In 2018, John Tavares signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a seven-year contract. The contract was worth $77 million. However, the NHL player received a higher paid offer from the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks offered the center a whopping $91 million, which would’ve made him the most expensive player in the league. However, the ice hockey player rejected the offer to play for the Maple Leafs. Tavares chose the love for his hometown and Toronto’s chances to play the Stanley Cup over a higher-paid opportunity. Since then, he has played 331 games for the Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs captain played his 1000th career game on January 29. The official Facebook page of the Maple Leafs posted about Tavares’ milestone, and fans congratulated their team’s captain in the comments. 

John Tavares’ 1000th NHL game

For his 1000th game, Tavares’ Toronto faced off against the Washington Capitals. However, the first period of the game didn’t go as planned for the Maple Leafs. The Capitals started strong after beating the Pittsburgh Penguins in their last game. Nicklas Bäckström of the Capitals scored the first goal and gave his team the lead. While the Maple Leafs tried to equalize, the Winter Olympic gold medalist’s team didn’t succeed.

However, Tavares’ team made a stunning turnaround in the second period. Maple Leaf players fired past the Capitals’ goaltender four times. The two teams headed into the third quarter with a 4-1 scoreline in favor of Toronto. In the 3rd period, the Maple Leafs scored again and won 5-1. Tavares nabbed two assists on his 1000th NHL game.

Toronto Maple Leafs fans congratulate their captain

“Huge congratulations John Tavares! Keep up the excellent work! Keep putting the pucks in the back of the net!” said one fan. “Congratulations John TAVARES and thank you for your dedication to the game,” commented another fan. “Wonderful hockey player, wonderful gentleman,” said a third fan.

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While fans often have conflicting opinions, every Leaf fan praised Tavares as a player and a leader. “Love this. Congratulations, JT! Well deserved honor. Thank you for being our Toronto Maple Leaf Captain,” one fan wrote. “A great captain!”, “Congrats Captain.” and “Congratulations John Tavares!! You are a great Captain.” Commented other fans.

“Congratulations to our Johnny. So happy you are a Leaf. Your dream came true,” said one fan. Another fan kept count. “Congratulations JT! So happy you’re a Leaf for the last 331!” wrote the fan.

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