John Tavares, NLL all-time leading scorer, retires from lacrosse

John Tavares, the top scorer in National Lacrosse League history, has announced his retirement. Having spent his entire NLL career with the Buffalo Bandits, Tavares revealed his decision to step away from the sport on Wednesday. The 46-year-old Toronto native concludes his remarkable 24-season career in Buffalo with 815 goals and 934 assists. Despite retiring from playing, he will continue his involvement with the team as an assistant coach.

Expressing gratitude for his time with the Bandits, Tavares remarked, “Playing for the Bandits has been such a significant part of my life, but all good things must come to an end. It’s time to start a new chapter.” Notably, Tavares holds the distinction of being the first player in NLL history to achieve both 500 goals and 500 assists. His legacy includes surpassing Gary Gait for the most points in NLL history on March 4, 2006, during a game against the Minnesota Swarm.

Throughout his illustrious career, Tavares earned two NLL MVP awards in 2000 and 2001 and led the Bandits to three Champion’s Cup final appearances, clinching the league title in 2008. NLL commissioner George Daniel praised Tavares not only for his on-field achievements but also for his ambassadorship of the sport. Additionally, Tavares boasts six Mann Cups, Canada’s senior indoor lacrosse championship, won with various teams.

Beyond his lacrosse career, Tavares worked as a math teacher at Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga, Ont., throughout his professional lacrosse tenure. Notably, his nephew, also named John Tavares, was selected first overall by the NHL’s New York Islanders in 2009 and has since established himself as one of the league’s premier players.