There's an unfair John Tavares narrative going around that needs to end

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Fred Maltes
June 22, 2024 (5:47 PM)

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There's an unfair John Tavares narrative going around that needs to end

Photo credit: � Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Rumors of John Tavares' steep decline have circulated with increasing fervor, painting a picture that doesn't align with the realities of his performance.

It's undeniable that age has caught up with Tavares to some extent, but to label him as unfit for a second-line role is to ignore the evidence laid out starkly before us.

Stephen Brown, a noted hockey analyst, has offered a perspective that challenges the mainstream narrative surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs captain. According to Brown, attributing Tavares' less stellar year to a simple lack of skill is a misguided approach. Instead, factors like "puck luck" play a significant role, suggesting that Tavares' fundamental abilities remain strong.

"I've seen 'John Tavares is a 3rd liner' tossed around way too much lately. His points per 60 at 5V5 this season were in line with Larkin, Barzal, Stamkos, Suzuki, Necas, Boeser, Giroux, etc... NONE of those players are 3rd liners. Tavares is still a good 2nd line player.

'Did you watch him in the playoffs?' Yeah, he wasn't good. Lots of good players have bad playoffs. Obviously, he's not worth $11M anymore & has fallen off. The gap between elite players and good 2nd liners is big. I think people's perception of what a 2nd liner is super warped."

With just one more year left on his $11M contract, discussions about Tavares' financial worth are valid, yet the insinuations about his decline in skill are not. He still managed to achieve a respectable tally of 65 points last season, flirting with the 30-goal mark. This level of performance is hardly indicative of a player who has lost his edge; rather, it suggests that with better conversion rates from his linemates, his stats could have been even more impressive.

Furthermore, the public perception of Tavares might be heavily influenced by his high salary cap. As his contract nears its end, and with the possibility of a reduced cap hit on the horizon, the narrative might shift to a more accurate reflection of his true capabilities on the ice.

Ultimately, the evidence suggests that Tavares is still a valuable player who can contribute significantly at a high level. The notion that he is no longer suitable for a second-line role is not only exaggerated but also largely unfounded.

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POLL
22 JUIN \| 176 ANSWERS There's an unfair John Tavares narrative going around that needs to end Do you think John Tavares is still a capable second-line player?
Yes	96	54.5 %
No	54	30.7 %
Maybe a 2nd line caliber winger. Not a center	26	14.8 %
LIST OF POLLS