We’re really not going out on a limb here, but John Tavares is worth every bit of praise he’s received.
As if being a finalist for the Hart Trophy two seasons ago didn’t do the job, his performance last season was enough to make fans across the league take further notice of the 23-year-old Islanders phenom.
Before he suffered a season-ending injury at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, Tavares had 24 goals and 66 points in 59 games. That kind of output put him at a 1.12 points per-game pace. That rate was good for fourth in the NHL behind Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Ryan Getzlaf and was the best mark in his five seasons in the NHL.
Consider this: Since debuting with the Islanders in 2009-10 after being taken first overall at the 2009 NHL Draft, he’s scored 24 or more goals each season. He scored 28 during the 48-game lockout shortened 2013 season and had a career-high 31 the one before that. He’s been scoring at a point per-game rate for the past three seasons. If that’s not the definition of “elite” then there’s something wrong with how things are determined.
As good as his goal scoring prowess is, his ability to make teammates better is right there with it. After Thomas Vanek was traded from the Islanders to the Montreal Canadiens, his one lament was that he wouldn’t be on a line with Tavares and Kyle Okposo anymore as Arthur Staple of Newsday shared back in March.
In truth, that line was great as Vanek had 44 points in 47 games with the Isles and Okposo turned in a career-year of his own with 27 goals and 69 points. Previous to helping Vanek, it was Matt Moulson who reaped the benefits of playing on his left wing.
It’s a bit wild to think that someone Tavares’ age is the one helping pick up the careers of guys older than him, but this just shows how great he’s been. If he can avoid complications from his torn MCL, he’s poised to continue his skyward ascent as one of the league’s top players and perhaps lead the Islanders back to the postseason in 2014-15.
Related: It’s New York Islanders Day at PHT
