While it's still early, just 13 games into the Leafs season, a case can be made that John Tavares has been the team's best player. The Leafs' captain has been noticeable offensively almost every night and his point totals are reflecting that.
So far this year, Tavares has played in all 13 games for the blue and white. In that time, he has registered 8 goals and totaled 15 points. If Tavares, who is now 32 years old, can maintain that pace over the full 82 game schedule, he will score 50 goals and produce 95 points. This would surpass his career high of 47 goals and 88 points, which he set in his first season here in Toronto.
Tavares was the first overall draft pick back in the 2009 NHL entry draft. This is not the first time we have seen a former first overall pick put up career numbers in his 30's. Just last season, the first overall pick in the 2008 NHL entry draft Steven Stamkos put up a career high 106 points in 81 games played for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
And while many felt Tavares was on the decline, much like Stamkos last year, he appears to be on a mission to prove those people wrong.
