Former NHL executive Pierre McGuire says John Tavares should be demoted
Photo credit: NHL
Former NHL executive Pierre McGuire has shared his thoughts on what the Toronto Maple Leads should do with captain John Tavares next season.
We all know that Tavares, like every other player in the NHL, is getting older. Unlike many players though, Tavares is well into his thirties. This is when even the best players start to drop off in terms of effectiveness on the ice. We already saw this to an extent last season. As a result, McGuire believes that the Leafs should give him a reduced role on the third line.
"If you move Johnny to the 3-hole & create the proper role for him, I think Johnny can be an elite player in that position."
- Pierre McGuire on John Tavares' role moving forward
- Pierre McGuire on John Tavares' role moving forward
Leafs fans seem to be rather mixed on this idea. Many recognize that Tavares is only getting older, and that a smaller role could extend his career while maintaining maximum effectiveness. However, his cap hit is simply too large for a 3rd line player, at least for the upcoming season.
Pierre knows enough to get that this year this isn't an option. While JT makes 11m, he's the #2. In 2025 when JT resigns for 6-7m he can be the 3rd line option.
That being said, Tavares has just one year left on his current contract. As such, many fans seem to think that if they can just find a way to get through this season, then this plan to move Tavares to the third line could actually pay off. After all, he already logged the lowest average ice time of his career last season, a big indication that he should be moved into a smaller role.
John Tavares not good enough to be a 2nd line center on a top 10 team anymore.
65 points last year, had one the worst shooting % of his career and lowest TOi of his career.
He's still a 70+ point C which is a top line C on many teams in the NHL still. At worst a very good #3
65 points last year, had one the worst shooting % of his career and lowest TOi of his career.
He's still a 70+ point C which is a top line C on many teams in the NHL still. At worst a very good #3
Tavares could be perhaps the best 3rd line center in the league, at least for a couple of seasons, if the Maple Leafs decide to go this direction. Perhaps this would even be a creative way for the team to solve their depth scoring problem.
Source: Markerzone
John Tavares demoted: Pierre McGuire crushes his hopes
John Tavares demoted: Pierre McGuire crushes his hopes
| POLL | ||
19 JUILLET | 100 ANSWERS Former NHL executive Pierre McGuire says John Tavares should be demoted Do you think John Tavares should be demoted to a third line role with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 79 % |
| No | 21 | 21 % |
| List of polls | ||
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