"Washed"? Not So Sure...

[@motorcoachtech7615]

He has always plays with heart and soul.

[@macdaniels00]

Johnny T is living up to that Assistant Captain role very well, less pressure and stress for him so he's playing like his old self. Love to see it honestly because he was put through the ringer by fans last season

[@sports2hedz542]

Definitely. I hope Matthews can perform under that pressure now

[@Jimmyfly215]

or it is a contract year and is working his ass off to get another contract

[@jeffreycairns767]

There's no difference between having the C vs not having it

[@macdaniels00]

@jeffreycairns767 as a leafs captain yea, cause fans and Media expect to much

[@jeffreycairns767]

​@@macdaniels00 That's true with or without the C

[@yukoncorneliusthelegendhim9751]

imo tavares handing the c to matthews is one of the classiest moves we've seen in the nhl in years. it not only proves tavares has absolutely zero ego and is a true teammate among teammates, but it will pretty much solidify his entry into the hockey hall of fame one day. he's literally a model player, extremely well rounded, hardworking, skilled, talented, high hockey iq, gritty for his size, a lowkey great leader & sets a great example, no ego, nearly point per game player, the list goes on and on. when you really break it down objectively, who wouldn't be impressed with the guy and what his unique style/outlook/technique/work ethic brings to the game. toronto is lucky to have him, and it'll be a great day when he hoists the cup over his head wearing blue and white.

[@nonoman305]

I really hope he sticks around for a few years (and I think he will) his game translates well into a Pacioretty or previously Spezza role when his points totals tick down over the next few years

[@faunbudweis]

I drafted Tavares in my fantasy keeper back when he was a rookie, he is the only original guy left on my team. A model of consistency.

[@kurtwpg]

He's a strange case. Usually when a guy is projected as a generational player at 16 then falls short, his work ethic is almost never his strongest suit. When he retires a few years down the road, he will be a non-borderline HoFer.

[@Chakdefatte194]

If he becomes a hofer before moginly. That’s fucked.

[@scoruja]

@@kurtwpg I agree with everything up to non-borderline HOF

[@kurtwpg]

@@scoruja Captain of 2 teams who's going to finish with 550 goals and 700 assists?

[@bradryan8071]

Loved this player since the day they got him and have never given up on routing for him. I think he was a very good Captain, as a captaincy is not about who has the most goals or assists, rather it is about the one who tries the hardest and inspires the ones around him to do the same. Furthermore, as I predicted, when he lost his captaincy, he did not sulk rather, he put his head down and went to work. A true Captain and excellent player. I hope they can keep him at a reduced cost.

[@charlesrose7828]

The JT, Nylander, and Pacioretty line was really growing on me. Hopefully Max's injury is a quick recovery.

[@rapideye85]

Not only is all that true, but he is elite at faceoffs over the past 5 seasons and has become the best faceoff guy in the NHL. None of the so-called top centres come even close except when Bergeron was still playing. He also has a chance to hit 500 this season if he continues his pace. By all-star break he'll pass Patrick Kane in goals and is currently around 65th all-time in goals scored and has surpassed many active greats with only 1100 played. Totally disrespectful to have had the C taken from him

[@yukoncorneliusthelegendhim9751]

it was a disrespectful move on torontos part to remove the C for sure, but for tavares' career as a whole it will end up being a positive. tavares handing the C to matthews with no sour grapes attached, proves he has no ego and is a hockey player among hockey players, all while not missing a beat and STILL being a workhorse and clutch for the team with the A on his chest, and is clearly still a leader on and off the ice (he didnt get near enough credit). the guy is a model player, honest, hardworking & talented, somebody who parents should want their kids to look up to and mirror.

[@lanes-world]

That Jets game, Tavares played his game perfectly

[@deadrizen]

Love JT, thought he was a great captain. I don't think any Leaf's fans dislike Tavares, we just don't like the fact that 4 guys are eating up so much of our salary cap, and JT is the easiest to point the finger at given his age.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Unfortunately, most don't understand the math

[@seniormale]

1st Portuguese captain of the toronto maple leafs 🇨🇦 🇵🇹

[@FlamesEnjoyer]

I mean. Its kind of a minor miracle that hes still playing at this level after that perry incident

[@oldhab7890]

Good analysis of Tavares - the Leafs' got their money out of his contract. Most teams in the NHL would have loved to have Tavares in their line up for the last 7 years. The "problem: is you can't have 4 players taking up such a large slice of the salary cap. I would point out that Tavares is the Leafs' team leader in series winning goals.

