Tavares spurns Islanders, chooses childhood team in Toronto over rival Bruins in free agency

The big news finally broke and coveted superstar Center John Tavares has reportedly signed a 7 year deal with his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The longtime New York Islanders Captain later confirmed he was leaving in a heartfelt note posted on his Twitter:

He later noted that his decision to join the Maple Leafs had to do with the Leaf’s “great young core” and saying it was a dream come true to play for his childhood team.

This move arguably makes the Leafs a favorite in the East, with a formidable 1-2 punch down the middle of Auston Matthews and John Tavares, as well as Nazem Kadri as the third line center. Buckle up Bruins fans, because next season just got a whole lot more interesting with a bona fide superstar added to the equation.