It wasn’t the outcome the Leafs wanted on Saturday, far from it, actually, but for John Tavares, it ended up being a pretty significant night.
The 35-year-old center put two in the net against Seattle. That second one? A power-play goal in the third that tied the game and, more importantly, gave him his 500th point as a Maple Leaf.
Is John Tavares Quietly Building a Hall of Fame Career?
That number means something. Not just because it’s round and clean, but because it puts him in rare company. Only three other players in NHL history have picked up 500+ points with two separate teams like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Ron Francis. Now Tavares is in that same group.
John Tavares’ second goal of the game was his 500th point since joining the @MapleLeafs and moved him within three of the 500-goal milestone. #NHLStats
Watch now in 🇨🇦: (@Sportsnet), 🌎: https://t.co/dT34F4MhkC pic.twitter.com/QY61weM7Y9
— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) October 19, 2025
Hard to ignore that.
He already had 621 points from his time with the Islanders. Add 500 with the Leafs, and you’ve got a resume that speaks for itself: steady, productive, and built to last.
Tavares signed in Toronto back in 2018, when expectations were sky-high. He’s delivered, quietly and consistently. No drama. Just work.
Saturday’s game was an overtime loss, but Tavares stood out. Over 17 minutes of ice time, strong on the puck, made a difference when it mattered.
Not the Captain, But Still the Core
Seventeen seasons is a long time to play this game, but Tavares doesn’t look worn out. Last year, 74 points in 75 games. This year, he is off to another solid start.
He could’ve chased a bigger payday in free agency. Instead, he signed a four-year, $17.52 million extension this past summer. That keeps him in Toronto through 2029, and yeah, it’s a bit of a hometown discount.
But it makes sense. He’s from here. He wants to win here. That stuff still matters to some guys.
Even without the “C” (now worn by Auston Matthews), Tavares is a huge part of this room. Second-line centre. Power play anchor. Big draws late in games. You know what you’re getting when he’s on the ice.
And the records are already starting to stack up. He’s already 16th in all-time points for the franchise. If he stays healthy, he could crack the top 12 before April. He’s also closing in on 1,200 career games; not many guys get there.
After the game, Morgan Rielly didn’t hold back. “He’s just a hockey player through and through,” Rielly said. “A real pro. It’s been a real joy to play with him and watch him operate. He’s a very impressive guy.”
Tavares didn’t really want to talk about the milestone.
“It’s hard to process right now, considering how the game finished for us,” he said postgame. “Obviously being able to play for two great franchises and having the success I’ve had, I think that speaks volumes for my teammates, coaches, people that have been around me, and everyone who has been part of the journey. So I’ve really enjoyed it and just want to keep going.”
Head coach Craig Berube gave him his due, though. “It’s his preparation and willingness to play and compete. It’s the consistency he brings every game. He brings the effort and what needs to be done. He doesn’t take nights off. And that’s why he’s able to accomplish what he’s been able to.”
The Leafs will try to bounce back Tuesday against the Devils. As for Tavares? Three more goals and he’ll hit 500 for his career.
Another big number. And with him, it feels like just a matter of time.