[@jeffreycairns767]

I love this topic. Why exactly can't they have 4 players making that? Do you know why they make it?

[@andrew4451]

He should have been captain until his contract ended.

[@ethanparker7900]

agree just cause matthews is a good goal scorer doesn't mean he is worthy of the captaincy. JT was more suitable for the role especially since he was for 5/9 season he was with the islanders

[@ejay1912]

As a Leafs fan, I have been very pleased with how good he’s been playing this season! He’s on a tear right now

[@christophermerlot3366]

Johnny T's overtime goal vs Washington was just mean the other day.

[@pinchez-q2d]

He's been consistent and played with heart his whole career, had his best year as a Leaf, he deserves every penny and hopefully he pulls a Crosby & signs a team friendly deal next year, would cement his legacy as a Leaf legend

[@dolandarkxgrandayy6953]

Johnny T was bad because he was sick to start the season, he lost 8 pounds in a week. He's recovered now.

[@TranslatedAssumption]

We are going to look back at videos like this in the near future and know that this was the year when the Leafs dynasty began.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Doubtful, but we can hope

[@craigharrison5406]

Stop giving the trolls material

[@brad1716]

Johnny T is our boy! Heart and soul, hard worker, knows how to be a team player! Doesn’t need to put up points to contribute.

[@NinjaSeppo]

the magic amulets are working!!

[@Phantus00]

Great guy, great player, speed/skating is his Achilles heel at this point but he's still finding a way. Easy fella to root for.

[@mara627]

Where I am at is where I will always be, take a couple million off of that cap of his and that cup winning potential goes up exponentially. It is what it is and I am happy for him being a Maple Leaf, I have always respected him and his game. At this point I'd be more happy to see him lift one, regardless of the jersey he is wearing.😊

[@carson_rock195]

I always defended JT when it came to media, so it's good that people are seeing what I and lots of hockey fans have been saying, and it's been the same for Marner, and the two of them are nuts so far this season, and I don't think it's just bc it's a contract season for both.

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

Marner and Tavares catch a lot of hell for a lot of stuff that honestly, they probably shouldn't. They are two very hard working two way forwards. Their numbers don't always look great in the playoffs, but they're always giving more than the numbers show. This year both have gotten new life un Berube.

[@carson_rock195]

@20thCenturyManTrad exactly, yes, they need to work on playoff stuff, they aren't horrible during those times, I just can't wait to see this team when the p.o starts! Bc Berube isn't Keefe, so it'll be fun and interesting to see!

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

@@carson_rock195 Berube reminds me of Punch Imlach from back in their 60s glory years, Punch had his faults as all coaches do, but like Punch Berube gets the Leafs working hard as all get out.

[@carson_rock195]

@20thCenturyManTrad real.

[@jeffreycairns767]

It's the same every year. Very little changes but overshadowed by Matthews and selfish players like Nylander

[@helenrogers7812]

JT IS JUST GETTING BETTER AND BETTER AFTER OMITTING THE C ON JERSEY, WAY TO GO JOHN! MANY MANY MORE GREAT YEARS😁

[@ethanparker7900]

i always thought JT was one of those who was always taken for granted. He's not the perfect player nor should he but man has he been a terrific player who was a part of a low scoring generation but was always consistent in his individual production being roughly a point per game for most of his career and scoring 30 ish goals on average most of his career on such underwhelming teams on both the leafs and the isles. He might not be the stud he was in 2023, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 or 2012 but man is he still hot and consistent with his individual productivity. I was never a leaf or isles fan but i have always been fond of tavares himself and i love seeing him silence naysayers

[@matthewr9471]

i didnt expect a drop off he's always been a good player didn't expect any different this season if you did you haven't watched what makes him good its not his speed its his hockey sense IQ hands around the net and how strong he is on the puck and possession all of which the Leafs use from him very well. Sure he could keep it going why can't he? don't see why not if keeps up his performance training and playing well without puck taking care of himself etc..

[@ronpiticco7222]

Good evaluation.

[@Xavier-016]

Tavares is playing better with an A, and Matthews is playing worse with the C... they should have gave the C to Morgan Rielly!

