Tavares deal is paying off
Dubas impressed with key signing’s play on, as well as his leadership off, the ice
For Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas, the free-agent acquisition of centre John Tavares this past off-season has been worth every penny, and more.
Dubas, in a scrum with the media at Monday’s practice, praised Tavares’ contributions to the organization as part of a wide-ranging discussion on the state of the Leafs.
Signing the former long-time New York Islander, who scored his teamleading 21st goal in the Leafs’ 7-2 win over the Devils on Tuesday night, was a coup for Dubas. He landed the summer’s most prized free agent over several other teams who had strong interest in the No. 1 pick in the 2009 draft.
Dubas’ pursuit of Tavares paid off and began paying dividends almost immediately.
The GM, though, couldn’t be certain how the all-star would perform under the microscope that is the Toronto hockey market after signing the sevenyear, $77-million (U.S.) deal.
Tavares, though, erased any doubts about handling the spotlight; the Mississauga native embraced the chance to fulfil a childhood dream of playing for his hometown Leafs.
Tavares also bought into Dubas’ sales pitch, which included highlighting a hockey operations department now considered among the best in the league.
“Any time you engage in that type of commitment to a person, and you bring them in, you hear all these different things about them,” Dubas said.
“You know that they’re a great person. You know that they can bring leadership with their preparation and of course how they play. But until you actually go
through a season and the process day in and day out, I think it’s tough to actually know what you’re getting and whether that person can live up to that.
“I think in John’s case, he’s surpassed our expectations and even my expectations of what he brings not only on the ice but, just as important, off the ice and how he can help guide our group and educate our young players and support our veteran group that’s already here as we continue to move along,” Dubas added.
“So he’s been excellent in every regard. His play on the ice speaks for itself, but it’s the other stuff in the locker room with our younger players that’s certainly been noted by me.”
When Tavares first hit the ice in training camp, it became apparent the Leafs were going to make him the focus of their power play.
Tavares helped the Leafs’ power play get off to a sizzling start, but the importance of his leadership sunk in as the season progressed.
With Tavares and other veterans like Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey leading by example, the team was able to build a winning record despite the loss of star centre Auston Matthews to a shoulder injury and a contract impasse that cost William Nylander the first 27 games of the season.
Veteran leadership and its impact on the team is clearly evident; Toronto leads the league in victories while getting outshot (14) and is 14-0 when leading after one period and 17-0 when leading after two periods.
A year ago, Toronto posted a 31-5-1 record when leading after one period, and was 31-3-2 when leading after two.
“He is, every day and in every single thing that he does,” Dubas said, about Tavares being a consummate pro.
“You read about all these players in different sports and how much they put into maintaining their level of play.
“And when you’re in a sevenyear agreement with somebody, to know they’re doing that every day and they’re going to continue to do that and they have an aspiration to maintain that level for a long time, it makes you feel pretty confident.
“Certainly with us, we’re very happy that John’s here and the way he’s performed thus far.” The Maple Leafs GM remains committed to improving his club as the season approaches the trade deadline in February.
Dubas defended his team’s toughness and blue line depth but did say he would not hesitate to improve the team’s defence should the right opportunity present itself.