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John Tavares makes his thoughts about future in Toronto extremely clear
John Tavares, in the final year of a seven-year $77 million contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 34-year-old center has made it abundantly clear that he hopes to remain in Toronto beyond this season.
Tavares spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career with the New York Islanders before signing with his hometown Maple Leafs in 2018. Now in his seventh season in Toronto, Tavares expressed his desire to re-sign with the team.
“I’ve said it before. I would love to stay and hope it works out. I think that's; that's my goal and my intention,” John Tavares said (as per NHL.com).
Tavares went on to elaborate on how much he has enjoyed his time with the Maple Leafs:
"Aside from not being able to help bring a Stanley Cup here, it's been everything I could hope for. In fact, it's been even better than I thought,to be honest."
The veteran center highlighted starting a family and becoming a father of three young children in Toronto as being especially meaningful during his tenure with the Leafs. Having his parents and other relatives close by has also been a big plus for Tavares.
“Every day I get up, I never take it for granted how fortunate I am to play and live here. Hopefully, it continues,” he added.
A part of his pre-game routine now involves writing his kids' names on his stick tape as a reminder of their importance in his life. He said:
“It’s been really amazing to share playing here with the kids.They've been a big part of it and gotten to experience it with me. So that's what life's all about, that's what's most important, and you cherish that.”
On the ice, Tavares has recorded 29 points in 31 games this season for the Leafs.
John Tavares's goal to win the Stanley Cup for the Leafs
Although the Leafs have had playoff disappointments in recent seasons, John Tavares remains focused on his championship aspirations.
As Tavares enters the later stage of his career, his desire to win it all for Toronto remains strong.
“Winning the Cup here remains the goal... That’s never changed. It would be a dream fulfilled for a lot of us,” Tavares said.
His clutch overtime goal against Tampa Bay in the 2023 playoffs gave fans a glimpse of playoff success as the Leafs advanced to the second round.
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