Tavares Deserves to Remain Part of the Maple Leafs’ Future

Old Prof March 23, 2025 in Banner News, Featured, NHL, Toronto Maple Leafs Tagged Toronto Maple Leafs - 3 Minutes

John Tavares has proven time and time again that he still has plenty to offer, making him an essential piece of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ future. As the team looks to engage a potential championship push, keeping Tavares beyond his current contract is a move that makes sense for several reasons.

Reason 1. Tavares Brings Offensive Production at Age 34

Tavares hit the 30-goal mark for the seventh time in his career last night. With that milestone, he became the fifth player in Maple Leafs history to record a 30-goal season at age 34 or older. This places him in an elite group of players, including Mats Sundin and Mike Gartner. These two Maple Leafs greats excelled late into their careers. That Tavares can maintain such high-level production well past his typical prime years speaks to his elite skill and attention to conditioning.

Reason 2. Tavares Carries Leadership and Experience With Him

Tavares is not only a key offensive contributor but also a natural leader. His experience and poise are invaluable, especially in high-pressure games. As captain of the Maple Leafs, he brings a steady hand to the team and mentors younger players, such as Matthew Knies. On a team striving for a Stanley Cup, having Tavares’ leadership in the locker room and on the ice is irreplaceable.

Reason 3. Tavares Scores from the Tough Spots

Tavares has shown he can still light the lamp consistently. But he also does it in both the tough ways and the skilled ways. He’s more likely to stand in front of the goalie as a target and collect a rebound for a goal using his excellent hand-eye coordination. But he can also score on a well-placed one-timer from the slot.

He is on a three-game, five-point streak, including three goals. His most recent performance, where he scored two goals and added an assist in a win over the New York Rangers, shows that he remains a highly effective offensive weapon. With 1,101 career points (486 goals and 615 assists), Tavares’ scoring remains a part of his game.

Reason 4. Tavares Is a Key Playoff Contributor

Beyond the regular season, Tavares has consistently shown he can elevate his game during the postseason. His playoff experience and ability to step up in crucial games will be vital for the Maple Leafs to make deep postseason runs. Retaining Tavares allows the Maple Leafs to continue building a competitive team that includes a proven playoff performer.

Reason 5. Tavares Carries the Potential for More Success

While Tavares is 34 years old, his play this season shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to hit the 30-goal milestone and his continued strong performances suggest that, with proper management, he can remain an impactful player for the next few seasons. Given his dedication to the game and the team, a contract extension would solidify his place in the team’s future while ensuring the franchise maintains a solid veteran presence.

John Tavares is still productive. He deserves to be part of the Maple Leafs future.

The Bottom Line: Tavares Is a Smart Part of the Maple Leafs Future

Tavares’ current play and leadership make him a critical part of the Maple Leafs’ success. His ability to score and vast experience make him an asset on and off the ice. As the team continues to build a championship-caliber roster, keeping Tavares beyond his current contract would be a smart decision, allowing the team to maintain its offensive firepower and leadership as it aims for a Stanley Cup.