TORONTO – John Tavares was joined on the ice earlier than Wednesday’s opening faceoff by his household to mark a formidable milestone.
The veteran centre then went out and added one other aim to an already gaudy stat line — and helped the Maple Leafs to a different victory.
Tavares buried the 501st aim of his profession within the third interval to provide Toronto a lead it wouldn’t give up in a 5-3 determination over the Utah Mammoth.
The 35-year-old was honoured previous to puck drop for changing into simply the forty ninth participant in NHL historical past to attain 500 regular-season targets in a ceremony that included his dad and mom, spouse and three kids.
“My largest supporters and sacrifice rather a lot so I can do what I do,” Tavares stated. “Actually glad I obtained to share it with them, and even higher to observe up with an awesome effort and a giant win.”
The product of close by Oakville, Ont., is a methodical, stay-in-the-moment athlete, however the lead-up to Wednesday after getting No. 500 final week in a 6-3 highway loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets allowed him some moments of reflection.
“It hit me extra at the moment,” stated Tavares, who began his profession with the New York Islanders earlier than signing with Toronto in the summertime of 2018. “The targets are superb and I’m very happy with it, and lots of people have contributed.
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“However simply to be going since I used to be a child up to now, and be within the place I’m in, I’m simply actually grateful and grateful for therefore many individuals which have impacted me in such a good way and proceed to assist me.”
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Leafs captain Auston Matthew stated Tavares is displaying no indicators of slowing down after bagging is seventh aim of the marketing campaign as Toronto (8-5-1) picked up its third straight win.
“Enormous honour to play with a man like that,” Matthews stated. “Even on the age that he’s at, the best way he takes care of himself, he’s a real skilled.”
Matthew Knies known as the 500-goal milestone an “astounding” achievement for Tavares, who had the Toronto winger dwelling with him when he first broke into the league in 2023.
“It offers you chills,” Knies stated. “For him to attain on this night time, it’s fairly particular. I’m simply glad to be a part of it.”
Leafs ahead Matias Maccelli is in his first 12 months with the membership. It didn’t take him lengthy to see Tavares is constructed totally different.
“Probably the most skilled (participant) I’ve ever seen,” he stated. “Watch him, what he does, and study from it.”
Additionally simply the fourth NHLer to have 500 factors with two totally different franchise, Tavares stated he doesn’t take both his longevity or numbers with no consideration.
“It’s laborious to imagine,” stated the No. 1 decide on the 2009 draft. “You’ve obtained to pinch your self generally that you simply’ve earned it and also you’ve put your self amongst a number of gamers that impacted the sport much more than I’ve.
“It’s actually particular to be part of that.”
REVENGE SPOT
Maccelli scored the winner in his first sport towards Utah after being acquired by Toronto within the low season.
“I performed many of the guys for 4 years,” stated the 25-year-old. “I loved it.”
Maccelli was a wholesome scratch for Monday’s 4-3 comeback victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins and re-entered the fray with added motivation on two fronts.
“Aggressive everywhere in the ice,” stated Leafs head coach Craig Berube. “He was actually good.”
HEATING UP
Matthews has targets in every of his final three video games to provide him eight by means of 15 contests after scoring simply as soon as within the earlier six.
“Like the place my sport’s been at,” he stated. “Getting good alternatives, good possibilities all through every sport. Simply need to preserve that going, play nicely defensively, be accountable.”
SHOOTERS SHOOT
Toronto goaltender Anthony Stolarz tried to attain on the empty internet late in regulation, however his effort didn’t get excessive sufficient off the ice and was blocked by hulking Utah ahead Lawson Crouse.
“We had been giving it to him,” Matthews stated with a smile. “He had on a regular basis and simply didn’t get it within the air.
“However up two, why not?”
This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Nov. 5, 2025.
© 2025 The Canadian Press
