Tavares ‘ready’ for Leafs limelight: Gagner
TORONTO Sam Gagner had a feeling the first question coming his way would be about childhood friend John Tavares.
That intuition proved to be spot on.
Speaking before a charity event Wednesday night, the Vancouver Canucks forward discussed last week’s abrupt departure of team president Trevor Linden and a host of other topics related to a franchise that owns the NHL’S worst combined record over the last three seasons.
But first, Gagner was asked about Tavares and the media attention that awaits him in Toronto after the star centre signed a massive free-agent deal with the Maple Leafs.
“I think he’s going to handle it great,” Gagner said at the Smashfest celebrity ping-pong tournament, which raises money for concussion and cancer research. “He’s dealt with the media and the spotlight since he’s been 15 years old and he’s handled it really well.
“Obviously a different animal here in Toronto, but I know he’s excited about coming to play here and play in his hometown and everything that goes with it. He’s ready for it.”
Gagner said he spoke in generalities with Tavares before the latter elected to bolt the New York Islanders after nine seasons to ink a seven-year, Us$77-million contract with the Leafs.
“Having gone through the free agency process myself, obviously at a way lower level, I know how hard it can be (with) things weighing on your mind,” said Gagner, who grew up with Tavares just west of Toronto in Oakville. “I’m happy the decision’s over for him and he can just focus on playing and being a Leaf.”
Gagner said he was surprised when the Canucks announced Linden and the team had parted ways last month. There have since been rumblings a potential rift between Linden, ownership and general manager Jim Benning led to the change in leadership.
“It came a bit out of the blue for a lot of us,” said Gagner.