Tavares was so excited in a post-signing phone call that it was rubbing off on Kadri

BarDown Staff

John Tavares, Nazem Kadri , (Getty Images/Claus Andersen)

Nazem Kadri and John Tavares are now teammates, but not for the first time.

The two will be suiting up in the same uniform for the first time as NHLers after John Tavares rocked the hockey world by leaving the New York Islanders and joining his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. Prior to becoming NHLers, the two played together for the London Knights in the OHL.

According to Kadri, he was actually going to go visit Tavares in hopes that it would help the Leafs cause in signing the superstar. Fortunately for Kadri and the Buds, Tavares signed anyway, leading to a phone call that stoked up both Tavares and Kadri.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited. That got me excited.” - Kadri on his phone call with Tavares after the signing.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) July 11, 2018

Nazem Kadri said he was going to go out and see John Tavares prior to him making his decision but plans fell through. Talked to him right after he signed with #Leafs: "I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited. That got me excited and we’re anxious to start the upcoming season"
— Kristen Shilton (@kristen_shilton) July 11, 2018

He’s not the only one to be excited. If you sift through the millions of Leafs fans losing their mind about JT’s homecoming you ‘ll find that the players themselves are also extremely excited about their new centre.

“All the boys are pretty excited. He’s one of the best players in the league. We’ll be deep again. He’s an elite centre and we’re lucky to have him.” - Connor Brown on Tavares.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) July 11, 2018

The hype is sure to grow as October gets closer. It’s a good time to be a Leafs fan.

(H/T Kristen Shilton, Scott Wheeler)