John Tavares
Image: NHL

John Tavares

Hometown:

Mississauga Ontario

Team:

New York Islanders

Currently Playing In:

Pro

Birthday:

1990-09-20
Position:

C

Eligible for draft:

2009
Shoots:

Left
Drafted:

2009
Height:

6-0
Acquired:

1st round (1st overall), 2009
Weight:

198 lbs.
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History

2006-07: John Tavares broke out this season, nearly doubling his production from last year. In his sophomore season with the Oshawa Generals (OHL), the center netted 72 goals and added 62 assists for a total of 134 points in 67 games. Compare this to the 77 points he recorded last season and he truly improved his numbers. He was nominated CHL and OHL Player of the Year and was a member of Team Canada for the 2007 Canada/Russia Super Series.

2007-08: Tavares continued his OHL career with Oshawa, having another stellar season. In 59 games with the Generals, he recorded 118 points (40g+78a). He was a gold medal winner at the IIHF World Junior Championships where he represented Team Canada.

2008-09: The talented center split the season between Oshawa and London, putting up incredible numbers with both squads. He finished the season with 58 goals and 104 points in just 56 games. He netted another 10 goals and 21 points in 14 postseason games. Registered an assist for the West at the OHL All-Star Classic. Was this season's top scorer in the regular season, finishing ten points above the next closest candidate, Plymouth's Chris Terry. He was also the OHL's top goal scorer, netting 58 goals in 56 games. Tavares was the MVP of the 2009 World Junior Championships (U-20), leading the Canadian squad to a fifth straight gold medal in that tournament. Tavares also appeared in the 2009 Top Prospects Game, where he suffered a shoulder injury that was still bothersome at the time of the NHL Draft Combine. Tavares likely has finished his OHL career as the all-time leading goal-scorer in that league's history.

 

Talent Analysis

Tavares is a top-flight talent, perhaps not in the same class as a Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin, but still a player you can build around. Yes, Tavares is not the fastest skater on the ice; yes, his defense -- while improving -- remains passable at best. But what can't be denied is Tavares' incredible hockey sense and offensive ability.

 

Future

Tavares has established himself as a top talent in the NHL as a member of the New York Islanders.

 

2012 World Championship: John Tavares, Canada

by Chapin Landvogt
on

 

Photo: New York Islanders forward John Tavares turned in a good offensive performance for Team Canada at the 2012 World Championship (courtesy of

Jeanine Leech/Icon SMI)

Former New York Islanders 1st overall draft pick John Tavares has taken a huge step in development in each of his first three seasons in the NHL. Picked with the hope of one day leading the New York Islanders into regular contention, the franchise has been expecting him to also lead the way in the scoring department, something he’s done in each of his three seasons with the team, going from 54 to 67 to 81 points over this period of time.
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