John Tavares’ biggest takeaway from his interactions with former Islanders owner Charles Wang was his constant advice to relax and enjoy himself.
So, as the former face of the Islanders embarks on his first year with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tavares says he’s trying to soak every “first” experience in.
“Just like I know Charles would want me to,” he said.
Speaking by phone Tuesday from Winnipeg, Tavares said the news of Wang’s death Sunday brought back memories from his earliest days in the NHL when he was thrust into the role of the Islanders’ franchise player as a teenager.