3 Toronto Maple Leafs Players Looking to Bounce Back in 2024-25
#1: John Tavares
There has been plenty of criticism regarding Tavares’ seemingly declining performance. After a 36-goal and 80-point campaign in 2022-23, Tavares dipped to 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games last year.
Although it must be said that Tavares had generally great numbers and that his overall effectiveness was hampered in large part by poor shooting percentages when he was on the ice.
By most standards, that’s a great year. However, it’s not good enough for a player making $11 million per season - at that price it's not enough to just play well - you also have to produce.
But that’s where things get interesting.
Tavares is heading into the final year of said contract. He’s 33 and could be looking at his last chance to secure an NHL contract.
As such, Tavares should be going into this upcoming season with a chip on his shoulder. He needs to prove that he’s not only an effective player but that he deserves, at the very least, a four-year deal.
In my estimation, Tavares should play with extra hustle and determination. Whether or not he stays in Toronto is debatable. But even if he walks like Steven Stamkos did, Tavares has the added pressure of demonstrating he’s still got it.
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Don’t rule out a 30-goal season for Tavares. Perhaps somewhere around a point-per-game pace could be a possibility in 2024-25 for the Toronto Maple Leafs captain.