(Writer's note: I traveled to Oshawa, Ontario, Canada to interview John Tavares. He is a center for the Ontario Hockey League's Oshawa Generals. I have also included my list of interviews in this entry. --Denis Gorman)
By Denis Gorman
A group of five or six young girls feverishly pounded on the glass, trying to capture a moment with the most talked-about junior hockey player in the world. Hoping for recognition—a smile or a nod—that they could cherish for the rest of their lives.
John Tavares just stared straight ahead.
This is what it is like to be the best 17-year-old hockey player in the world. The public wants a piece of your time while the NHL beckons.
Tavares is at the heart of a debate about the NHL Draft’s minimum age requirements.
How young is too young?
The NHL points to the collectively bargained agreement with the player’s association, which states that a player has to be 18 years old by September 15 of a given draft year. Tavares’ birthday is September 20, so he would not be eligible for the 2008 Draft. However, his representatives believe that the Oshawa Generals’ star center has proved that he’s ready for the NHL with his play in Ontario Hockey League.
“His status and skill (should be considered),” said Tavares’ agent, Bryan Deasley. “We talked to Bill Daly (NHL Vice President and Chief Legal Officer) and the NHLPA at the Draft (in Columbus). Talked to the PA and NHL, brought it to the table and discussed it. At this time, it’s a presentation to the league. We want his performance (to be the focal point of the discussion).
“(John is a) celebrated player. My only point of contention is that the OHL accelerated him. The OHL is the No. 1 developmental league. What’s the next logical step? Going to the NHL. By virtue of five days, he should be drafted by his peer group. When he receives his first (NHL) paycheck, he’ll be 18.”
Daly classified the talks as “preliminary” and said the league and PA would only look at changing the age requirements if it “made good business sense.” He went on to say that the League and PA haven’t investigated whether they should change the rule.
*
In two seasons with the Generals, Tavares has proven himself to be junior hockey’s best point producer since Sidney Crosby starred for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s (QMJHL) Rimouski Oceanic. Since joining the Generals, the lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan has totaled 117 goals, 94 assists, 211 points and 132 penalty minutes. His offensive exploits have drawn comparisons to Wayne Gretzky, Mike Bossy, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull, Dave Keon, Mario Lemieux, Jason Spezza and Crosby.
Crosby is the League’s Frank Sinatra and Alexander Ovechkin is Jimi Hendrix - virtuoso geniuses on skates. It’s still too early to determine what Tavares will be, but consider:
--He was the 2006 OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year.
--He made 2006 CHL All-Rookie Team.
--He won the 2007 Red Tilson Trophy as OHL’s Most Outstanding Player.
--He was the 2007 RBK CHL Player of the Year.
--He was a 2007 CHL First-Team All-Star.
In his first season with the Generals in 2005-06, Tavares broke Bobby Orr’s team record for points by a rookie with 77. Last season, the Oakville, Ontario native scored 72 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s OHL record for goals scored by a 16-year old.
Gretzky and Orr. Pretty heady company for a 17-year old.
“It’s an amazing accomplishment. The two best players in the (history of the) game. The best forward—likely the best player ever—(and) I was lucky enough to put 72 in,” Tavares said, seemingly awed at the thought that his name is said in the same breath as the two Hall of Famers.
In the same vein as the octet he’s associated with, Tavares’ greatest asset are his hands. Quick and soft. During a two-hour practice, he stood by himself in a faceoff circle, flipping the puck from his forehand to his backhand while putting the disc between his legs.
Without looking.
So, yeah, he’s skilled.
“His vision of the ice with the puck when he is inside the offensive zone along with his ability to think one play ahead of the game and control the puck is exceptional," said New York Islanders assistant General Manager and Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski in an e-mail. "Above all of this is his ability to score goals. He has natural goal scoring instincts and does it in all different ways, whether it be with a shot or deke; in tight or far out he scores goals period. This is something you cannot teach."
There’s little doubt that Tavares should be a high draft pick, either this June in Ottawa’s Scotiabank Place or in 2009. The question is if Tavares can be the type of player that a franchise can be built around or if he’ll be Alexander Daigle, who failed in spectacular fashion after the Ottawa Senators drafted him first overall in 1993.
“It’s tough to project ahead, but there’s no doubt in my mind. I think he is a franchise-type player, like a Sidney in Pittsburgh,” said Generals head coach and general manager Brad Sellwood.
