In 2018, the hockey world was abuzz with speculation over where superstar John Tavares would sign after becoming an unrestricted free agent. Ultimately, Tavares chose to join his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, in a blockbuster deal that electrified Leafs Nation. But what if Tavares had taken a different path and signed with the Boston Bruins instead? The ripple effects of such a decision could have dramatically altered the landscape of the NHL.
Boston’s Dominant Center Core
Had Tavares chosen Boston, the Bruins would have boasted arguably the most formidable center depth in the league. Tavares, joining a lineup already featuring Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, would have created an unparalleled trio down the middle. This would have allowed the Bruins to roll three potent lines, each capable of dominating both offensively and defensively.
Bergeron’s defensive prowess, Krejci’s playmaking ability, and Tavares’s scoring touch could have made the Bruins an even more complete team. Opponents would have struggled to match up against Boston’s center depth, which could have resulted in the Bruins becoming a perennial Stanley Cup contender, perhaps even more so than they already were.
Impact on the Maple Leafs
For the Maple Leafs, missing out on Tavares would have left a significant hole in their lineup. The Leafs’ resurgence in recent years has been largely attributed to their offensive firepower, with Tavares playing a crucial role. Without him, the Leafs would have had to rely even more heavily on young stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner. While still talented, Toronto’s lack of depth down the middle could have exposed them in key playoff matchups, potentially altering their postseason fortunes.
Furthermore, Tavares’s absence in Toronto might have led to different roster decisions, such as exploring alternative free agents or trades to fill the void. The Leafs’ trajectory, both in terms of their development and their playoff performances, might have been drastically different without the stability and experience that Tavares brought to the team.
Bruins’ Championship Aspirations
With Tavares in the fold, the Bruins might have had an even stronger case for winning the Stanley Cup in subsequent seasons. The additional firepower could have given them the edge they needed in tight playoff series, particularly against teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have been a consistent obstacle for the Bruins in the Eastern Conference.
The presence of Tavares could have alleviated some of the pressure on Boston’s top line, allowing them to be more effective when it mattered most. The combination of Tavares with star wingers like Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak might have created a nearly unstoppable offensive force. The Bruins, who made it to the Stanley Cup Final in 2019, might have had a stronger shot at lifting the Cup with Tavares contributing at both ends of the ice.
The Atlantic Division Dynamics
Tavares’s decision to sign with the Bruins would have also shifted the balance of power in the Atlantic Division. With Boston becoming even more of a juggernaut, teams like the Lightning, Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens would have faced an even tougher challenge in the division. The arms race in the Atlantic could have intensified, with teams scrambling to counter the Bruins’ newfound depth and strength.
Additionally, the rivalry between the Maple Leafs and Bruins, already one of the most intense in hockey, would have taken on an even more dramatic tone. Every matchup between the two teams would have been billed as a showdown between what might have been for Tavares and the Leafs versus the reality of his impact in Boston.
Legacy and Career Impact
From a personal standpoint, Tavares’s legacy might have taken a different shape as well. While he has become a key figure in Toronto’s efforts to end their long championship drought, leading his hometown team comes with immense pressure and scrutiny. In Boston, Tavares might have had the opportunity to play in a more balanced lineup, with the potential for more immediate postseason success.
Had Tavares helped the Bruins capture a Stanley Cup or two, his place in hockey history could have been significantly altered. Instead of being seen primarily as the hometown hero who returned to Toronto, he might have been celebrated as the missing piece that solidified the Bruins as a modern dynasty.
The What-If Game
Ultimately, the what-if game is a staple of sports fandom, and Tavares’s decision to sign with the Maple Leafs is one of the most intriguing scenarios to speculate about. While we’ll never know exactly how things would have played out if Tavares had chosen Boston, it’s clear that the ramifications would have been far-reaching, influencing not only the fortunes of the Bruins and Leafs but also the entire NHL landscape.