[@jeffreycairns767]

Tavares is playing like usual, Matthews has been hurt, but I do agree with Reilly

[@nikholuaseckert1770]

I am proud to have his jersey as a leaf, I have no doubt in my mind that he'll retire a leaf too

[@nonoman305]

I really think he will too but if he has a 70+ pt season and somebody on the open market offers him like 7mill multi year I'd be worried, I hope he just doesn't hit the open market

[@SwaminarayanBhagwanAboveAll]

Marner has been really impressive so far this season.

[@amanasd26]

yeah easily the best player so far, and everyone was calling him a bum and wanted him traded

[@dolandarkxgrandayy6953]

Contract year

[@johnboulanger807]

It’s the same Mitch Marner as the last 5 years. Mitch being Mitch and doing crazy Mitch stuff. He had a less productive post season last year (with Nylander and Matthews missing significant games) and people wanted to blame him for all the playoff troubles conveniently ignoring the fact that he led the team in playoff pints the season before. If you really understand the game then you would see his value. Mitch and his contract are not the problem

[@saltpeter500]

See if he shows up in the playoffs

[@jeffreycairns767]

He's like this every year. The problem is that he's always overshadowed by Matthews.

[@sterlingfury]

A classy person and an excellent, hardworking, skilled player who earns his money ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MrHolmgren194]

Tavares has played great.

[@ptolemyauletesxii8642]

Why do people always say the game is getting faster? People have been saying this for 40 years. It's not true. Old players get slower. Sure, the average skater today is a bit faster than the average skater 40 years ago, but it's not getting faster all the time. This is as dumb a piece of repeated dogma as the 90s 'expansion has watered the game down' when the opposite was true.

[@ArcanicFire]

Not the loudest or most outspoken captain, but as a solid core player and mentor to the new captain and rest of the main pieces… guys I clutch… Tavares is clutch… Tavares is…. UNDERRATED

[@PreDustined]

I love tavares. I think he is still a great guy to have on the team

[@directioner1597]

It’s the amulet!

[@DrowzyDan]

Never thought he was washed personally. Mis used and extremely ill at the start of the season (lost several pounds in a fortnight) Is the more realistic take. Where they have him plugged in now seems to help. I am hoping they move marner around and get him away from Matthews.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Matthews and Marner have always played well together but Marner is always in Matthews' shadow. It looks like he's scared to shoot when Matthews is around. When don't know what goes on behind closed doors but something tells me that Marner has been told to pass.

[@jmn1999]

Tavares has never been the problem on the Leafs. That being said I still maintain they never should’ve got him in the first place. They had the young core and then they just threw a top tier player right in the middle and expected that to just automatically make them go on deep playoff runs without changing anything else. The only problem in Toronto is the fans and the media. They’re so unbelievably toxic that no team will ever win in that city. I get the passion, but the delusion is something else. How fast they turn on their own is crazy.

[@clearskyy]

always love me some Johnny Toronto

[@eastonmedved9777]

What’s the site you use to see players projected stats

[@ariccua6101]

PASSION. That's all.

[@dgib1694]

To rip the C from his shirt to give it to another guy shows total lack of class by both Matthews and the Leafs org

[@Youngsta0]

Exactly.

[@helloimshawn]

That’s totally how it went down guys

[@joshmoxey.]

I like Tavares as a person, a player and an involved with leadership, but things didn't go according to plan while he wore the C. While not the main reason things haven't, the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again, expecting a different result. There was no right time to do this. It was going to Matthews at some point and signs point to Tavares sticking around past this season. To call this classless is absurd. Leadership requires making tough calls, which the Leafs organization did. I'd rather him with an A and playing like this. Why wouldn't you?

[@WalkableBulb905]

​@joshmoxey. As a leafs fan, Matthews is a great player but he is no leader. Tavares was a great captain, and it was classless imo. He should still be captain and if anyone else should've gotten the C. It should've been Rielly

[@20thCenturyManTrad]

@@WalkableBulb905 The idea that the best player needs to have the Captaincy is ludicrous, sometimes he is the leader, but often times it's the mucking two forwards, or that boring two-way or defensive defenseman that is often the leader.

[@DoryLeslie]

Love that TAVARES🎉❤

[@Thexkidd]

I like to hear about the plus minus also. + -

[@From_the_Outside_Looking_in]

i hope he gets re-signed but at a reduced rate, give them a little breathing room with their cap situation

[@jeffreycairns767]

🙄🙄🙄

[@ethanparker7900]

yah like maybe 1-2 years for $5 million maybe would be a sufficient deal for more cap space while keeping him and also giving him enough time to get to 500 goals

[@07foxmulder]

There was only one fanbase that was calling him washed. The same ones that chase goalies out of town and call 911 on players in the middle of the game.

