[ad_1]
John Tavares returned quietly to Toronto. He returned to his hometown every summer and skated at the arena where he played for the Toronto Marlboro of the Greater Toronto Hockey League at the age of 12, 13 and 14
.
[SIGNED: Tavares signs seven-year contract with Maple Leafs | Phantasmal impact of Tavares' decision ]
"He could hide in the shadows," said Marlboros president Jim Nicoletti. "Nobody even knew that he was there, but now?"
Nicoletti laughed. Tavares signed a seven-year, $ 77 million deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free-standing non-compensating player on Sunday. Even before his introductory press conference at the Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Center, fans bought new jerseys number 91.
"It's a whole something else, "continued Nicoletti. "I do not think Johnny Tavares has ever lived an experience like this, it will be a unique challenge for him, it's a totally different environment, but if there's a guy who can do it , he can do it." 19659005] Video: John Tavares on his new deal with the Maple Leafs
Playing at home is not for everyone, especially when you're in Toronto . There is particular pressure to play in front of the family, friends and fans of the city, and in the so-called center of the hockey world, where the media intensity is intense and where the Maple Leafs have not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. [19659005] Another star player and captain of the Toronto area, Steven Stamkos could have returned home as an unrestricted free agent he two years ago. He listened to a Maple Leafs throw during the interview period, as did Tavares, but decided to stay with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the team that selected him No. 1 in the repechage from the NHL in 2008.
same and stayed with the New York Islanders, the team that selected him # 1 in the 2009 project. It's a loyal and unobtrusive guy .
"It's sometimes even harder for these players to come home," said Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan, who also grew up in the Toronto area. "They have to feel safe, it's a place where they will have every chance of being successful, because it's not just you, it's your family, it's are the people with whom you grew up, who will continue this journey with you. "
But Tavares could feel safer at home now that Stamkos could not be there at the time.
Two years ago, Toronto was last in the NHL and had missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs 10 of 11. Striker William Nylander the No. 8 pick in the 2014 draft, played in 22 games in the NHL The Forwards Mitchell Marner on choice number 4 in 2015, and Auston Matthews first choice in 2016, had not yet made their debut in the NHL.
made the playoffs in consecutive years Nylander, Marner and Matthews are no longer prospects, they are key players General Manager Kyle Dubas said that the Maple Leafs could present "what we are rather than what we can be", even if they can be good best with Tavares, Matthews and Nazem Kadri in the middle. a few years ago, the Lightning was eliminated in the 2015 Stanley Cup Final and the 2016 East Conference Final.
Video: Brian Burke on the Tavares Case, Needs Islands and more
? They missed the playoffs in consecutive years and six times in the nine seasons of Tavares. Although they added stability and credibility by hiring general manager Lou Lamoriello on May 22 and coach Barry Trotz on June 21, they had to show what they could be rather than what they are
. in Los Angeles last week – the Islanders, Lightning, Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks – Tavares flew to Toronto.
"I felt that my heart was in two places. I am from a place where I have been for a long time, it has helped me become the man I am today, "Tavares said. "My guts were tearing apart, my heart was tearing apart, trying to figure out what I wanted to do, and yesterday it was a hell of a day … You ask my fiancee how many times I have done it. walked into the pool my house was just trying to understand what I wanted to do and the path I wanted to take.
"I thought this opportunity was so rare – the moment this organization is, where the team is, obviously the link to be here." I think this team has an excellent opportunity and not just for the first few years of my contract.But for me, what was important was the seven years, to really believe that there was a big window to win and be part of something Special. "
Finally, Tavares refused an eight-year contract, which Only the Islanders could offer under the collective agreement and leave the only NHL organization that he knew: he refused more money and better weather and chose more attention and pressure.
"I knew it was maybe a little Tavares said," But I did not want it to hold me back from taking a chance at a great opportunity. "
Coach Mike Babcock could not have said it himself better.
After the news broke on Sunday, Tavares tweeted a picture of him sleeping in bed while his child was wrapped in leaves of Maple Leafs and tweeted a statement that concluded that it was "time to live my childhood dream. "
true, true, honest and kind hearted Canadian who has done good and returns to his hometown, "said Nicoletti." He can do something for this city, this country, the game, that no one else Another can not do … We are so proud of him, and now he comes home, it's awesome, awesome, awesome, awesome. "
[ad_2]
Source link
