Tavares previously indicated he would be joining Canada imminently, at Thursday’s end-of-year media availabilites.
Tavares recorded 31 goals and 71 points in 82 games for the Maple Leafs, the lone player to suit up for every contest. The 35-year-old won gold at the 2014 Olympics, to go along with two gold medals from the World Juniors (2008, 2009) and a 2012 Spengler Cup gold medal.
Morgan Rielly reiterates his desire to remain with the Leafs. Rielly hasn’t been approached about a potential move. Rielly said he’d be interested in representing Canada at the IIHF World Championship.
Tavares is looking to continue to assert himself on the international stage, and operated as the Maple Leafs’ first-quarter MVP. The veteran forward took accountability for the Leafs’ disastrous season, and spelled out what lies ahead entering the 2026-27 season.
“We have to go out there and earn prove that and earn it,” Tavares said. “You know, we had high expectations this year and we didn’t come close. So the challenge going forward for the group is to regroup, continue to work together to find the areas we need to be better in, and our level of play just has to be much, much higher.”