Maureen Landers via Flickr

NHL

On Wednesday, John Tavares skated with the Maple Leafs for the first time. Recently, the center signed a seven-year $77 million dollar contract and created a huge buzz in Toronto and all over the nation. Leafs fans were excited that the star center decided to come home. Accordingly, on Wednesday, Tavares took part in the summer skate with his new teammates.

Tavares’ First Skate

As John Tavares skated with the Maple Leafs for the first time, he was already catching the eye of some of his new teammates.

He’s fun to watch, and fun to be out on the ice with. He’s creating a lot,” Maple Leafs forward Josh Leivo told the Toronto Sun. “He had a couple of weeks off (after getting married Aug. 4), so he’s looking to get back into things, but he’s always looking great.”

Not to mention is that Tavares even scored a goal on minor league goalie Kasimir Kaskisuo.

“Yeah, he’s good,” Kaskisuo said. “He owned the puck out there.”

Tavares did not speak to the reporters after the skate; as it is optional for a player to speak to the reporters after the summer skate. Zack Hyman also participated and spoke to the reporters after the skate.

“He’s easy to talk to and he’ll fit in really well with our group,” Hyman said of Tavares. “He’s really strong on the puck and makes plays. It will be exciting to have him in camp and see him do all that stuff. It’s coming down to [September] now. Over the next few weeks, more guys will filter back in, and we’re ready.”

Tavares was joined by Nazem Kadri, as well as Igor Ozhiganov. Additionally, the latter two did not speak to reporters as well. Tavares went all in for practice drills, then a fast-paced game on the Whites team which included forwards Kadri, Hyman,  Leivo, Connor Brown and Josh Jooris.

Coach Mike Babcock observed from the deck of the MasterCard Centre on Wednesday and was talking to some high school hockey players. All their eyes were glued to Number 91.

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