Signs point to John Tavares having a big rebound season in Toronto
John Tavares saw his production slip in 2023-24, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that he'll rebound in a big way in 2024-25.
Tavares is set to enter his 34-year-old season in 2024-25, and while some have speculated that his decline will continue into this season, I believe a bounce back year is more likely. After racking up 65 points in 80 games last season, there are clear indicators showing a decline in his game, such as his foot speed. However, it's important to note that Tavares has never been a fast skater throughout his career and he's always found ways to contribute. Now he's got the motivation of coming into a contract year behind him.
One of the primary reasons that I'm expecting a rebound season is that the Mississauga native is likely to have not only one of Mitch Marner or William Nylander on his wing, but also one of the team's young guns, such as Matthew Knies, Fraser Minten or Easton Cowan. If Cowan and/or Minten fail to make the team out of training camp, Bobby McMann showed tremendous growth last season and should only continue to increase his production with more ice time.
Matthew Knies showed flashes of brilliance last season and is due for a permanent role in the top 6. He's a retriever type of player, similar to a Zach Hyman type, and is not afraid to get down and dirty in the corners. Given Tavares' affinity for playing in front of the net, they could pair incredibly well together.
A motivated Nick Robertson is also a possibility on that line, but that's if the Leafs don't grant his trade request. Of course, the promise of some sustained time in the top-6 could be enough to entice Robertson to rescind his request and come into camp hungry and ready to prove his doubters wrong.
With the right line-mates look for Tavares to excel and flirt with another point per game season, even as a 34-year-old. He may not score 40 goals at that age, as Steven Stamkos did last season, but he's certainly capable of producing at or near his career average.
The Source: HockeyDBJohn Tavares Statistics
| POLL | ||
26 JUILLET | 1561 ANSWERS Signs point to John Tavares having a big rebound season in Toronto Do you think Captain John Tavares will have a rebound season next year? | ||
| Yes | 743 | 47.6 % |
| No | 533 | 34.1 % |
| Maybe | 285 | 18.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
