Pierre McGuire believes John Tavares should take on lower role
Pierre McGuire doesn't believe that Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares should have as big a role on the team as what he normally has had.
Tavares' point per game total has been steadily dropping year after year, and he has just come off his worst season in that aspect since his rookie year back in 2009-10. Pierre McGuire has seen enough and is now demanding the Leafs to scale back the role of Tavares beginning next season.
"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."
The $11 million man Tavares had 65 points in 80 games last season, which isn't that great considering the amount of money the Leafs are paying him. The Leafs have to decide how they want to use him next season, as they are right up against the cap. In the very unlikely event that the Leafs find themselves out of a playoff spot by the trade deadline, it wouldn't be shocking at all to even see GM Brad Treliving begin to explore trade options for Tavares.
Fans of the Leafs are really hoping Pierre McGuire knows what he's talking about, as things need to change next season, for the better, if the Leafs want to find themselves having lots of success, especially in the playoffs.
Credit Hockey Feed:
Pierre McGuire has dim outlook for John Tavares
Pierre McGuire has dim outlook for John Tavares
| POLL | ||
19 JUILLET | 119 ANSWERS Pierre McGuire believes John Tavares should take on lower role Will John Tavares be a third line player next season? | ||
| Yes | 80 | 67.2 % |
| No | 39 | 32.8 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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