CBC-Sports

Take a bow, John Tavares

January 5, 2009 11:48 PM | Posted by   Jeff Marek  

An absolutely great world junior hockey tournament by Canadian standout John Tavares.

Eight goals, seven assists, his second gold medal in as many years, MVP honours and the top forward in the tournament.

Take a bow, John.

So what's next?

After shining in Ottawa and cementing, much like Steven Stamkos did last year, his No. 1 status in June's NHL entry draft, it's back to major junior hockey for this exceptionally gifted player.

He's always had the hands, the vision, the high hockey IQ, but Tavares has obviously worked on his skating, which was once a knock.

He'll never be Pavel Bure, but his skating is at the NHL level. Solid.

If you ever had any doubts about Tavares, this tournament should have put those to rest for you.

He's got guts, passion and can take his game to the next level on the biggest stage.

The kid from Oakville is best in his class.

The confidence he'll bring back with him to the OHL will be remarkable; re-inspired and re-focused Tavares will be a force wherever he plays.

January 9th is one many have circled for a very particular reason as the Oshawa Generals face the London Knights at the John Labatt Centre in the Ontario Hockey League.

The question is: will Tavares be playing for Oshawa or London?

It is widely believed that Tavares will be dealt from the Generals to the Knights in a package that includes defenceman Vladimir Roth, forwards Phil Varone and Christian Thomas, the son of former NHLer Steve Thomas, along with a pair of second-round draft picks.

And from a development point of view, it's probably the best thing for Tavares.

And further, it would be disappointing to see Tavares end his junior career without ever really getting into the race for the top prize in Canadian
Major Junior Hockey.

The Generals have tried with the top player in the Canadian Hockey League, but it just hasn't come together in Oshawa, so it's time to look at the asset and move it in the hope of rebuilding for the future.

At his level, the two most important tournaments to be a part of are the world juniors (Under-20) and the Memorial Cup.

With this trade, Tavares can be part of both.

Now, of course, there is no guarantee that the Knights make it that far as the Windsor Spitfires, who are also believed to be in the Tavares sweepstakes, will have plenty to say about who wins the J. Ross Robertson Cup and represents the Ontario Hockey League at the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Que.

But having Tavares play meaningful hockey into the spring can only help his take yet another huge step in what should be an outstanding career.

So get out there and check Tavares out if and when he comes to your town and enjoy him while you can at junior hockey prices because next year you'll have to pay the NHL rate.

" Previous Post | Main
  •