Jankowski concurs.
“The NHL team that is lucky to get John Tavares will have a future star that will be the face of the franchise," he said. "There is little doubt that he will be a player that an NHL team can quickly build around."
Yet, there are those believe Tavares is better served by spending this season and next with the Generals. Count new Devils head coach Brent Sutter in that group.
Sutter oversaw Tavares during the Canada-Russia Super Series in September. The eight-game tournament showcased the best Canadian and Russian junior hockey players, including the Rangers’ Artem Anisimov and Alexei Cherepanov; the Coyotes’ Kyle Turris, the third overall pick in the 2007 draft; Sam Gagner, who went to Edmonton at No. 11; and the Capitals’ Karl Alzner, drafted fifth.
Despite thinking highly of the person, Sutter didn’t pull any punches about Tavares’ play for Team Canada.
“John Tavares is a very good kid, a great kid,” Sutter said. “(But) I thought he played just OK. He was a middle of the lineup player and we had a pretty elite lineup. (He played left wing on a line with) Kyle Turris and Brad Marchand. The best way to explain it is that we had better hockey players at center than he is at this point. He might not have made the team at center. The coaching staff thought he would be better at left wing.
"We want our centers to have defensive responsibilities. If he was at center, he would not have made the team.”
When asked if Tavares was ready for the NHL, Sutter was blunt.
"Today, he’s not ready (for the NHL). Look at the players on (Team Canada). He was a middle of the line player for us,” Sutter said matter-of-factly. “I wish the people around John would let him (worry) about hockey. (The debate) has an effect on him.
“If he progresses the way he should, John could be a great player. If he doesn’t progress the way he should, he could be an average player.”
And that’s where the questions begin. Scouts say that Tavares isn’t a classic skater and isn’t strong enough for the NHL.
“He probably could (play in the NHL) but is it the best thing for him? I would say maybe not. Could he? Probably. Should he? Probably not,” said Dallas Stars’ scout Tim Bernhardt. “If there’s one part of his game (that needs to improve) it is his skating. It’s fine, but there’s room for him to be a better skater. It’s not a natural, fluid stride. It can be continually worked on, (but) it’s not going to stop him from playing (at the next level).”
Calgary Flames scout Tod Button said that he has seen Tavares more than a dozen times and said that the issue is maturity.
“Based on what I know now? Where he fits in the draft class, don’t know. The early viewings and early ratings say yes,” Button said after being asked if Tavares would be the first overall pick this year or in 2009. “But talent alone doesn’t do it. There have been many players who have talent but (don’t make it).
“I guess it is his physical and mental maturity. It seems like John is well on his way (to the NHL, but) he has to use individual skills and incorporate them into the team to have success at the next level. He’s got hockey talent, but I’m not sure how strong he is. The next level is all men and it takes time to be man strong. I think it’s not a flawed skating stride; I don’t see it as an area of concern. It’s about adding strength and physical maturity.”
Sellwood argues that his star pupil has put on almost 20 pounds since last season and can skate.
“He’s strong, very strong. He’s almost 200 pounds," Sellwood said emphatically. "He doesn’t skate like a Sidney but he’s quick. He’s quicker than people give him credit for. Those scouts would be the first to take him. I think what happens is that they try to pick holes in perfect players. There’s no such thing as a perfect player. But they know they can’t criticize much so they try to find things (and) I totally disagree with that."
Gagner, son of former Ranger and current London (Ontario) Knights coach Dave Gagner, thinks his longtime friend will be a high draft pick either this year or next.
“I played with him for a long time growing up,” said the eleventh pick of the 2007 Draft. “He has a lot of skill and knows how to score; he’s definitely a special player.
“He’s always been head-and-shoulders better than the kids in (our) age group. He’s always played against older (players).”
Like Button and Bernhardt, the Oilers’ center said that the NHL game is stronger and faster than the hockey being played at the junior level, but believes that individual and team success this season will play a role in Tavares’ decision.“I think winning a Memorial Cup is huge on his list,” said Gagner. “I guess what he does (this season) is the deciding factor.”
*
Oshawa is one of the legendary junior programs, having captured 12 OHL titles—the last a decade ago—and four Memorial Cups.
Orr, Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, Charlie Huddy, Terry O’Reilly, Dave Anderychuk and Eric Lindros are just some of Oshawa’s alumni. Yet, the Oakville, Ontario native did something that those Generals’ legends couldn’t: The creation of General Motors Centre.
