Mats Sundin gives Leafs star John Tavares his flowers following an unbelievable accomplishment
Former Maple Leafs captain Mats Sundin shows current Leafs star John Tavares some love following his unbelievable accomplishment.
The Leafs are inching their way back into the playoff picture in the East, riding a 3-game winning streak coming into tonight’s game, the team’s first home game after 6-straight road games.
A big reason for the team’s recent surge has been the play of John Tavares, who has undoubtedly been one of the Leafs’ biggest bright spots in a season without many of them.
Tavares recorded his 500th career NHL goal on October 29th, albeit in a 6-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and while the goal moved him into the most elite company, it was not something he was in the mood to celebrate, as the Leafs were being blown out by the Blue Jackets when the goal was scored.
With some time having passed, and the Leafs pushing their way back up the standings, one former Leafs captain took some time to publicly acknowledge Tavares’ 500th goal. That player was Leafs legend Mats Sundin, who had plenty to say about Tavares’ consistency and iron resolve. The video can be seen below.
Tavares is one of just 49 players in NHL history to have accomplished the feat. That’s impressive when you peruse the vast history of the game and recognize that some of its brightest stars have never hit the 500-goal mark.
Tavares has tallied 13 goals thus far this season, adding 16 assists for a total of 29 points across 27 games. He is second to only William Nylander, who leads the team with 32 points.
When someone like Mats Sundin speaks, the Maple Leafs’ fanbase listens, and it’s clear from Sundin’s words of affirmation that he admires Tavares, who has joined him and 47 other players on that elite list.
Sundin had registered 564 goals during his storied NHL career, and while there’s no guarantee that Tavares will pass him, it does feel likely, given how well Tavares takes care of himself and how effective he has been for as long as he has.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
