Maple Leafs Demote Captain John Tavares Ahead of Matchup Tonight

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Dawson McKenzie
March 16, 2024 (1:45 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have just demoted their captain John Tavares ahead of their matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes tonight, signalling his regression in play over the last few weeks.

Tavares Demoted to Third Line Ahead of Game Against the Hurricanes

John Tavares has had his struggles this season, not performing at his normal rate of production. At times, Tavares looks slower than normal, however, it is unclear if he is fighting through something, or if his age is catching up to him.

This has resulted in Tavares being demoted to the third line earlier this year. When the Leafs had some guys get injured, Tavares had another opportunity to play on the second line, however, the Leafs have demoted him again ahead of their game tonight, back to the third line.

Bertuzzi - Matthews - Holmberg
McMann - Domi - Nylander
Knies - Tavares - Robertson
Dewar - Kampf - Gregor
Extra: Reaves

Brodie - McCabe
Rielly - Timmins
Edmundson - Liljegren
Extras: Giordano, Benoit

Tavares Between Knies and Robertson Could Be the Leadership the Leafs Rookies Need

Matthew Knies and Nick Robertson have both had their splashes this year, and are looking to take their games to the next level. While Tavares surely isn't ecstatic that he is on the third line, this is an opportunity for the veteran leader to mentor two of the more promising rookies the Leafs have.

We will see if Tavares can live up to the challenge as the Leafs take on the Hurricanes tonight.

As seen on Hockey Feed - "Maple Leafs once again demote captain John Tavares"