Date: November 5, 2025
Source: Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube)
After being honored for his 500th career NHL goal and scoring again in the Maple Leafs’ 5–3 win over the Utah Mammoth, captain John Tavares reflected on his journey, family, milestone moment, and continued drive to lead by example.
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On the 500-Goal Ceremony
“Yeah, obviously really special. Really appreciate the club and the fans — the reception I got. Being honored like that was really, really special, and to share it with my family is amazing. They’ve been on the journey right from the get-go, and now my wife and kids. They’re my biggest supporters and sacrifice a lot so I can do what I do. Really glad I got to share it with them. Even better to follow it up with a great effort today and a big win.”
On Reflecting on His Career
“I think it hit me more today. It makes you think about a lot of things. Obviously the goals are amazing and I’m very proud of it, but just to be going from when I was a kid to this point — I’m really grateful and thankful for so many people that have impacted me. Just to appreciate all that and the game itself — the amazing game that it is — and the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League. I don’t take it for granted and try to enjoy every day.”
On Sharing the Moment with His Kids
“They’re starting to get the idea of the NHL and how much people love hockey. At times you have to break things down a little bit still for them, but they’re learning more every day and always want to ask how it’s going, how the games went, watch the highlights — all those things. I don’t know about the milestone per se, but they’re starting to get quite a bit, and it’s been a lot of fun to share with them.”
On Receiving the Golden Stick
“It’s amazing. I was really glad my daughter got her first one today. The boys were around for a thousand games and a thousand points, so for my daughter to get her first one was exciting. It’s a really cool tradition the league has with these milestones. You’ve got to pinch yourself sometimes that you’ve earned it — that you’ve put yourself among a few players who’ve impacted the game a lot. It’s really special to be part of that.”
On Scoring Goal No. 501
“It was just a great forecheck by Bobby and Robbie. I just tried to find some open ice and see where the play was developing. I was able to get in a little bit of a quiet area, and the puck found me. Just got enough on it to get it over the goalie’s shoulder.”
On Matias Maccelli’s Big Night
“Not just the production — all around tonight he was seeing the ice really well, earning pucks back, making plays, which is what he does really well. It’s not always easy when you’re traded or changing teams, but it’s nice for him to have a big night like today and get the winner. Really happy for him.”
On His Approach to Making Linemates Better
“I think everywhere I’ve played, guys have earned the right to be in the NHL and bring something significant to the team. Whoever I play with — Robbie, Bobby, Willie — they bring different attributes. I take the onus on myself to impact the game the way I can and make my linemates better. Whoever it may be, it’s about finding chemistry and impacting the game in a way that helps the team win.”
On Growing Up with Steven Stamkos
“It’s hard to believe. You’re just kids growing up loving to play the game and dreaming about playing in the NHL. To think you’re going to score 500 goals is a bit of a stretch. But we were both very driven and passionate about the game — amazing where we’re at today.”
Pulse Takeaway
John Tavares reflected on his 500-goal milestone with gratitude and humility, emphasizing family, teammates, and the honor of sharing the achievement with Leafs fans. He also praised Matias Maccelli’s performance, his linemates’ chemistry, and the team’s ability to follow the ceremony with a strong win — one that included his 501st goal.
Quotes from John Tavares via Toronto Maple Leafs (YouTube). Used for analysis and commentary.
Quotes have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
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