John Tavares’ 1,200th game nears milestone – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs
On Sunday night, John Tavares became the 12th active player to reach the 1,200 game mark in his NHL career in an effort against the Toronto Maple Leafs. While three straight goals by the carolina herricanes stole a big night for tavares, the 35-year-old took his goal of the season recorded for the first time by a player in his 1,200th event in his 1,200th event while leading the maple leaf.
In the loss, the tables also became just the 137th player to reach the games played by Marlestone, tying another Maple Leafs player – Owen Nolan – at the 1,200-Game Mark.
Tavares’ Milestone Game is a moment to reflect on his journey
The Milestone game also serves as a reminder that winter tavares has been on top of his career. From the first selection in 2009 to join his team as a free agent, tables is not a name that has brought the top echelon of players in hockey circles today as it once was.
In fact, the tables have been left on the Canadian team in the 4-nation tournament, even if they are on their way to 38 goals and 74 points in the year 2024-25. If nothing else, he was a consistent offensive player on top of his, now, experienced career.
As for his time with the maple leaves, he was an all-around player who provided important goals at important times while opening his door as a veteran leader in a group of up-and-coming kids – like Matheton Cowan.
Plains led by example in the latest contract
His leadership, however, goes far beyond what he says in the dressing room or what he has done in the 1,200 games he deserves. His leadership has proven to be one of the funniest guys in the room – According to Scott Bluedton – and his recent contract negotiations with the maple leaves where he took a salary in blue and white.
Of course, on the open market, the tables are likely to land a bigger contract – whether it’s for more money or for a longer period of time. But this Offseason event he received a four-year extension with an average annual price of just under $4.4 million, setting the stage for some maple leaves to take lower hits in the future to keep the core. That’s the kind of leadership the maple leaves were looking for when they brought him.
The plains ‘run with maple leaves in the distance
Now, 531 games into the Maple Leafs, Tavares has played at a near point-per-game pace and shows no signs of slowing down in 2025-26. As of Tuesday, he had nine goals and 21 points in 16 games in blue and white.
Related: Why maple leaves don’t look like craig berube group
While he represents an older asset to the team, his efforts have allowed him to continue to add to his individual mindset while maintaining the team’s goal of a Stanley Cup berth. For him, three years left on his contract, 600 goals are not in question and there are no 1,300 games – marks that will secure his place in hockey history.
That said, with 1,200 games officially under his belt, the tables have already turned on the home plane when it comes to hockey circles, with 4,200 goals played with 503 goals and the NHL player in NHL history with 1,135 points. However, milestones are far from being made in the plains as they continue to climb the ranks.
