Curious ... Who Has Seen John Tavares Play Live???

[iluvbtca]

Having watch Tavares play multiple times in the OHL live for both Oshawa and London, including his final series against Windsor, I believe Tavares is one of the most overrated prospects of all time. I think he will be a good pro and probably consistently score 35 goals a year but he is not a new hockey god.

He is not the prospect Crosby, Ovechkin or Malkin were at the same stage and is more myth than substance. He's incredibly accurate shooter and finds open ice with ease but that's because he's a tremendous floater and has no clue where his defensive side of the ice is. He's also a mediocre skater and has no ability to really create his own shot.

Yet, with the TSN's and SportNet's of the world, the highlight reels have created quite a misrepresentation of his true abilities.

So I'm curious, how many people have actually seen Tavares play? Considering there were four venues in the GTA to have seen him play during his OHL career, I wonder how many people seized the opportunity.

 

[dj1470]

Several times in Guelph and K-W. Never really saw him excel in any of the 3 games I've seen him play in live.

 

[xdog]

Great scorer with average skating abilities. A definite first-liner but not a Crosby, Ovechkin or Malkin. I think he'll be better than Rick Nash or Eric Stall.

x

 

[stelco]

He worked both sides of the ice to win it for the world Juniors, he was awesome! Time will tell how he does in the NHL.

 

[MojoRisin']

I have seen him alot of times and rarely does he wow you but then you leave the game and realize he had 4 points. He has that sense of getting where he needs to be at the right time. He sees the ice really really well from what i see and hear. He is a below average skater and defender but really between the blue line there are not many better that can stick handle and score better. (well of course there are lots but not lately) Also he is playing with players that dont have his vision or ability and its hard to pass to those that arent where he thinks they should be, or when he is where he should be they dont get the puck there in time. This is just my opinion and what ive heard scouts say and agree with having seen him countless times live in the "shwa. He will be a very good player for a long time IMHO. Great? time will tell. I hate the way media and such have the need to boost kids up so much. It makes it so hard for them to live up to what they really are. Who he is is what he will be. He works hard and is a great team player

 

[21pro]

I was supposed to go to the London / Windsor game today, but the Knights didn't make it...

I saw Tavares with the Gens a few times, but never saw him live in post season play.

 

[Kitwat]

I think he's overrated. Scores most of his goals by taking up position on the right side of the net. The pros are bigger and stronger than jr. A They'll take that space away from him.

 

[j69x]

I think he will be a solid 30 goal scorer throughout his career. similar to an early roenick or tkachuk!

 

[dj1470]

I think he's overrated. Scores most of his goals by taking up position on the right side of the net. The pros are bigger and stronger than jr. A They'll take that space away from him.

Unless he puts on 30 lbs. Which of course he will.

I see Tavares turned into a Cam Neely or Todd Bertuzzi type forward. Big, strong, but not too mobile. I see him getting 3-4 40 goal seasons in his career barring injury.

 

[new2game]

Iv'e seen him live...

Twice, in Windsor during the Knights/Spits series. His wrist shot for velocity is off the charts compared to anyone else I have seen in the OHL..only problem he had is that he didn't hit the net. I have a feeling, going by how he laboured in the games I saw, that he might be injured. His performance at the WJC speaks for itself..truly a premier player in that tournament. If he becomes a Nash or Stall in abilities and production....I think that would be pretty high praise...I'd take either of those guys in my team anytime...


N2G