Maple Leafs players and fans react to John Tavares signing with Toronto



July 1, 2018 is a day that Toronto Maple Leafs fans will remember for a very long time as John Tavares announced he’s heading home to live out a childhood dream with the Leafs.



I’m thrilled to be starting a new chapter of my career and life in Toronto with the @MapleLeafs. I feel very fortunate to come join a team with a great young core and play where I grew up learning and loving the game. I can’t wait to get started! — John Tavares (@91Tavares) July 1, 2018 A dream come true for John #Tavares. A post shared by TSN (@tsn_official) on Jul 1, 2018 at 10:10am PDT

No one really counted out Toronto as a possible landing destination for Tavares since he was born and raised in the area and the dream finally became a reality just over an hour after the free agent market opened up. As you can probably imagine, Leafs fans and Tavares’ future teammates celebrated the announcement as if it was Christmas all over again.



This all started with Brendan Shanahan. Hired Babcock, perfectly executed tank that led to Matthews and now John Tavares. Unbelievable job. — Bryan Hayes (@HayesTSN) July 1, 2018 Told that Auston Matthews is absolutely ecstatic about the Tavares news; Matthews reached out to Tavares during the process encouraging him to join the Leafs. — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018 It’s official. John Tavares has signed with the @mapleleafs. #NHLFreeAgency A post shared by NHL (@nhl) on Jul 1, 2018 at 10:03am PDT

Happy John Tavares day — Gianmarco (@GianmarcoL13) July 1, 2018 JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A MAPLE LEAF JOHN TAVARES IS A M — Jordan (@Jordinigro) July 1, 2018 It’s a great day to be a Leaf fan. John Tavares, welcome to Toronto. No club can match the Leafs depth at center with J.T. , Matthews and Kadri. Matchup nightmare for every team. Opening night just over 3 months away vs Montreal. — Bruce Elgersma (@elgersma27) July 1, 2018 Can’t blame John Tavares.... who doesn’t wanna go home and play for the team you grew up cheering for.. Go get that cup! — James (@zervakks) July 1, 2018 Well I have goosebumps and love that John Tavares is a Leaf! Welcome to leafs nation @91Tavares — Graham Keays (@grahamk48) July 1, 2018

Welcome home. @91Tavares!



We can't wait to have you at the ballpark. We've got your jersey ready. #CanadaDay ❤️🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/hIhJBk2WAg — Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) July 1, 2018

I saved u 91 this time...welcome home @91Tavares pic.twitter.com/J2rM3IC4XD — Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri) July 1, 2018

Welcome aboard @91Tavares ! Pumped to have you in the blue and white and now call you a teammate #goleafs — Auston Matthews (@AM34) July 1, 2018

I’m going to be watching a lot more hockey the next 7 years. Welcome @91Tavares to the @MapleLeafs! — Milos Raonic (@milosraonic) July 1, 2018



You can’t blame Leafs fans for how excited they are over the big signing considering he’s a hometown kid and is coming off an 84-point season. Not to mention he has 272 goals and 621 points in 669 career games.

Now you can buy a full-sized spaceship.

Congrats JT https://t.co/PZqJGdKnFQ — Kevin Westgarth (@KWesty19) July 1, 2018 I was actually 100% sure but I felt bad telling everyone I wanted JT 91 to announce it!! #Insider🇨🇦 — Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) July 1, 2018 Wow Tavares signs with the Leaf! What a team! Incroyable Tavares signe avec les Maple Leaf! Quelle équipe! @919sports — Georges Laraque (@GeorgesLaraque) July 1, 2018



There are going to be a lot of 91 Maple Leafs jerseys in Toronto next season.