By the numbers: John Tavares actually had a very strong 2021-22 season, could be in line for an even stronger 2022-23
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares put together a largely solid 2021-22 campaign, but despite producing 76 points in 79 games, there is a narrative floating around that JT is beginning a steep decline after not posting a point per game in the last 3 seasons.
Tavares will be 32 years-of-age when the 2022-23 season begins, so it's not unfair to suggest that he's approaching the age when production begins to stagnate or even drop off. However, Tavares is no ordinary NHL player. He was once considered once of the NHL's elite offensive catalysts and is a former 1st overall pick. Those guys tend to hang onto their skills a little longer.
Last season, Tavares came in not having been able to put in the type of work he's been used to during the offseason, thanks in large to an errant knee to the head from then Montreal Canadiens winger Corey Perry during the playoffs, causing a concussion and taking Tavares out of the series. Tavares did not look entirely himself at points throughout the year, but he still showcased excellent hands, vision and work ethic through much of the season.
While some view JT's season as a bit of a down year, the numbers tell a bit of a different story. Last season spanned 7 months from October through April. While he started strong, posting 40 points through the first four months of the season, he really finished strong, posting 36 points in his final three months and leading the Leafs in PP% and notching 26 power play points.
This summer, Tavares has already reported feeling much better than he did last offseason, which means that the 31-year-old has been able to endure a more typical offseason training regiment.
Tavares has 3 seasons remaining on his current deal at a loft $11M AAV. While that may seem like a lot on the surface for a guy who hasn't produced at a point per game or higher in the last 3 seasons, Tavares is one of those players who does a lot of the little things right. He's among the league leaders in FO% and he also led the league in puck battles won last season. Those are not insignificant things and Tavares has some of the best hands in the game in front of the net as well.
While, yes, you'd ideally like to see your stars all at or above a point per game every year, the fact of the matter is that the game calls for more than just point production and if a player is elite in other areas, sometimes it doesn't matter if they're not as productive on the scoreboard - especially when he's playing second fiddle to a guy like Auston Matthews, who was well over a point-per-game last season and might score 60 or more again this season. It's also worth noting that Tavares would be a #1C on about 20-25 other NHL teams right now.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 1 | 296 ANSWERS By the numbers: John Tavares actually had a very strong 2021-22 season, could be in line for an even stronger 2022-23 Will Tavares finish above a point-per-game this season? | ||
| Yes | 171 | 57.8 % |
| No | 125 | 42.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
