As the Toronto Maple Leafs head into their final regular-season game, a quiet story unfolds beneath the spotlight of Matthews’ 400 goals and Marner’s 100-point season. It belongs to John Tavares, the veteran leader who has quietly had one of his best seasons.
Right now, Tavares sits at 38 goals. Two more, and he hits the 40-goal mark for the second time in his career—the first coming during his debut season in Toronto back in 2018–19, when he exploded for 47 goals and 88 points, along with a career-best +19 rating. That year was seen as the height of his scoring powers.
But here we are again six years later. One game remains. And Tavares is knocking on the door once more.
Maple Leafs Tavares Has the Most Underappreciated 38-Goal Season in the NHL
While many Maple Leafs have hit personal milestones this season, Tavares’ resurgence has flown under the radar. Since the league reconvened from the Four Nations Faceoff, he’s tallied 17 goals — that’s a career year for many NHL forwards packed into a late-season surge.
He keeps looking faster, stronger, and more determined. Under new head coach Craig Berube, Tavares has seemed refreshed (which is a topic that deserves a deep dive in another post). But for now, what stands out is just how consistently excellent he’s been in the stretch run.
Can Tavares Take Advantage of the Chance to Cap the Season in Style
There’s something poetic about the Maple Leafs closing out the regular season against the Detroit Red Wings, with Tavares sitting at 38. It’s a chance to put a bow on one of his career’s most quietly impactful seasons with a 40-goal finish. Perhaps it’s a long shot, but he could score a deuce to hit the 40-goal mark.
He won’t say he’s thinking about it. That’s not who he is. But anyone who’s followed Tavares over the years knows he’s a pro’s pro — meticulous in his preparation, driven by the little details, and motivated more by team success than personal acclaim. But 40 goals would be a special way to close out a year where Tavares has aged like fine wine.
Tavares Is More Than a Player; He Should Be a Maple Leaf for Life
Tavares’ contract has one more year, but speculation about his future is already beginning. Fans should look for him to re-sign and to take a reduced deal. When his career is done, I would also hope he’d transition into a different role with the organization off the ice.
John Tavares is the kind of player who belongs in the Maple Leafs organization long-term. Like Jason Spezza, he brings character, intelligence, and a deep understanding of how important it is to wear the blue and white. If the Maple Leafs are building something sustainable — not just for one Stanley Cup run, but an authentic culture — Tavares is a guy you’d keep around.
Final Thought: Here’s Hoping for Tavares
There’s only one game left before the real work begins — the playoffs. But for just a moment, I hope Tavares gets the chance to notch two more goals and hit that 40-goal mark one more time. He’s earned it. He’s been elite for so long. And even now, at 34, he’s still showing the kind of magic that made him “Johnny Toronto” in the first place.
One more night. Two more goals. And a fitting cap to a remarkable season.
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