3 Reasons John Tavares Is a Great Maple Leafs Leader

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ John Tavares wore the Maple Leafs’ “C” for five seasons. While opinions about his captaincy vary, there’s no denying he brought important qualities to the team during a pivotal era. His leadership wasn’t always flashy, but it was steady and reliable—exactly what a team chasing the Stanley Cup needs. Captain or not, Tavares is a great leader for the Maple Leafs, and the team is lucky to have him back again this season.

Reason One: Tavares Is a Consistent Playoff Presence

One of the biggest marks of a good leader is guiding the team to the playoffs, and Tavares did just that. During his entire time as the team’s captain, the Maple Leafs never missed the postseason. That’s the kind of consistency that has helped the team become a contender after many seasons of failure to have playoff success over recent decades.

Reason Two: Tavares Is a Big-Game Performer

If you want an example of Tavares’ clutch ability, look no further than the 2022-23 playoffs. In Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Maple Leafs were facing elimination. In that game, Tavares stepped up to score the overtime winner. The goal was historic in that it finally pushed Toronto past the first round for the first time in nearly 20 seasons. Such moments don’t just win games; they create lasting memories in the Blue & White nation. It didn’t shift the entire franchise’s momentum, but it was a start.

Reason Three. Tavares Shows Professionalism On and Off the Ice

Tavares came to Toronto as a hometown hero. He was a kid who always dreamed about playing in Toronto. From the moment he first skated in the iconic Blue & White sweater, he earned respect as a player who earned his role. Despite heavy media scrutiny, high expectations, and even a global pandemic that disrupted life in numerous ways, he maintained a steady and accountable approach. He didn’t just lead by words—he led by example.