Ex-NHLer Nate Thompson gives his verdict on John Tavares' HHoF worthiness

Former NHLer Nate Thompson spoke about John Tavares’ Hall of Fame chances. On X (formerly Twitter), the NHL posted about Tavares’ potential to join the Hockey Hall of Fame, where Thompson commented.

The X post shows his 456 career goals, 1040 career points and a place on the 2014-15 NHL First All-Star Team. Thompson replied:

"He’s absolutely on his way."

However, Tavares had a challenging season last year, scoring 65 points in 80 games. It was his lowest points total since joining the Maple Leafs in 2018. With his contract ending soon, the Leafs will need to decide if they want to keep him and Mitch Marner.

At age 34, Tavares could find it difficult to hit 40 goals again, having done so only once during his 15-year career. However, with the Leafs' powerful power play and linemates like Mitch Marner or William Nylander, it remains a possibility.

Last season, Tavares had a shooting percentage of just 10.4%, even though he set records for shots on goal. His goals-to-expected goals ratio was off; he scored 29 goals but was expected to score 41.4. Despite leading the Leafs with 204 high-danger scoring chances, he ended up with fewer goals than teammate Auston Matthews, who had fewer high-danger chances.

Some claimed that John Tavares has lost a step, but the stats show otherwise. He had solid on-ice percentages for unblocked shot attempts and high-danger chances. If he has better luck and stays healthy this season, he might score 35-40 goals.

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Insider discussed John Tavares' future with Toronto Maple Leafs

On July 15, 2024, TSN analyst Frankie Corrado talked about John Tavares’ future with the Toronto Maple Leafs on "Sportscentre" with Jay Onrait.

Corrado said that Tavares might need a new contract if he stays with the team. He was asked about a three-year, $6 million deal for the 35-year-old. Corrado suggested that a slightly higher offer might be needed, noting Tavares' valuable role.

"I would, Jay, to be honest with you, I would, I would probably try and squeeze a little bit more. Like if it means that much to you and we know that it hasn’t really worked here because the team hasn’t been able to get it done.

"Yeah, it’s like there’s probably going to be a different role waiting for you. And it would have to be less money."

With big extensions already given to Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the Leafs have to decide on John Tavares and Mitch Marner, as Tavares’ current contract ends in 2025.