John Tavares Officially Reaches An All-Time Low After Major Demotion

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Tom Banks
February 21, 2024 (4:52 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have made some big decisions in the past few years, but the one made today at practice may be the biggest and most surprising of all.

John Tavares officially demoted by Head Coach Sheldon Keefe

During the Maple Leafs pre-game skate before their matchup with the Arizona Coyotes, it was revealed that Captain John Tavares was officially demoted to the third line.

The practice saw the veteran captain skating alongside Bobby McMann and Nick Robertson on the third line, with veteran Max Domi taking his spot on the second line in a move that very few people saw coming.

#Leafs lines during morning skate Feb. 21/24

Knies-Matthews-Marner
Bertuzzi-Domi-Nylander
McMann-Tavares-Robertson
Holmberg-Kampf-Gregor
Reaves

Brodie-Liljegren
Benoit-McCabe
Rifai-Lajoie
Rielly-Lagesson

A necessary shakeup from the Maple Leafs?

Both McMann and Robertson have played well this season, so while this may be a move to benefit them, it's certainly not one that the Maple Leafs captain would be thrilled by.

In 52 games this year, Tavares has still produced at a fantastic clip, tallying 15 goals and 40 points, so we will see if this is a permanent move, but for right now, it's safe to say this was a shocking move within Maple Leafs camp.

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