PUCKREPORTER | NHL TEAM | TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Major Announcement Regarding Their Captain

PUBLICATION

Samer Dagher
December 14, 2023 (0:26)

SHARE THIS STORY

Toronto Maple Leafs Announce Major News Regarding John Tavares

Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares recently reached point number 1000 of his remarkable NHL career in quite some fashion against his former team with just under 6 seconds left to tie the game and send it to overtime. The team has officially confirmed that he will be honored for his achievement on Saturday when they host the Rangers.

Despite some reluctance from Islanders fans at UBS Arena, Tavares is expected to receive a warm welcome from his home fans back at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Must read on PuckReporter

Leon Draisaitl's suspension fate confirmed by NHL Player Safety

Oilers fan who flashed the internet breaks silence in a new interview

Here's the remarkable moment:

In post game remarks, here's what John Tavares had to say about the achievement.

«It has been a great ride so far, great journey, you want to celebrate in a win, but I'm very proud of it,» Tavares told reporters after the game. «In certain ways, you are happy it has happened and you can move forward and there will be a time and place to soak it in a little more.»

There's no question it would have been better if the Leafs secured the win but the moment was still special.

«It was a bit surreal,» Tavares said of the play. «Wasn't pretty, so just wanted to make sure that it was correct and I had a good feeling, I had a net-front presence and it went off me. Helped lead to a big point for us. Happy it came in a really good moment for the team. «You see all your teammates come out, it's really special. The uniqueness of doing it where I played the first nine years of my career and it's a big part of who I am, cool to do it here.»

Additionally, having his father in attendance added an extra layer of significance which connects the achievement to his childhood dream of playing in the NHL.

«Everything you go through in your childhood and living a dream playing in the NHL, to have him here was tremendous,» he said. «He wasn't there for a lot of my minor-hockey days (because of work) and just really special for him for a big one like that.»

Previously on PuckReporter

Blackhawks Name New Leader To Replace Corey Perry

REPORT: Bruce Boudreau On The Verge Of Securing New Coaching Position

Insider Pierre Lebrun Drops A Bombshell Regarding The Toronto Maple Leafs Trading Their 1st Round Pick

POLL
14 DECEMBRE \| 154 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Make A Major Announcement Regarding Their Captain Do you think the Leafs will make it passed the first round this year?
No	67	43.5 %
2nd round	29	18.8 %
Conference final	25	16.2 %
Stanley Cup final	33	21.4 %
List of polls