Media member believes this member of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets no respect
John Tavares passed a milestone on the 29th of January, as he has played in 1,000 NHL games in his career. The contest ended with a Maple Leafs win, 5-1, and Tavares putting up 2 assists on the night.
However, John Tavares has rebounded in production this season and JD Bunkis made an interesting point about his tenure in Toronto.
Bunkis correctly makes the observation that despite all the accomplishments in Toronto, Tavares hasn't gained a lot of respect in the area. They're consistently a playoff team, however, there's still a lack of love for the Captain here.
Tavares's best season with the Toronto Maple Leafs so far was his first year putting up 88 points in 2018-2019. It is arguable that the two seasons after 2019 weren't his best however his production never fell below 50 points in the meantime. The disrespect for the Captain is real and undeserved, the Leafs are still in the hunt for the playoffs, and Tavares is currently at a point-per-game pace, so where is the love?
Bunkis is not wrong that the lack of playoff success is a driver in animosity and lack of respect for Tavares, but in the next 5 years, will hindsight prove these fans wrong? I suspect so.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 31 | 110 ANSWERS Media member believes this member of the Toronto Maple Leafs gets no respect Will John Tavares help lead the Maple Leafs past round 1 this year? | ||
| Yes | 45 | 40.9 % |
| No | 65 | 59.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/531807.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
