Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Tavares Moves to Toronto
The most
important sports story affecting this area of the world in the last
little while has to be the signing of John Tavares by the Toronto
Maple Leafs. There were weeks of speculation as to where he might end
up as a free agent. The “Leafs Nation” was in collective
suspense. All of that mystery has been put to bed. The name Tavares
is on the contract.
He will stay
in Toronto for a few years. He will be an important part of the
building job that has been under way in Toronto for several years.
The question is whether or not he will be the key link to move the
Maple Leafs to the ultimate success in the NHL. There is definitely a
thirst in that town to sip champagne from the Stanley Cup. All
members of the “Leafs Nation” can tell you that the last time the
parade wound through the streets of Toronto to cheer on the Blue and
White was 1967. They can even name most of the players from that
team!
Tavares was
the best player on the free agent block. He was the first overall
pick by the New York Islanders in the 2009 draft. The Islanders had
been struggling up to that point, and many hoped that he could lead
them to repeat their glory days. The Islanders had won four straight
Stanley Cups from 1979 to 1983. They were led by Denis Potvin, and
relied on the talents of Mike Bossy, Clark Gillies, Butch Goring, Bob
Bourne, John Tonelli, and Billy Smith in the net. They may have won
more cups, but along came a kid named Gretzky and his pals in
Edmonton. So ended the glory days of the Islanders.
From his
first days on Long Island to the end of last season, Tavares has been
a consistently brilliant performer. He has never won a scoring title,
mind you, but has always put up fine numbers. He has been an all star
the past two seasons. I am certain he will not disappoint the Toronto
fans. Coach Babcock will work him into the lineup with his two other
fine centres, Auston Matthews and Nazem Kadri. Babcock has had a
taste of success in the NHL. He was brought into Toronto as part of
the process to win the Cup. Just a little pressure on the coach.
Another free
agent signing that will rock the sports word is that of LeBron James.
On many occasions in this column I have asserted that he is the best
player in the National Basketball Association, Make that the world.
He decided to leave the Cleveland Cavaliers (again) and head to the
bright lights of Los Angeles. There is a long history of success in
Laker Town, and Magic Johnson, one of the greatest players ever in
the NBA did his best to entice James to sign with the Lakers. LeBron
fell a little short in the finals this past spring. He just plain ran
out of gas against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. He may
have a little revenge on his mind now that he is with the Lakers.
They have surrounded him with good talent. We shall see, come
October.
And the
World Cup of Soccer continues in Russia. All teams from Africa have
been eliminated. Some of the pre tournament favourites are gone.
England has not hoisted the trophy since 1966. This may be the year.
In soccer, it comes down to one game, win or go home. And,
occasionally, it comes down to penalty kicks. Not a nice way to lose.
Not at all.
Stay cool!!!
James Hurst
July 3, 2018
# posted by James Hurst @ 9:08 AM 
