John Tavares in fifth season for Toronto as Maple Leafs host the Islanders
John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the Boston Bruins during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on November 5, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Credit: Getty Images/Claus Andersen
TORONTO – John Tavares’ tenure with the Islanders ended long, long ago, at least as it relates to hockey timekeeping.
The former Islanders captain and face of the franchise plays his 300th game with the Maple Leafs on Monday night as his former team wraps up a four-game road trip at Scotiabank Arena.
But the passing seasons haven’t dulled Tavares’ memories of his time on Long Island, nor have they kept him from being asked about them when his past and present teams do play.
“It’s a huge part of my career and my life playing there,” Tavares said. “It’s always good to see familiar faces. Once you get on the ice, you go out there and compete and do what you have to do to get two points for your team. But a place that means a lot to me and it’s a big part of why I’m here today.”
The 32-year-old Tavares, born in nearby Mississauga, Ontario, agreed to a seven-year, $77 million deal with his hometown team on July 1, 2018, after playing 669 regular-season games and 24 more in the playoffs for the Islanders, who selected him first overall in 2009.
“It’s Year 5, right?” Tavares said. “When you think about it that way, it does feel like time has flown a little bit. It’s crazy to think that much time has passed. I try not to think about it a whole lot. [The media] are the one making me aware of it. But, yeah, it’s crazy to think it’s been that much time.”
His former teammates feel the same way.
“It feels like it’s yesterday almost,” Anthony Beauvillier said. “It kind of goes by so fast. It’s crazy to think that it’s already his 300th game with this team."
Beauvillier, 25, had just completed his second NHL season when Tavares left for Toronto.
Mathew Barzal, also 25, only got to be Tavares’ teammate as an NHL rookie. But Tavares’ successor as the Islanders’ top playmaker said there were never bitter feelings over his departure nor is revenge a motivation for the Islanders when they face him.
“Definitely not,” Barzal said. “Johnny is well liked in this locker room. He was an awesome captain for my first year. Nothing but good things to say about Johnny. It is fun to compete against him. He’s such a competitor. He really is one of the most focused guys I’ve ever seen. So when you play him you’ve got to be on.”
Barzal said he still considers Tavares a role model because of his work ethic.
“He definitely is the poster boy for recovery and working hard,” Barzal said. “I don’t think he changes wherever he goes. He’s always authentic.”
Tavares, meanwhile, stays current enough on his former teammates to comment when asked.
For instance, he noted how Brock Nelson, elevated to a top-six forward when Tavares departed, has become consistent with his offensive production.
“Brock was highly touted when he was drafted and there was a lot of belief about the tools and the skill set he has,” Tavares said. “You’ve seen him really start to flourish the last number of years. You’d see some really good spurts for him but he’s really gotten to his game at a high level and the results are showing.”
Tavares also said Cal Clutterbuck’s longevity has been impressive given the physical edge to his game.
“I got to play with him in juniors, too, and he laid a few [hits] there as well,” Tavares said. “Physically, he’s been through a lot so it’s impressive how he’s been able to be that durable.”
Andrew Gross joined Newsday in 2018 to cover the Islanders. He began reporting on the NHL in 2003 and has previously covered the Rangers and Devils. Other assignments have included the Jets, St. John’s and MLB.
