Maple Leafs Celebrate John Tavares’ NHL Recognition

The Toronto Maple Leafs are aiming to break their second-round playoff drought, which dates back to 2002. Every season, fans build up hope, only to face disappointment—but this year feels different. With just over two weeks until the playoffs, the Leafs sit atop the Atlantic Division, and a major factor in their success has been John Tavares.

The veteran center is on track for the second-highest goal total of his 16-year NHL career, already netting 35 this season. March was particularly impressive for Tavares, as he tallied 13 goals and seven assists, amassing 20 points in 15 games. His stellar performance earned him NHL’s Second Star of the Month honors.

“Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel, Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares, and St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington have been named the NHL’s Three Stars for the month of March,” the league announced.

At 34, Tavares also made history by becoming just the second Maple Leafs player of that age or older to record a five-game goal streak, joining franchise legend Mats Sundin.

Earlier this season, Tavares reached two major career milestones—his 1,000th point in December and his 1,100th in March, both against the New York Rangers. His career totals now stand at 1,109 points, including 491 goals and 618 assists.