Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares should be healthy by season’s start
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs missed John Tavares in the playoffs, but it looks like their captain will be back fully for the start of the new season.
John Tavares only featured in ten minutes of the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ first game against the Montreal Canadiens in round one of the 2021 playoffs, suffering an awful succession of injuries that left many genuinely concerned for his well-being.
Consecutive clashes with Ben Chiarot and Corey Perry left the Leafs captain with a knee injury as well as a serious concussion, ruling him out indefinitely.
The Leafs understandably lost that game, clearly shaken by the incident, but rallied in subsequent games and came close to securing a berth in the second round.
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The team ran out if steam, and roster depth, and the Canadiens clinched the series in seven games en route to an astonishing appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.
Tavares’ absence was clearly felt by the team, but things are looking optimistic over a fully healthy return by the team the opening game of the 2021/22 regular season rolls around in October.
Via NHL.com, Tavares has spoken of his recovery from his respective injuries and believes he will be ready to participate in the team’s pre-season training camp.
This is a significant development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as it means that they should have their captain for an entire pre-season – getting him up to speed and fit enough to take to the ice on opening night.
Regardless of his hefty price tag, with an AAV of $11 million, Tavares is a hugely important player and person for the Leafs, and wears the coveted ‘C’ as a model professional.
Since joining the Leafs back in the summer of 2018, Tavares has put up good offensive numbers (92 goals, 106 assists in 201 games), including a career-high 47 goals and 88 total points in his debut season.
His leadership on and off the ice has helped the team become a consistent contender for the post-season, and having him ready and raring to go without missing any more playing time is something that head coach Sheldon Keefe will no doubt be delighted with.
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Ensuring Tavares progresses through camp and any pre-season appearances with his health intact will be the top priority for the team, but having the captain back on the ice at the earliest possible opportunity will be something that everyone involved with the Toronto Maple Leafs should be excited for.