Until last October, the Generals played in the Civic Auditorium. An old barn in a muscle town, the Civic Auditorium opened in 1964 and shut its doors last Oct. 29 because it had long outlived its usefulness.
According to Bob Malcolmson, the CEO and General Manager of the Greater Oshawa Chamber Of Commerce, the Civic Auditorium was in a residential neighborhood, surrounded by a vast parking lot—akin to the Nassau Coliseum. Realizing the importance of creating revenue streams, the city built General Motors Centre in the heart of downtown. Costing $45 million and enveloped by restaurants and shopping, the Centre boasts two rinks—one a practice rink and the other for games—a restaurant, the franchise’s Hall of Fame, a team store and the organization’s executive offices. It seats 5,400 for hockey and 6,400 for non-hockey events.
“There’s been a big difference (since the Centre opened),” Malcolmson said. “People walking to the Centre have the option of going to restaurants before or after the game; people will pass by restaurants and retail outlets to get to GM Centre (for a game or a show).”
The question then becomes one of Tavares’ economic impact on the community. Is his presence akin to that of Crosby’s in Rimouski? During his two years with the Oceanic, the city experienced a financial renaissance; hotels were sold out, restaurants filled. All due to the public making pilgrimages to see Crosby. Since losing to the Penguins in 2005, Rimouski has suffered; it’s a town that’s dying on the vine.
According to Generals president Trish Campbell, the city is still waiting on Tavares’ final economic effect.
“The impact hasn’t totally hit yet. Oshawa is a great fan base. They love a winner—like most towns do. They are a little slow to buy in to the program. They have to see that you’re winning and (then) they start to come,” she explained. “The minute John hit town, there was a real excitement.”
Sellwood echoes Campbell’s thoughts.
“I think that when we drafted him—knowing that you’re going to have somebody for four years—he is probably part of the decision to build a new building," Sellwood said. "You see Tavares shirts everywhere; he’s in the community, he’s taken on a specialty coach with the Special Olympics. He’s doing the right things to be visible and positive in the community and I think that there is a big buzz (in the arena) when his name is announced.”
When asked about Tavares’ importance to the city’s marketing, Malcolmson was effusive, noting that members of the Chamber Of Commerce own luxury boxes at the GM Centre and Generals’ season tickets.
“John Tavares is another Bobby Orr from a marketing aspect. It’s a great opportunity (for the city),” said the CEO.
But what will happen to the city’s rejuvenation once Tavares leaves for the NHL? It’s something that Malcolmson is not concerned with.“We’ll just have to get another top-notch player, won’t we?” he asked rhetorically. “I don’t see (business) waning. If he moves onto the NHL, it’ll be a feather in the city’s cap. (The players) talk about where they’re from.”
*
After practice, the 6’0 center walked into the room, the sweat matting brown hair to his head and neck. As Tavares sits down, he talks excitedly about the 2007 MLB playoffs, marveling at the Colorado Rockies’ 9-8 win over the San Diego Padres the night prior while explaining that he roots for the Blue Jays and Cubs. He then begins to talk hockey. While noting that he patterns himself after the Dallas Stars’ Mike Modano and the Los Angeles Kings’ Patrick O’Sullivan, Tavares talks about his season, saying, “I have been able to find the back of the net. I’m just doing whatever it takes for the team to win, and do the little things and improve every day. (By) working hard at practice and (during games); making sure I’m doing my job.”
He’s being modest. Tavares the OHL’s leading scorer with 51 points (22 goals and 29 assists) in 22 games. Tavares, though, isn’t impressed with what he’s done in the early season. He’s talks about improving his all-around game, saying that he can “work my play away from the puck, my skating, and (play) on the puck” and “the things I’m good at I can always improve on.”
In the two and a half seasons Tavares has been in Oshawa, the Generals are 62-81-7-8. They have not won a division or conference championship. Last year, they won a playoff round before being swept by the Belleville Bulls in the OHL Eastern Conference Semifinals. It’s something that he plans on changing this year. This season, the Generals are second in the OHL’s East Division with 28 points, two behind Bellville. “The OHL Championship is the dream,” Tavares said emphatically. “It’s what I’ve wanted from day one. What I want to do is win and have a ring.
