Forward criss-crossed the continent three times in less than six days to start team's road trip
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John Tavares was not Tucker-ed out.
After criss-crossing the continent three times in less than six days to start the Maple Leafs road trip, trying to make it home for the birth of his fourth child, Tucker, then rejoining the team Monday in Utah, the 36-year-old centre was on a giddy parental plateau at practice.
How fast did his wife give birth?
Tavares said there was no indication in wife Aryne’s last update that she was close to delivery when the Leafs took off for a three-game road trip. But while digging into a post-game meal after Thursday’s shootout in Las Vegas, he was informed her contractions had started in the middle of the night, Eastern time, and he rushed home.
“Unfortunately, not able to make it,” Tavares told media on Monday. “It was difficult not being there to support her, but she was amazing. I can’t say enough about my wife and what women go through to bring life into this world.”
Tavares gave a shout-out to both sets of grandparents for being at the hospital and baby-sitting Jace, Axton and Rae.
“Things moved quickly, but everything went really smooth. When I got home Friday evening, it was great to embrace Tucker and the newness of being a father of four. It was great to spend a couple of days with them and settle into a new reality.”
The Leafs beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 in Tavares’ absence and they’ll try for five of a possible six points Tuesday in Salt Lake City.
How did Tucker get his name?
With all due respect to ex-Leaf grinder Darcy Tucker, Tavares said he and Aryne thought of the name independently, liking it had two T’s alliteration, something uncommon but not outlandish.
“I did not hear from Darcy,” Tavares said with a smile.
While agreeing “family comes first,” Tavares didn’t want to miss career game 1,347 on Tuesday and after a quick Sunday afternoon solo skate, was on a plane again.
“I love competing, love being with my teammates through the grind of it all. Having kids has made it more meaningful and it’s even more meaningful now with Tucker in completing our family.”
X: @sunhornby
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