By Steve Fitzsimmons /
John Tavares’ lengthy road to donning an NHL sweater is finally over, having been selected first overall by the New York Islanders.
“I’m excited that my dream has come true of being the property of an NHL franchise and the National Hockey League, the best league in the world, that sees me as part of their future and being part of the puzzle that they think can one day win a Stanley Cup,” he said.
As for the type of NHL player Tavares might become and what he brings to the table, Guelph Storm coach and GM Jason Brooks has watched Tavares play through four OHL campaigns and said he has the skills to be successful.
“What separates J.T. would be his ability to score. He has the uncanny ability of finding open space and putting the puck in the net,” said Brooks. “He scored timely goals with players draped all over him and scored key goals in big games at the World Juniors. He is very competitive and very motivated and most of all wants the team to have success. That is why he is a very good leader.”
London Knights part owner and general manager Mark Hunter, who acquired Tavares at the OHL trade deadline, said Tavares has everything he needs to be successful at the NHL level.
“I think he’s got all the tools,” said Hunter. “He has a great stick and a real understanding of the game and of where to go on the ice to score. He’s just a young man who gets it.”
World Junior teammate, defenceman Ryan Ellis of the Windsor Spitfires – drafted 11th overall by Nashville – said Tavares is a future superstar.
“It’s hard to find the words for that guy,” said Ellis. He does something special every night. He’s a great player and a great talent and really has a future in this game.”
Former Oshawa Generals teammate, defenceman Calvin de Haan, who will be re-united with Tavares in Long Island after being selected 12th overall by the club, said Tavares doesn’t get his due for the work ethic he brings to the table.
“He’s just got the right attitude,” said de Haan. He’s always the last one off the ice and out of the dressing room. He just works hard and that alone should take him places and he’s got all the talent to go with it.”
Tavares admits that his uncle, also named John Tavares and arguably the best Lacrosse player in history of the sport, has been a driving force in his life, helping him deal with the many issues in his career, using him as both a sounding board and role model.
“I think growing up when I used to go watch him practice or be the ball boy for Buffalo, I used to watch the little things he used to do and what made him so special,” said the younger Tavares. “I learned a lot from him in the way he practiced and the way he understood the game and the type of teammate he was. We still talk weekly by phone or text message. He’s been a big influence in my career, that’s for sure.”
Mark Edwards, founder of Ontario-based scouting website hockeyprospect.com, said Tavares has handled the intense spotlight remarkably well and has performed under pressure.
“I have watched him since his Bantam year and he’s obviously a high-end player. I think his knack for thinking one step ahead in anticipating where the puck is headed and being able to finish once it’s on his stick is what separates him and puts him in the ‘elite players’ category.” |