John Tavares Scouting Report

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.