John Tavares demoted: Pierre McGuire crushes his hopes

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Tyler Ball
July 19, 2024 (5:49 PM)

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Today a new segment with former NHL executive and announcer Pierre McGuire has fans discussing the uncertain future of John Tavares with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled to find success in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for years now. Today former NHL executive and announcer Pierre McGuire spoke about the Maple Leafs and the key to potentially fixing their lineup.

Pierre McGuire believes John Tavares needs a new role

When speaking about the Toronto Maple Leafs Pierre McGuire had one main suggestion. That suggestion is to slide John Tavares out of the top-six and on to the third line. He compares John Tavares to Islanders legend Bryan Trottier when he signed in Pittsburgh at the end of his career.

When we got him, Trottier wasn't going to play ahead of Mario Lemieux or eventually Ron Francis. So, he goes in the three-hole. ... It worked, and he became the Pied Piper for the team. I believe John Tavares could be similar. If you move him to the three-hole and create the proper role for him, I think he could be an elite player in that position. Forget what he makes. Don't pay attention to the money. Just play him in the three-hole, and you watch how important he is to the team.

At age 33 John Tavares is still one of the better centers in the NHL. Last season he had a bit of a falloff in points from 80 to 65. This drop-off has led many to believe he is in the twilight of his career. If this is the case moving him down the lineup and allowing him to be more of a shutdown depth scorer could be a great move.

Only time will tell what the Toronto Maple Leafs will decide to do with John Tavares. If they move him down the lineup it will be fun to see what the Maple Leafs could do with their line combinations.

Source: House of Hockey
Pierre McGuire crushes John Tavares' hopes for next season

POLL
JUILLET 19 \| 374 ANSWERS John Tavares demoted: Pierre McGuire crushes his hopes Do you think the Toronto Maple Leafs should move John Tavares down to the third line next season?
Yes	286	76.5 %
No	88	23.5 %
LIST OF POLLS

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