John Tavares' performance with the Toronto Maple Leafs is under scrutiny as the team navigates the 2025-2026 season. The veteran forward, now 35, is facing the inevitable slowdown that comes with age, raising questions about his role and effectiveness within the team.
After Mitch Marner's departure, the Maple Leafs signed Tavares to a four-year, $17.52 million contract, hoping to preserve some of the "Core Four". While Tavares has been holding his own, contributing 45 points in 53 games, mainly on the third line and special teams, his game-winning performances have been few and far between. Since November 22nd, he has only managed one multi-point game.
TSN's Bryan Hayes noted that Tavares is no longer the player who can single-handedly win games. Although he can still deliver impactful performances in stretches, consistently driving play over a full 82-game season is becoming increasingly challenging.
Despite the concerns, Tavares has reached significant milestones this season. He recently scored his 500th career goal, joining an exclusive club of NHL players. He also recorded his 1,000th career point, a testament to his enduring skill and dedication.
From a fantasy perspective, some analysts predicted Tavares would score 28 goals and 32 assists for a total of 60 points this season, with 88 hits and 37 blocks in 19:10 average time on ice. While he is still a valuable player, expectations should be tempered, and relying on him to replicate his previous 38-goal season might lead to disappointment.
As Tavares approaches the twilight of his career, his utilization becomes crucial. Shifting his minutes towards more offensive zone starts could help maximize his effectiveness, compensating for his decreasing footspeed. Ensuring favorable matchups can also enable the Leafs to spend more time in the offensive zone when he's on the ice.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs need systemic changes and a more balanced roster to support Tavares and other key players. The team's success hinges not just on Tavares' individual performance but on the collective effort of the entire squad.
