Fansided

Leafs fans restore balance post-jersey burnings with custom Tavares orders

By C.L. Kohuss

WINNIPEG, CANADA - DECEMBER 31: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders looks on during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets on December 31, 2014 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Isles defeated the Jets 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images)
WINNIPEG, CANADA - DECEMBER 31: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders looks on during first period action against the Winnipeg Jets on December 31, 2014 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The Isles defeated the Jets 5-2. (Photo by Jonathan Kozub/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Toronto Maple Leafs fans are already hitting the stores to buy the jersey of their new favorite player, John Tavares. (Sorry, Auston Matthews.)

News of John Tavares leaving the New York Islanders to pursue his boyhood dream of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs is hardly two hours beyond the ink drying, but fans can now order his No. 91 jersey if they so choose. (And boy are they choosing.)

While the jersey isn’t yet for sale on the official Leafs website, that hasn’t stopped people from taking the custom route.

For example, one lucky fan was apparently in-store when the word broke, so hey, why not?

With all respect to Auston Matthews, whose jersey was tops this past season in total sales, we expect the Tavares piece to sell and sell incredibly hard over the next few days, likely all the way through the end of the season to probably grab that coveted spot we just mentioned.

The decision comes almost a week after deliberations began with six teams in full, including New York, the Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks. While Islanders fans have been quick on the draw to start burning the jersey of their former captain, Toronto is reveling in a huge win for its franchise.

In fact, it’s been a long time since a superstar of this magnitude didn’t resign with his home club, with Steven Stamkos of the Lightning coming fairly close a couple of years back. So pull out the pocketbook, take out a loan or do what have you to get in on the fun. And if you’re a fan of New York, be safe out there with the lighter fluid.

Next: Dallas Stars to sign Boston Bruins goaltender Anton Khudobin

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