Campbell believes that her star forward has bigger goals than winning the Generals’ first OHL title since 1997. “He hasn’t won a scoring title. He hasn’t won a division. He hasn’t won an OHL Championship. He hasn’t won a Memorial Cup,” Campbell pointed out. “It’s on his checklist. He wants his team to win a Memorial Cup.”
A division title. An OHL Championship. A Memorial Cup. The NHL. Working with the Special Olympics. With Toronto a half-hour away, print and broadcast media are often in Oshawa, looking to talk to Tavares. School. It’s very easy to forget that John Tavares is 17 years old.
What does a single 17 year old do? Especially one that has the eyes of a hockey-crazed nation focused on his every move? “I try to be a normal kid. My teenage years are just having fun; go to school, have my friends and hang out. I use my spare time pretty well when I have it,” Tavares explained while saying that his favorite classes are geography, business courses and
psychology. “It’s a normal day: school, practice, home. During the off-season, I have my privacy.”
And while the Generals are quick to praise their star and point out his accomplishments, they are hesitant to talk about losing Tavares to the NHL. It’s something that he is uncomfortable with, as well. “I haven’t been able to (talk to a NHLer for an extended period about life in the league.). I have met Sidney and it was very exciting, a dream come true to meet him. It was more of me just in awe of him,” he said. “I would like to talk to someone about experiencing pro level and I’m sure soon I will as the time approaches.”
*
Tavares walks out of the G.M. Centre’s media room, past the little girls pounding on the glass and into the dressing room. School. Hockey. Charity work. Fans. The NHL. And then it hits you.He’s the picture of single-minded focus.
John Tavares compared to other 16 year old scorers.
JOHN TAVARES, 2006-07, OSHAWA GENERALS OF OHL: 67 games played, 72 goals, 62 assists, 134 points, and 60 penalty minutes.
SIDNEY CROSBY, 2003-04, RIMOUSKI OCEANIC OF QMJHL: 59 games played, 54 goals, 81 assists, 135 points, and 74 penalty minutes.
JASON SPEZZA, 1999-2000, MISSISSAUGA ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS OF OHL: 52 games played, 24 goals, 37 assists, 61 points, and 33 penalty minutes.
MARIO LEMIEUX, 1981-82, LAVAL TITAN OF QMJHL: 64 games played, 30 goals, 66 assists, 96 points and 22 penalty minutes.
WAYNE GRETZKY, 1977-78, SAULT STE. MARIE GREYHOUNDS OF OHA: 64 games played, 70 goals, 112 assists, 182 points and 14 penalty minutes.
MIKE BOSSY, 1972-73, LAVAL NATIONAL OF QMJHL: Four games played, one goal, two assists, three points and zero penalty minutes.
DAVE KEON, 1956-57, ST. MICHAEL’S MAJORS OF OHA: Four games played, one goal, three assists, four points and zero penalty minutes.
BOBBY HULL, 1954-55, GALT BLACK HAWKS OF OHA: Six games played, zero goals, zero assists, zero points and zero penalty minutes.
GORDIE HOWE, 1943-44, SASKATOON LIONS OF SJHL: Five games played, six goals, five assists, 11 points and four penalty minutes.
NOTES:
OHL: Ontario Hockey League
QMJHL: Quebec Major Junior Hockey League
SJHL: Saskatoon Junior Hockey League
OHA: Ontario Hockey Association
Interview notes:
Bryan Deasley, (John Tavares’ agent); SEPTEMBER 7, 2007; PHONE INTERVIEW NOTES:
There is no challenge.
This year at the draft—in Columbus—every time Pittsburgh made a selection, they cheered (because) the new young players are having a positive impact on the league.
He (is) five days late by the birth date (statute).
It’s up to the NHL and NHLPA;
In his first year (in the OHL) he beat Orr’s (record). His second year, he beat Gretzky.
He is a 16 year old and he is playing on the World Junior Team. He’s done a terrific job; he’s done a great job playing left wing. He looks like one of (Team Canada’s) special players. He’s playing (out of position) and done a terrific job. It’s not difficult to stand out. The Canadian Hockey League said (it) last year when they voted him MVP. He is playing a limited role, like Sam Gagner; John is earning his way into a role of confidence for Hockey Canada. He was very noticeable (in the Super Series games he saw).
Ryan Jankowski, New York Islanders’ Draft Guru; SEPTEMBER 8, 2007; E-MAIL INTERVIEW:
Hi Denis. Here are the quotes from Ryan Jankowski.
