Its the deal that has the hockey world buzzing.

John Tavares says his 7-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs is more than just a career move for the former New York Islander captain, it was a dream come true.

The move is inspiring young hockey players.

It was a childhood aspiration that became a reality, a young Tavares is pictured sleeping, blanketed by his dream franchise.

He tweeted the pictured, writing “Not everyday you can live a childhood dream”

The 27-year old former captain says it was a difficult decision to leave the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2009, a place that began to feel like home or to move back to the GTA where he grew up.

Ultimately Tavares signed a 7-year, 77 million dollar contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and has received a warm welcome on social media from Leaf fans and players.

But before his days as an NHL star, 14-year old Tavares was already making headlines, when he became the youngest player to ever be drafted to the Ontario Hockey League.

He played for the Milton Icehawks.

The Icehawks general manager was not a part of the franchise when Tavares dominated the league, but says Tavares signing with his dream team is an inspiration for young players.

Icehawks centre Eric Dedobbelaer says its every young hockey players goal to play for their dream franchise.

Tavares says joining the Leafs is a rare opportunity that arose with the perfect timing.