Short Shifts
Tavares uses childhood photo to announce decision to join Maple Leafs
Toronto teammates, fans exalt on social media about center's new contract
NHL.com @NHLdotcom
John Tavares gave Toronto Maple Leafs fans the best Canada Day gift.
The center agreed to terms with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a seven-year contract Sunday, and called it a childhood dream while sharing a photo of a younger him sleeping with Maple Leafs bedding.
Tavares is from the Toronto suburb of Mississauga, Ontario, and aside from his incredible picture, Tavares shared also shared some insights into why he chose the Maple Leafs.
Where Tavares would sign was one of the hottest topics on social media throughout the weekend, and when word got out, his new teammates exalted over his move north of the border. Few did better than Nazem Kadri, the Maple Leafs center who also was Tavares' teammate with London of the Ontario Hockey League.
Other Toronto team accounts, along with high-profile Maple Leafs fans, also shared their exuberance about Tavares' decision.