[@mattreid8098]

I’ve always been a staunch Johnny T supporter, he just plays the game right, I’ve never understood all the bashing that goes on…. Oh wait yes I do welcome to Leaf fandom lol

[@bradleye1964]

Team Canada he should be on

[@nonoman305]

John Tavares is a Toronto Maple leaf, and i wouldnt want it any other way

[@mike4DDL]

How many more goals does he need to make HHOF? I say three more 30 goal seasons. Either that or being a key piece of a Leafs cup win which is not happening lol.

[@craigharrison5406]

He would be first "washed" point per game player . I never understood the hate. Perennial 30 goal scorers/point per game players are not easy to find. The price the Leafs paid for him was the going rate at the time. People forget the Sharks offered him 7 years at $13M per. He's still got good hands in tight, a great shot and wins face-offs like he was born for it.

[@bradmacdonald7626]

He’s been consistent..maybe the C is a curse, or the amulet actually works

[@wills8072]

The window is closed, the faster the Leafs hit the reboot button, the faster they will be in the conversation for a cup again. This core is over.

[@crystal.starr0]

Tavares is like Mats Sundin was. He just knows how to score goals.

[@mortimerreed]

Also outclassed by at least 5 other players in the league at the same position.

[@KS-xk2so]

JTs numbers are even more impressive when you consider he played like 2 weeks of games sick as a dog, and was invisible. Guy lost 8 pounds lol

[@ShawnBlaque]

People were calling him a bum while the guy was dying and still trying to play lol

[@ShawnBlaque]

People getting upset that he's not an 11 million dollar player in the final year of a 7 year contract are the stupidest fans ever. That's how time works and he's still a point per game player... It's embarrassing when people try to roast him.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Most are not real fans. The way they flip flop their opinions game to game should show you they're not real fans. It's happened with a number of players over the years

[@michaelsaville9985]

He’ll probably get a couple offers at the end of the year for just less than what he’s making now but we all know he wants to stay here. And if he really does for the same reasons he signed here 7 years ago, he needs to take a pay cut with Kinsey and Mitch needing new deals and McCabe’s new contract kicking in next year. 💁‍♂️

[@WindWalker1961]

J9nny the Tank Toronto .....Icon Status...lfawk those haters

[@gavinsheridan4680]

Dear young people, the expression is “washed up.” Thank you.

[@jeffreycairns767]

What? He said that

[@butwhytharum]

Its the team he dreamed of playing for. Without the c he can just play.

[@jeffreycairns767]

The C makes zero difference

[@keeshandave8603]

The Leafs didn't deserve to get shutout by the Sens last night. It was pure disgrace and totally undeserved

[@eggcorns9422]

Tavares has been overpaid this whole contract, 11m for his production is a laugh. Still a great player just wish we signed him for around 9mil. Dubas was a decent gm but he let players walk all over him in contracts.

[@michaelmagic988]

need to trade marner for depth and defense

[@anonymous134y]

Then you see Matthews... Ovi is washed up for todays game, while Matthews is in the middle prime and ovi is still out pacing him in goals.

[@BenNordVPN]

Captain Cardboard

[@jaapongeveer6203]

Tavares is playing better because his contract runs out end of this season and wants a new contract. Don't do it!

[@seniormale]

Mathews is too soft...🧚‍♀️

[@hoskins666]

tavares never stood out to me in any part of the game, he puts up points but it seems like it doesn't matter how many he puts up he still isn't that great, besides faceoffs

[@BrianGrant-ow3rt]

Stop batching booooo

[@jeffreycairns767]

What?

[@maahes7139]

They'll be out in the first round. It's a yearly tradition at this point.

[@joshmoxey.]

Idk if you have some strange mental gymnastics methodolgy to defining the word yearly but they took down the prior stanley cup finalists in '23 (TB) only to be bounced by the cup finalists that year and the cup winner the next year

[@sululeafs6106]

He has been average

[@francescoravenda5070]

Of course don’t give knies his flowers lol

[@ed7890]

He is fine. Just do not give too much responsibilities and he would do fine.

[@jeffreycairns767]

What responsibilities? What did he have that he doesn't now? The C makes no difference

[@ed7890]

@@jeffreycairns767 When he was captain , Tavares was expected to be the big leader of the group. Especially he was paid 11 mil, but Marner , Matthews and even Nylander is outscoring him. I sort of disagree with you. With the C, the media is going to focus on that person more.

