knee in Team Canada's quarterfinal match againstLatvia.As a result, he was unable to play for the remainder of the tournament, as well as the 2013–14 NHL season.He watched the team's eventual gold medal win overSwedenfrom the dressing room, and joined the medal ceremony on crutches. Tavares would later reflect on the tournament as "bittersweet."

Tavares rejoined Team Canada for the2016 World Cup of Hockey,the first time the event was held in twelve years.The team reached the event final, where they defeated Team Europe 2–1 to secure the gold.

After the Maple Leafs were eliminated from the2019 Stanley Cup playoffsby the Boston Bruins, Tavares committed to play for Team Canada at the2019 IIHF World Championshipin Slovakia.However, shortly before the first game of the tournament, it was announced that Tavares had suffered an oblique injury and would be returning to Toronto.

Following the Maple Leafs' first-round exit from the2024 Stanley Cup playoffs,Tavares was a late addition to the Team Canada roster for the2024 IIHF World Championship.He was thereafter named team captain for the tournament. As he had only arrived on site a short time beforehand, Tavares did not dress for Team Canada's opening game againstGreat Britain.

Playing style

Tavares has been praised by his coaches for his ability to anticipate the play since he joined the OHL.A lack of speed had been the most common criticism of Tavares' play, something he spent his junior career attempting to improve. Tavares' skating speed is something he greatly improved since turning professional.

The media hype he has encountered has led Tavares to remain guarded when speaking to the media, while his teammates and family attempt to shield him from the spotlight where they can.However, Tavares is regarded as a natural leader on the ice, and a player who puts his team first.The Oshawa Generals named Tavares their team captain in 2008, while he also served as the alternate captain with the Canadian junior team in 2009.

Career statistics

Regular season and playoffs

				Regular season						Playoffs
Season	Team	League		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2004–05	Toronto Marlboros	GTHL		72	91	67	158	—		—	—	—	—	—
2004–05	Milton Icehawks	OPJHL		20	13	15	28	10		—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	Oshawa Generals	OHL		65	45	32	77	72		—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Oshawa Generals	OHL		67	72	62	134	60		9	7	12	19	6
2007–08	Oshawa Generals	OHL		59	40	78	118	69		15	3	13	16	20
2008–09	Oshawa Generals	OHL		32	26	28	54	32		—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	London Knights	OHL		24	32	18	50	22		14	10	11	21	8
2009–10	New York Islanders	NHL		82	24	30	54	22		—	—	—	—	—
2010–11	New York Islanders	NHL		79	29	38	67	53		—	—	—	—	—
2011–12	New York Islanders	NHL		82	31	50	81	26		—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	SC Bern	NLA		28	17	25	42	28		—	—	—	—	—
2012–13	New York Islanders	NHL		48	28	19	47	18		6	3	2	5	4
2013–14	New York Islanders	NHL		59	24	42	66	40		—	—	—	—	—
2014–15	New York Islanders	NHL		82	38	48	86	46		7	2	4	6	2
2015–16	New York Islanders	NHL		78	33	37	70	38		11	6	5	11	6
2016–17	New York Islanders	NHL		77	28	38	66	38		—	—	—	—	—
2017–18	New York Islanders	NHL		82	37	47	84	26		—	—	—	—	—
2018–19	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		82	47	41	88	34		7	2	3	5	0
2019–20	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		63	26	34	60	24		5	2	1	3	0
2020–21	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		56	19	31	50	14		1	0	0	0	0
2021–22	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		79	27	49	76	32		7	3	3	6	2
2022–23	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		80	36	44	80	34		11	4	4	8	4
2023–24	Toronto Maple Leafs	NHL		80	29	36	65	30		7	1	1	2	2
NHL totals				1,109	456	584	1,040	475		62	23	23	46	20

International

Year	Team	Event	Result		GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2006	Canada	WJC18	4th		7	2	3	5	4
2007	Canada	SS			8	1	8	9	26
2008	Canada	WJC			7	4	1	5	2
2009	Canada	WJC			6	8	7	15	0
2010	Canada	WC	7th		7	7	0	7	6
2011	Canada	WC	5th		7	5	4	9	12
2012	Canada	WC	5th		8	4	5	9	12
2014	Canada	Oly			4	0	0	0	0
2016	Canada	WCH			6	1	3	4	0
2024	Canada	WC	4th		9	2	9	11	6
Junior totals					28	15	19	34	32
Senior totals					41	19	21	40	36

Awards and honours

Award	Year
OHL
Jack Ferguson Award	2005
OHL First All-Rookie Team	2006
OHL rookie goal scoring lead (45)	2006
Emms Family Award	2006
OHL first All-Star team	2007
Red Tilson Trophy	2007
OHL goal scoring leader	2007,2009
Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy	2009
OHL second All-Star team	2009
CHL
CHL All-Rookie Team	2006
CHL Rookie of the Year	2006
CHL first All-Star team	2007,2009
CHL Player of the Year	2007
CHL Top Draft Prospect Award	2009
CHL Top Prospects Game Invitee	2009
NHL
NHL All-Rookie Team	2010
NHL All-Star	2012,2015,2016,2017,2018,2019
First NHL All-Star team	2015
International
U17 WHC All-Star team	2006
WJCgold medal	2008,2009
WJC All-Star team	2009
WJC Best Forward	2009
WJC Most Valuable Player	2009
Spengler Cupwinner	2012
Winter Olympicsgold medal	2014
World Cup of Hockeywinner	2016

Further reading

• Robson, Dan (July 23, 2024)."'Anywhere but Canada': How a tax ruling could hobble pro teams north of the border ".The Athletic.RetrievedAugust 11,2024.

External links

• Biographical information and career statistics fromNHL.com,orEliteprospects.com,orEurohockey.com,orHockey-Reference.com,orThe Internet Hockey Database
• John TavaresatIMDb