CB
QUESTIONS:
What are your thoughts on Tavares playing for Team Canada in the Super Series?
Despite his age, John was one of the best players in all of Canadian hockey last year. He deserves the opportunity to play with the best players in Canada representing his country at the Super Series.
How tough is it for Tavares to star on a star-laden team, as Team Canada is?
It is difficult for any one player to star on a Team Canada team such as this whether you are 17 years old or 20 years old. What you have to remember is that John is the youngest player in those games as he has yet to turn 17 years old. He is competing among the best in the world with and against players who will be turning 20 in the new year. His play was just fine in these games and he certainly belonged on the ice with this team.
Would he be the No. 1 pick the 2007-08 Entry Draft, should the league and PA agree to bend the minimum age requirement in his case?
The 2007-08 draft is shaping up to have a very good top group of players even without Tavares in it. There are players that may have something to say against John Tavares being the early favorite to be chosen 1st overall. It is unfair at this time to state whether he would be the 1st pick as players experience a different type of pressure in their draft year. John has shown that he is an elite talent that can handle many different situations with ease. I would expect him to handle the draft year just the same.
I'm not for bending the rules in his case. If the parties were looking to make a change to include the whole calendar year that is different, however to make a concession for one player I believe will cause potential problems down the road.
Is John ready for the NHL?
There are not very many 18 year old players who are ready for the NHL, even in Tavares' case he still has to add strength and improve his skating to be ready next year. For certain, John will be closer to being fully ready to play in the NHL if he waits for the 2009 NHL Draft.
If he is drafted, is there a concern that it would create a WHA-type situation where teams play kids right away?
Each situation is different when it comes to kids playing in the NHL. It often depends on the status of the NHL team, how many spots are available, how much Salary Cap space a team has. Some teams promote playing their young players while others would like to be patient and let them develop in the AHL. I do not feel that a WHA situation is a concern.
What are John’s strengths?
John’s strengths are his natural hockey talent.
What are John’s weaknesses?
He still has to get stronger on his feet and develop his skating as he is not a natural skater. He can get to where he is going but just not as quick as he would like. Is this going to hold him back from being an NHL player? No. His natural talents, goal-scoring abilities and hockey sense make up for this.
Is he someone that could immediately step in and play a major role, a la Ovechkin and Crosby? Or would he need another year of seasoning, like Marc Staal?
Again, every situation is different. Ovechkin was a late birthdate similar to Tavares but he also had an extra year of seasoning in Europe during the lockout similar to what Kyle Okposo is experiencing this season. When Ovechkin came into the league he had good development over two years that prepared him for his rookie NHL season as a 20 year old. Sidney Crosby came in as an 18 year old directly from his Major Junior year. Could Tavares come in and play in the NHL? I am sure he could come in and succeed. Again it would depend on the team that he is playing for yet if he is a high pick this would mean the NHL team has some struggles and that would suggest there is room for him.
Is he someone that a team can be built around, like an Ovechkin or Crosby?
Which current or former players would you compare Tavares to, in terms of his play on the ice and the way he conducts himself away from the rink?
The most current comparison of on-ice player is a Jason Spezza type player. They play a similar type game as they both like to rush and control the puck, John is more of a purer goal-scorer whereas Jason was a playmaker. John seems to handle himself quite well away from the rink. He has had a lot of pressure on him coming into the OHL as a 15 year old and dominating and he has handled this pressure extremely well for his age. He has a great future ahead of him.
Bill Daly, NHL Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer; SEPTEMBER 10, 2007; E-MAIL INTERVIEW:
My understanding is that John Tavares and his representatives met with you and the league to discuss John being allowed to be draft eligible this year. How would you describe those talks? How would you characterize their presentation? Is there a fear (for lack of a better word) from the member clubs that if the draft-eligible age rule is pushed back for Tavares that younger and younger players will also challenge the rule? When does the league anticipate responding with a final determination to Tavares' presentation?
The talks and discussion were very.
We would only consider changing draft eligibility rules across-the-board, and not for any one individual and we would only consider changing the rules if we thought it made good business sense to do so -- not because anyone threatened to "challenge" our existing rules.
As far as I'm concerned, there has been no formal presentation, and there isn't a formal request pending.
Is there any thought of looking at and modifying the Entry Draft Player
Eligibility age?
No.
