Craig Berube exposed by analysts for disrespect of former captain John Tavares
PUBLICATION
Tom Banks
October 18, 2024 (10:30 PM)
John Tavares' future is up in the air, and while he's not expected to be traded anytime soon, that could be the play given the way that Craig Berube has treated him.
This off-season, the Toronto Maple Leafs asked John Tavares to step aside as team captain, ultimately handing the reigns to Auston Matthews, and with his future beyond this season up in the air, it's created a weird atmosphere in the Maple Leafs locker room. Now, Sportsnet's Justin Bourne and Nick Kypreos have addressed his diminishing role with the Maple Leafs, and it's easy to see why he could be growing frustrated.
«You look at his ice-times against Montreal where he played 18:48, but that was 6-on-5 for the last what, three minutes of the game where was out there. Then he plays 15:04 against New Jersey. Plays 16:10 last night, and how many powerplays? Four power-plays? You are watching his role be diminished in front of our eyes. He's becoming the third line center, it's happening.»
While a trade isn't imminent, as both reporters believe that would have happened this summer if it were to happen, but if he remains frustrated when the deadline rolls around, it would make sense if they were to draw interest in the veteran forward again.
«Uhh. I think if you were to move Tavares you'd of done so in the offseason whether or not you wanted to take 50% of that contract, that $11M, could you have found someone to bite for $6-7 million? I don't know. I think it would get easier for a team that may want to be on the outside looking in, pushing towards January / February.»
So how does Tavares feel about being shafted as Maple Leafs captain? Publicly, everything has been very good, but with his diminishing role and frustration that a contract hasn't been signed, it's given him a major chip on his shoulder.
«You ask him about taking the ‘C' off the jersey, now this? This would be a huge distraction, a major, major story. He's already got a chip on his shoulder.»
Ultimately, the ice time could become a big issue in Craig Berube's locker room, and while it's not that big a deal right now, if it continues, we could see this continue to be a story as the season rolls on.
| POLL |
3 HOURS AGO | 23 ANSWERS Craig Berube exposed by analysts for disrespect of former captain John Tavares Will the Toronto Maple Leafs bring John Tavares back beyond this season? |
|
|
|
5 hours ago | By Tom Banks Pittsburgh Penguins insider reveals details of massive failed off-season trade |
|
5 hours ago | By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens prospect Vincent Arsenau breaks fingers during wild fight against Lightning prospect |
|
6 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Sportsnet reveals five likely destinations for Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Timothy Liljegren |
|
7 hours ago | By Tom Banks Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen's relationship with the team reportedly deteriorating |
|
9 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente The real reason Nikita Zadorov left the Vancouver Canucks revealed: he felt disrespected by shocking offer |
|
11 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Utah Hockey Club signs defenseman after heartbreaking injury to star Sean Durzi |
|
12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Fan-favourite Edmonton Oilers flasher girl opens up on how her life has changed since the viral video |
|
13 hours ago | By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens forced to make call-up after their two top defenseman were injured last night |
