John Tavares Opens Up On Why He Is Letting Two Rookies Stay At His House

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Tyler Ball
October 16, 2023 (2:01 PM)

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John Tavares has opened his home to two young rookies this season. Until now the reasons for him doing this were a mystery.

Maples Leafs Rookies Staying With Tavares

This season John Tavares has two more guests in his house than expected. He has taken in both Matthew Knies and Fraser Minten and given them a place to stay to begin the NHL season.

While many knew this was a thing no one really knew why now Tavares has said it began last season when Matthew Knies left school to play with the Leafs.

"Kniesy came in last year and was a real natural fit," Tavares explained.

Once things went well with Knies he invited him back heading into this season along with another rookie. Both Matthew Knies and Fraser Minten's roster spots have not been a guaranteed lock since the beginning of training camp. Because of this getting permanent housing in Toronto doesn't make sense in case they are sent elsewhere.

This is where Tavares stepped in and allowed them to stay with him. Tavares jokingly said it's great because he gets free babysitting.

Tavares on having both Minten and Knies stay at his house.

«It's been great. Instead of getting babysitters I'm just getting guys from the team.»

It also allows the young players to learn from Tavares on how to operate as a pro hockey player and get home-cooked meals they might not get in a hotel setting.

"And for Fraser, just trying to figure out his living situation and getting him out of the hotel and he and Kniesy have really kicked it off playing together and spending time with one another and my boys love it."

As Tavares mentions it has helped build chemistry between Knies and Minten as well who are currently linemates.

Tavares Follows In Former NHLers Footsteps

With this treatment toward young players, Tavares is carrying the torch of former NHL veteran Doug Weight who did something similar for him when he was a rookie.

I hope it helped him being 18, being able to have home-cooked meals, having that family atmosphere, Weight told the New York Post in a 2017 interview.

"For me to come full circle in a way it's great," Tavares said.

Tavares and the rookie duo will look to keep building chemistry as they all chase the ultimate hockey prize of a Stanley Cup championship.

As Read On - The Hockey News - Why Maple Leafs Captain John Tavares Has Welcomed Rookies Fraser Minten and Matthew Knies Into His Home