With the league being carried by its young stars--Crosby, Ovechkin, Staals, Malkin--how much excitement is there for Tavares? Is he someone that can be one of the league's marketable faces?
I'm sure John has a very bright NHL future ahead of him and we look forward to welcoming him into the League -- whenever that might happen.
Is this a right-to-work issue?
I wouldn't characterize it as an "issue" at all. We have certain player eligibility rules that were collectively bargained with the collective bargaining representative of both existing and all future NHL players. We are obligated to apply and enforce those rules, unless or until they are changed.
A follow up question. You said that the NHL and NHLPA would consider
changing the draft eligibility rule if "it made good business sense"? Does it make good business sense to change the rule in John's case?
I'm not sure it does. But it’s not something we've spent any time
studying.
NHL ENTRY DRAFT PLAYER ELIGIBILITY RULES:
All players age 19 or older—(A) any player who be age 18 on or before September 15 in the year in which the Entry Draft is held, or (B) reaches his 19th birthday between September 16 and December 31, both dates included, next following Entry Draft, can attain eligibility by delivering to the League a written notice (Opt in Form) prior to the later of May 1, of seven (7) days following the date such player finishes competing on his team in the year in which such draft is to be held.—are eligible for claim in the Entry Draft, except:
(1): A player on the Reserve List of a Club, other than as a try-out;
(2): A player who has been claimed in two prior Entry Drafts;
(3): A player who previously played in the League and became a free agent pursuant to the CBA;
(4): A player age 21 or older who had played hockey for at least one season in North America when he was age 18, 19 or 20.
CHL; OHL, QMJHL, WHL:
The Canadian Hockey League is the Major Junior Hockey League that oversees itself subdivisions Ontario Hockey League, Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The CHL, OHL, QMJHL and WHL each have their leagues championships. The four winners play for the Memorial Cup, to determine which Junior Hockey team is Canada’s best.
In its history, Oshawa has won 12 OHL Championships, the last in 1997. In 1990, the Generals won their fourth Memorial Cup.
Oshawa’s history is a who’s who of hockey: Alex Delvecchio, Ted Lindsay, Bobby Orr, Dave Andreychuk, Jason Arnott, Dan Hinote, Nathan Horton, Charlie Huddy, Claude Julien, Eric Lindros, John MacLean, Kirk McLean, Rick Middleton, Terry O’Reilly, Marc Savard and Stephane Yelle.
TAVARES AWARDS:
EDDIE CHOI (JOHN TAVARES’ TRAINER/COACH) 9/12/07 PHONE INTERVIEW:
John’s improvement through the years? What sort of student is he?
Just tremendous. He has the heart and desire to be the best. He lives, breathes hockey. He has the heart and determination that (separates) him from the rest.
How does John compare to your NHL (Jason Spezza, Mike Cammalleri) students?
He’s a pure goal scorer. (He has) tremendous hands; put him in the slot and the puck is going in 99% (of the time).
Is he ready for the NHL?
There’s no rush, take your time (and) do the little things right. There’s no point in rushing it. Within his time, he’ll do quite well.
What are his strengths?
(His) passion, understanding for the game. He knows how to score. (More importantly), the best players have a passion for the game.—Choi then referenced Sidney Crosby, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Joe Montana, Michael Jordan as examples of great players who have passion.
What does he have to work on?
He has to build up a little more strength and speed; those are the things he needs to improve on.
—Choi noted that he did not speak with Tavares during the Canada-Russia Super Series due to Tavares’ “busy schedule.”
TIM BERNHARDT (DALLAS STARS’ SCOUT) 9/14/07 PHONE INTERVIEW:
How many times have you seen him play? In the OHL? In international tournaments?
I’ve seen him play seven, eight times including one international tournament. I saw him at the Under-18 Tournament in Sweden when he was probably 15. He is a 1990 birthday and his teammates were 1988 birthdays, so he was two years younger (than the rest of his team).
What words come to mind when you think of John Tavares?
Goal scorer. He loves to score goals. He has a real passion for the puck and to score goals. He has a real knack for scoring goals.
How has John improved while in the ‘O’?
He continues to get better at the little things.
Is John ready for the NHL? Or does he need another year in the ‘O’ to develop? Or would a NHL team send to an AHL affiliate?
That’s pretty difficult to answer.
Looking at the 2008 Draft, how would you grade it with and without John?
(OHL Sarnia Sting center Steven) Stamkos is the projected top guy; it would be between (Tavares) and him.
