Top 10 World Junior Performances by Current Toronto Maple Leafs

John Tavares (F) – Canada

John Tavares played in two World Junior Championship tournaments in 2008 and 2009 when he was 17 and 18 years-old.

Tavares had an astounding 2006-07 season with the Oshawa Generals in the OHL.  At the age of 16, it was his second season with the team and he scored 72 goals and 134 points in 67 games.

Those stats along with his appearance at the 2007 U18 tournament earned John Tavares the invitation to join Team Canada for the 2008 U20 World Junior Championships.

During his first World Juniors tournament, Tavares won the gold medal with Canada contributing four goals and five points in seven games.

His second trip to World Junior Championship was the best of any current player on the Toronto Maple Leafs as John Tavares scored and incredible eight goals (to lead the tournament) and 15 points in seven games.  Those totals are the 23rd most points and the 25th most goals in a single tournament in World Junior Championship history.

John Tavares took home the Most Valuable Player award, Best Forward award, a Top 3 Players on Team Canada award, the Most Goals Scored in the Tournament award and was on the U20 WJC All-Star Team.  To top in all off, Canada brought home the gold medal.

After his epic tour at the World Juniors and four phenomenal OHL seasons, John Tavares was selected in the 1st round (1st overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Tavares was eligible to return for the 2010 World Juniors but instead recorded 24 goals and 54 points in his 82 games NHL rookie season with the New York Islanders earning himself a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team.

2009 World Juniors
Alternate Captain
Gold Medal
Most Valuable Player
Best Forward Award
All-Star Team
Top 3 Players on Team Award
Most Goals Scored in the Tournament
6 Games, 8 Goals, 15 Points

2008 World Juniors
Gold Medal
7 Games, 4 Goals, 5 Points

I’m excited to see what this year’s crop of Toronto Maple Leafs prospects can achieve at this year World Junior Championship tournament.  Hopefully they’ll impress and become NHL contributors soon.