John Tavares shares photo to illustrate 'childhood dream'

Shortly after announcing that he signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Tavares illustrated why the opportunity means so much to him.

For the Mississauga, Ontario native, this is a homecoming. He grew up playing for the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL and posted 158 points in 72 games during his Minor Midget year.

The star has long since idolized the Maple Leafs, and now he has the opportunity to play for them.

The caption says it all.

It is hard to not have just a little bit of a smile on your face when you see the picture. So many followers of sports started off as a kid who dreamt of playing for their favourite team, and now Tavares has that chance.

The move to Toronto also means that Tavares will be reunited with former London Knights teammate Nazem Kadri. While the two will not figure to be linemates, it is worth noting that they spent half of the 2008-09 OHL season playing together.

This time, however, Kadri will not be the one wearing number 91.