Can John step in right away and contribute to a NHL team? How many teams could use a John Tavares?
Chances are that he would step in (right away). Probably 30 (said laughing). Any player like that, any team could use him.
What does John need to work on?
What players—current and otherwise—does John compare favorably to?
That’s pretty difficult question. I don’t like to compare (players) to (other players) because it’s not fair (to the kid) if (it doesn’t work out). He’s a goal scorer; it’s hard to pick a player to fit that bill.
If John is drafted in the 2008 Draft, does it make sense for a NHL team to play him right away? Should his NHL team follow the Bruins’ blueprint after they drafted Joe Thornton, and monitor his minutes? Or should they send him back to the ‘O’ or to the AHL for more development?
It’s difficult to say. If you put him in the NHL, you want to play. It’s up to the teams and (who they have as his) linemates. The last thing you want to do have him get his bell rung and suffer a concussion. 30 teams, 30 different situations.
What does John have left to prove at the OHL level?
He hasn’t won anything yet. His first year, they didn’t make the playoffs. Last year, they won a round. I think (an OHL championship) that’s on his list. They’re in contender status (with a number of other teams).
MARC STAAL (ROOKIE NEW YORK RANGERS’ DEFENSEMAN):
"I think he just has a very good knack around the net and he knows how to obviously score goals. Obviously he's a good player and he's really confident as far as the puck goes. I think that if he quickly adapts to that kind of game (the NHL) I'm sure he could play.
"Just his hockey sense and his hands, which is probably the biggest thing. He uses his linemates and his knack around the net. He's able to be at the right the time and find the puck to the net.
I only played against him a few times so I'm not familiar with how he is. But as far as I can tell, he's pretty solid.”
DAVID BRANCH (COMMISSIONER OF THE OHL) 9/19/07 PHONE INTERVIEW:
The most important people in our game are the players; John, like any other player, is extremely important to us. I think it is generally agreed that star players are the focus of attention. Fans and media gravitate towards (John) because he is the center of attention (for Oshawa and the OHL).
It was a much bigger, broader issue (than just allowing Tavares to play in the OHL as a 15 year old). Hockey Canada and (other governing bodies) were having meetings to (discuss the) player development process. (We decided to) put forward a resolution that a player would have to be granted permission to (play junior hockey early). John was granted permission and was selected by Oshawa.
He’s important to Oshawa for their on-ice (fortunes).
We have no position on that; it’s a decision that the National Hockey League will make or not make.
Tod Button (Flames Scout) 9/21/07 Phone Interview:
How many times have you seen John Tavares in person? What stands out about him?
I’m going to say 12-to-15 times; for me (the thing that stands out are) his hands; quick, fast accurate shot, accurate passes.
What does he have to work on?
What current and former players does John compare favorably to?
(Laughing) I’m reluctant to answer that question. I think Mike Bossy comes to mind but I can’t do it; it’s not fair to put standards that aren’t realistic.
Is it a good idea for Tavares and his representatives to challenge the NHL’s minimum age draft eligibility requirement?
I’m not sure about that. It’s going to be tough for them because of the CBA. I know they’re pushing for it but they should be getting him ready for the OHL season.
Is John Tavares a No. 1 overall pick this year or next? Would you recommend the Flames select him if they had the opportunity?
What players have you recommended that the Flames draft, and they had success at the NHL level?
It’s the staff that does it. Dion Phaneuf is the most well known.
September 27, 2007, PHONE INTERVIEW WITH NEW NEW JERSEY DEVILS AND TEAM CANADA SUPER SERIES HEAD COACH:
October 2, 2007; Interview with Brad Sellwood, Head Coach and General Manager of the Oshawa Generals:
I drafted him. It’s an interesting story: We had scouted Logan Coture—who is now playing for the Ottawa 67s—and of that year birth, he was the best player in our opinion and we had committed to take him first overall. Right along, we had said to him that this Tavares ruling was about to happen, if he could enter our league or not, and when I found out he could, with the first pick overall, we were taking him.
I think the obvious things are that he has gotten bigger and stronger which kids do when they get older. But he’s matured so much as a person. When I first met him, he was 14. It’s been watching him grow up into a young man before my very eyes. His hockey ability, I don’t know how to describe it. It’s uncanny. He sees and reads things that—not comparing him to anybody because he doesn’t like to be compared to anybody. He admires the Crosbies of the world and Lemieuxes and those kind of people—he sees the ice like those people did and do. The hockey ability, he is improving so much in the face-off circle, his defensive game, the things he knows he has to work on to get to the next level—whenever that may be. He just under 200 pounds, so he’s getting big.