[@RLSteffler]

Seems obvious that Knies would be pronounced "Niece" or "Kniece", weird how everyone says Nize

[@bl9531]

Tavares no longer justifies a salary of 11M, which is what one would expect in the last year of a contract. But only Leaf fans think Tavares sucks. There will be 31 teams willing to sign him this summer as a UFA and Leaf fans will finally be happy to see Tavares and Marner leave.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Where to begin. Real Leafs fans don't think he sucks, it's the fair weather "fans" that do. His pay is not just based off his performance. Most don't seem to know that. No Leafs fan would be happy to see either leave. BTW, neither is leaving

[@bl9531]

@ funny .. never seen a Leafs comments section without a majority saying Tavares sucks and they gotta get rid of Tavares and Marner. But this is KZbin .. you can say whatever you want.

[@saltpeter500]

Contract year

[@jeffreycairns767]

This is, generally, how Tavares and Marner always play. Nylander, last year, was because of contract year. Guys like Tavares, Matthews and Marner are everywhere doing everything, from battling for pucks to passing around to defending. With Nylander, I'd he's not scoring, he's basically useless

[@smeagol9119]

Empty netter gets credit? Lmao wow

[@jeffreycairns767]

The way it happened. We see plays all the time where a player will leave a puck for a teammate. Tavares was waiting, beat 3 Wings to thr puck despite being the furthest from it, and put it in past 2 Wings from the blue line without actually lining up his shot

[@harolddeshep3542]

Although it is not a "bad" contract, they didn't do well in the playoffs and I would have spent his $11 M elsewhere. He wants to re-sign, and it should be at a significant discount or I'd prefer if he didn't return.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Spent it where? Who tf is waiting by their phone praying they get to play here? Nobody is knocking down the door to play in Toronto, or Canada for that matter. You can have all the cap in the world but it's useless if nobody wants to play here

[@mortimerreed]

​@@jeffreycairns767wasn't part of the pitch to JT that he'd make more money in local endorsements than playing elsewhere? Or was that Stamkos? I can't remember anymore, what a long crazy ride it's been.

[@jeffreycairns767]

@mortimerreed Stamkos didn't want to play in Toronto. He couldn't handle the pressure, not unlike a number of past players. Guys like Tavares, Marner, Matthews, etc., are paid for upto 3 main reasons. 1. Their overall skill. 2. They bring in the most money, which means ticket sale, merchandise, etc. 3. Canadian teams have trouble attracting higher talent, so they have no choice but to pay up in order to keep them. Look at the highest paid players on Canadian teams. They all have great skill and/or attract the most attention to the team

[@batch1638]

You speak WAYYY too fast!~

[@samplechannel2fiyd5idjfufjfud]

John need a pay rise. He has never been a start, just above average at best. Pay him 12 a year and he will perform.

[@jeffreycairns767]

Don't be a clown

[@FLAPNT]

Preassure is on 🥸 to lead in play offs. Tavares proves he is still the one now. Good luck from florida👍

[@Spincat08]

Too many people, and I mean the vast majority of people, do not have the slightest clue what they are talking about when it comes to salary. Everyone talks about Sid taking a team friendly, and I don't disagree, but Sid, Marner and JT all see the same number in their bank accounts at the end of the year.... 5 million, give or take. Every single player that plays in Toronto is on a team friendly deal whether it shows on the cap or not.

[@NathanZwicker]

... endorsement$$$$$

[@francescoiaderosa2247]

😂 you're funny.

[@josepharthurbennett]

Can you explain this? I'm not being a dick. I genuinely don't understand what you mean. In JTs case, if he's taking home 5 mil, where does the other 6 mil go?

[@joshmoxey.]

there is actually truth to this. I'm in favour of a cap reform where it's reflective of the tax system in which each franchise resides in.

[@Spincat08]

@@NathanZwicker So your solution to the tax disparity is to have Leaf players get second and third jobs? Genius. I guess there is no relation between focusing on hockey and success anyway right?

[@DavidDolus]

If we sign him for 3x3m Im good. Anything more is a waste.

[@NoPe-n1j]

3-0

[@samplechannel2fiyd5idjfufjfud]

John need a pay rise. He has never been a start, just above average at best. Pay him 12 a year and he will perform.