The Toronto Maple Leafs are entering the 2026–27 NHL season with plenty of questions after a disappointing campaign, but one veteran continues to provide an important source of optimism: John Tavares.
The longtime Maple Leafs forward remains a major part of Toronto’s plans, and the organization’s assessment of his game heading into the new season is encouraging. Tavares enters the campaign with the experience, leadership and offensive ability the Leafs will need as they attempt to rebound from one of the most disappointing seasons in recent franchise history.
Toronto finished the 2025–26 season with a 32–36–14 record and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016. The team also experienced major changes throughout the year, including the departure of Mitch Marner and the season-ending injury suffered by captain Auston Matthews. Tavares, however, remained one of the club’s most dependable offensive contributors.
That reliability makes his presence particularly important entering the new campaign.
Tavares previously demonstrated that age has not prevented him from remaining an effective offensive player. In 2024–25, he recorded 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games, finishing second on the team in goals. He followed that performance by signing a four-year contract extension with Toronto in June 2025 worth an average of $4.38 million per season.
The contract was widely viewed as a significant hometown discount, giving the Maple Leafs additional flexibility while allowing Tavares to remain with the organization.
Now, the challenge is translating that experience into another productive season.
Toronto’s current situation could give Tavares an even more important role. With the roster undergoing changes and younger players expected to contribute, his ability to provide stability down the middle could prove valuable. His hockey intelligence, faceoff ability and scoring touch give the Leafs another reliable option in their forward group.
The organization has also continued to keep Tavares involved during preparations for the upcoming season. Maple Leafs media recently featured Tavares speaking with reporters following a training-camp practice, underscoring his continued role as an important veteran voice within the team.
There is also an important milestone already behind him. Tavares reached 500 career goals during the 2025–26 season, becoming the 49th player in NHL history to accomplish the feat. That achievement further cemented his place among the league’s most accomplished active veterans.
For Toronto, though, personal milestones will take a back seat to the bigger objective.
The Maple Leafs need to get back into playoff contention, and Tavares could be a major part of that push. His production will be particularly important if Toronto wants to avoid another season in which its offense struggles to consistently generate goals.
The assessment entering the season is therefore an encouraging one: Tavares still has plenty to offer, and his veteran presence could become even more valuable as the Maple Leafs reshape their roster.
After missing the playoffs and undergoing significant organizational changes, Toronto needs experienced players to step forward. Tavares has already shown that he can continue producing at a high level while embracing a leadership role.
If he can remain healthy and deliver another strong offensive season, the Maple Leafs may have one of the most valuable veteran pieces they need to begin their turnaround.
For a franchise determined to bounce back, that could make John Tavares one of the most important players to watch when the 2026–27 NHL season gets underway.
