John Tavares Scouting Reports

Tavares had a down year offensively. The veteran forward has clearly lost a step, but he does bring value in several categories. For example, he remains one of the top face-off centers in the entire NHL. He won 59% of his draws in regular season and 56% of his face-offs in the playoffs versus Boston. From the hash marks down, and around the crease, in the offensive zone Tavares leans on opponents to extend plays, pounce on rebounds, and tip shots. Over the course of the season he produced 29G-36A. He was a (+2) defensively. Tavares averaged 18:00 TOI in regular season and 19:00 in playoffs. All of his ice time comes at even strength and the power-play.
Tavares only produced 1G-1A in the seven game series vs the Bruins. His impact was limited overall. Unfortunately his contract is, at least, one year too long in relation to his salary. Tavares is entering the last year of his current deal that counts $11.0 million against the salary cap. A player making the kind of money Tavares is has to produce more than he does overall, but he has a full 'no movement clause' included in his contract. Tavares holds all the cards moving forward.

Skating has become more of a concern in recent years. A move to the wing is possible. Tracking up and down the full 20ft is a heavy lift when playing center.
Elite hockey IQ. Fantastic stick. One of the best players in the game tipping pucks and finding second chances around opponents crease - especially on the PP.
Leans on people / battles to extend plays along the wall. Averaged 17:39 TOI in (22/23) - all at ES and PP. Credited with 112 hits and 36 shot blocks. One of the top face-off men in the NHL - won 58% of his draws. Low maintenance pro. Two years left on massive contract ($11M AAV

His recent 10 segment of games has seen his TOI drop slightly to (17:30) per night.
Used at ES and on the PP
Fought through a goal scoring slump. He has averaged a PPG over the last 10.
Elite offensively IQ. Great hands. Sees the ice. Can be dangerous offensively ... especially on the PP.
His pace is off and appears to be trending (quickly) in the wrong direction. There are some nights he struggles to keep up with the NHL game overall.

There are nights that he labors and struggles to get around the ice at NHL speed but overall he continues to produce offense. Sees the ice. Doesn't need a lot of time or space to make plays in the offensive zone. Great release. One of the best players 'tipping' pucks. He has elite hand/eye coordination. Defending ranges and it comes down to how fast the opponent plays the game and how well he positions himself defensively. If he is late with zone exits its a struggle to get back the full 200ft. Move to wing in future is likely
Has the ability to take and win key face-offs in all three zones