I was fortunate enough to play with the Bobby Hulls and Gordie Howes and Dave Keons; I played with a lot of Hall-of-Famers and I think he has a lot of those kind of guys. But the offensive ability is Gretzky-like, Lemieux-like. Every night, from the blueline down he does something that shocks me. Pleasantly. The other parts of his game are coming to be like the players I talked about. He’s conscious about his defensive work. He knows he has to be good. The one player he and I chat about is Sidney. He is a great offensive player but he works just as hard in the defensive zone and neutral zone. So I think trying to compare him to bits and pieces to all those kind of guys is the best way to describe it.
There could be. Between he and I, I screen everything he does. What he does best and most and what he loves to do is that he practices; he wants to be the first out and last off, he loves to play the game. He’s a young guy, he just turned 17. We’re trying to deflect them; we’re trying to make him aware that they’re there. And he’s accepting them. I don’t he thinks about them; on game day he’s very focused when he’s on the ice.
I think it was a learning (experience). He was playing out of position. Mr. Sutter had him on the left side and he was very demanding, playing both sides of the rink and responsible defensively. His responsibilities became a little different and a little more isolated because he was on that national stage. I think it was a great experience for him. Played a little different role. A little disher than a finisher. His role became different. The experience was great for his game.
I think when Brent told him (A) you’re going to play left wing and (B) this is the way we do things here it might have something that he wasn’t used to. This was really his first at this level.
I think probably his age, his inexperience (and not scoring at tryouts); I guess a combination of all those things. Maybe he wasn’t ready.
I say that reluctantly because we’ll lose him five or six game. I think John will be there.
He’s very much conscious in his own end. I think there are parts of his game—the offensive game I don’t tell him much—I think this kid is going to be the real deal.
October 2, 2007 interview with Trish Campbell, President of the Oshawa Generals:
I would say he is an awesome young man. He’s extremely talented on and off the ice. You’ll never meet a more decent kid. He’s very motivated to do well and probably is his own worst critic in striving to do better. He’s a genuine kid.
I think he already is. Great players come along every once in awhile. The sky is the limit for John Tavares. He’s happiest when he’s achieving the next goal.
John’s best quality is that he’s a genuine, sincere kid. He just turned 17 a couple weeks ago. He likes to do what every normal 17 year old kid likes to do. He’s just really unaffected by his fame. It speaks volume about who he is.
There’s a lot of pressures. To add a lot of other things onto his plate. He always has time for charities. He maintains good marks in school. John’s very disciplined and very goal-oriented. He spoke to what his goals were to. He’s very good at management.
October 2, 2007 interview with John Tavares, center of the Oshawa Generals:
Coach Sutter I learned a lot. Different style of coach and a different role; learned what I had to help the team in every way. Learned about being and individual and a hockey player.
Played LW a year and a half ago in the under-18 in Sweden. I had some experience.
With Kyle, he’s a great success throughout his career. Roomed with him and became friends. He’s a great player. It was a great treat and a lot of fun.
Leafs. Modano and Patrick O’ Sullivan. (Favorites).
No time for a girlfriend. Want to be a kid.
He says we get five, six, seven (media) requests. He handles it great and tries to make me a better individual and hockey player.
Just to improve on my game, my assets and lead this team to a championship.
It’s a lot different lifestyle. It was 35 (Celsius) everyday and there’s no air conditioning. The food is very plain. There’s no sauce or spice; spaghetti, chicken. The fans are different but great crowds. They were loud. Instead of booing you, they’d whistle. Even at the referees.
2008 Entry Draft is at Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario.
October 10, 2007, phone interview with the Edmonton Oilers’ Sam Gagner:
I played with him for a long time. He has a lot of skill and knows how to score more than anyone I’ve ever (played with). Definitely a special player.
I think a Memorial Cup (Championship) is huge on his list.
He’s always been heads and shoulders better than the kids in his age group (always played against older kids).
Not sure, not for me to say. He is a special player. I don’t know (if he’ll go this year or next, but) definitely he’ll go high. I guess what he does (this season with Oshawa) will be the deciding factor.
The NHL is a lot faster, pace wise; guys are a lot stronger.
