In-Depth Analysis Will Make You Change Your Mind On Criticized Leafs Star
The Leafs have been the most talked about franchise in the NHL over the past several years. Most of that talk has been centered around the disappointment of the team in the playoffs. This often will fall on the shoulders of four players within the organization. Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander.
John Tavares seems to be the player that some want to be moved the most due to his advanced age compared to the other three members of the core. Many believe his current play and future decline will not be worth the 11 million dollars he is being paid.
In Depth Analysis Of Tavares and the Leafs Core
Youtuber Johnny Hawkey took a look at the Tavares situation and if there was a reason to be critical or if the criticism was not warranted.
I understand the pressure and the blame that gets put on them when the wins don't come in the playoffs. But when people say that John Tavares is incapable of being a good second-line center in the NHL anymore, and that his contract is one of the worst in the league, I start scratching my head. And people like to say that JT is super slow and that he can't keep up in today's game because he keeps getting faster every year. He's never been fleet of foot. He's always been able to be effective. And honestly, he's finding ways to be just as if not more effective nowadays. And the face-off stuff is overblown. He is a fine centerman in the circle. There's nothing wrong with him.
Hawkey talks about the arguments of Tavares slowing down in his later years. He mentions that Tavares' game has never been one predicated on speed. Tavares uses his IQ and skill to carve up defenders and rack up high point totals.
Hawkey then goes on to mention that Tavares is still producing at a great rate for someone at the age of 32. His 80 points in 80 games is a dream for most teams at second-line center.
Hawkey does touch on Tavares' lack of playoff success as a reason for fans' criticism. As with every team when they lose fans will try to find a definitive reason or player to blame. For the last several seasons that has been Tavares who has not been able to keep up his scoring in the playoffs.
But all it takes is one season to have a turnaround in the NHL. Take for example players like Erik Karlsson and Jeff Skinner. Both were considered overpaid just a couple of seasons ago and now are considered stars and worth every bit of their contract even as they get into their mid-thirties. This is entirely possible for Tavares as well. Beyond his play on the ice as well Tavares loves the Leafs and Toronto as a community and will be willing to do anything to bring a Stanley Cup to his childhood team.
Leafs Future Is Still Bright With Captain Tavares
It can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel through all of the disappointments in recent years. The fact still remains though that the Leafs have a great core capable of anything. After the progress of last season and the additions made the Leafs are ready for another Cup run with Tavares at the forefront with the C on his chest again.
| POLL | ||
Will John Tavares lead the Toronto Maple Leafs to a Stanley Cup in his time as captain? | ||
| Yes | 403 | 47.7 % |
| No | 441 | 52.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
