John Tavares adds something new to his routine in hopes of extending his career

The soon-to-be 34-year-old veteran is entering his 7th season as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs in what will assuredly be an important contract year for the captain of the organization. While 29 goals and 65 points in an 80-game season would be a career-year for most players - or at least a very good one - it was actually Tavares' worst statistical season since 2016-17 and maybe even going back to his rookie year in 2009-10.

There have been a lot of comments and disdain throw around his name and more importantly his contract, which costs the Maple Leafs 11 million dollars against the cap per season. In 440 games across 6 seasons, Tavares has scored 184 goals and 419 points but post-season success has alluded him as well as his teammates.

In what will be a contract year as well as an important season for the Maple Leafs - who will be running it back with the same core for the 7th straight year - Tavares understands that he needs to be better and while he has always taken care of his body, he took an extra step this summer to enhance and maintain his peak.

As Evan Doerfler of The Hockey News points out, Tavares has joined Kala Therapy and is embracing the "Red Light Therapy" that they provide.

Kala Therapy is used amongst athletes in the NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, UFC, and even the Olympics and they prioritize reduced joint pain, enhanced weight loss, improved sleep, faster muscle recovery, and better physical performance as a part of their treatment.

Tavares still has quite a bit of juice left but when you captain the Toronto Maple Leafs and have been ousted in the first round in 6 of the last 7 years, it can take it's toll on you. If 29 goals and 65 points is the worst version of Tavares that the Leafs get, expect big things from the veteran in 2024-25 as he walks in with a chip on his shoulder to prove his doubters wrong.

Hopefully Kala Therapy does it magic as he will be an important piece to the puzzle should the Maple Leafs finally go deep in the playoffs.

Source for The Hockey News article:
Maple Leafs' John Tavares Shows Off Red Light Therapy in Social Media Promotion

Source for John Tavares statistics: Hockey-Reference
John Tavares