John Tavares

John Tavares (born September 20, 1990) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a forward and alternate captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL). In the 2009 NHL entry draft, he was selected first overall by the New York Islanders, for whom he played nine seasons and served as captain for five seasons. He also served as the captain of the Maple Leafs from 2019 through 2024.

Previously, Tavares competed at the major junior level as a member of the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being traded to the London Knights at the 2009 OHL trading deadline along with Michael Del Zotto. Tavares broke into the OHL after gaining exceptional player status at age 14, allowing the Generals to select him in the OHL Priority Draft as an underage player in 2005.

Tavares was named the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Rookie of the Year in 2006 and CHL Player of the Year in 2007.