John Tavares has reached an incredible milestone as he records 1000 points for his NHL career. The current Toronto Maple Leaf Captain scored a goal and got the assist on the game tying goal with less than seven seconds on the clock. It was fitting he accomplished this feat on Long Island against his former team. In reaching 1000 career points, he becomes just the 98th player to accomplish the feat. The last player was Ottawa Senators Claude Giroux who reached the mark near the end of last year.
1000 Points for Toronto Maple Leafs Centre John Tavares
For Johnny T, the boy from Toronto, he just keeps getting it done. As the Leafs Captain, he feels the weight of the nation’s largest city on his shoulders. Despite this, he has conducted himself admirably and did help guide the Leafs to their first series win in 20 years last playoffs. His fit in Toronto was evident from the get-go. He recorded career highs in goals (47) and points (88) in 2018-19, his first season in the blue and white. This would parlay into his being named the franchise’s captain at the start of the 2019-20 season.
What More Can You Say About the Leafs Captain
John Tavares was destined for greatness from the beginning. He was drafted first overall in the 2009 NHL entry draft as a result of his efforts with the OHL’s Oshawa Generals. Furthermore, he has been exemplary in his efforts for Team Canada. He had a dominant 2008-09 tourney, recording 15 points in six games, en route to MVP honours. You may recall this was the tournament in Ottawa that smashed attendance records. Also, with Canada capturing gold, marked their tournament record-tying, fifth consecutive World Junior Championship.
To end with remarkable statistics that John Tavares compiled in his journey to 1000 points. Playing nine seasons with the Islanders and now six with the Leafs. He is a six-time 30-goal man. Five times he reached 80 points in a season. This is notable considering the shortened NHL seasons for various reasons throughout his career. He has never won major individual hardware but was third in Hart voting twice (2013 & 2015). He was also a member of two gold medal-winning best-on-best Team Canadas (2014 Olympics and 2016 World Cup). Finally, if he keeps up his consistent scoring, he will move up the all-time list. He will only need to pass Pat LaFontaine with 1013 in 94th to move up four spots. Congrats to Johnny T!
Main photo: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
