{"id":57842,"date":"2019-10-02T08:30:52","date_gmt":"2019-10-02T12:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=57842"},"modified":"2020-12-21T15:01:49","modified_gmt":"2020-12-21T20:01:49","slug":"nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-new-jersey-devils-new-york-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2019\/10\/02\/nhl-rumours-toronto-maple-leafs-new-jersey-devils-new-york-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Rumours: Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"

NHL rumours are still swirling as we approach the first puck drop of the regular season. Keep tuning into Last Word on Sports<\/a> as we bring you the most enticing NHL rumours. Today’s rumours feature the New Jersey Devils<\/a>, Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a>, and the New York Rangers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NHL Rumours<\/h2>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/h3>\n

Rumour: Tim & Sid<\/a> discuss on Sportsnet that John Tavares<\/a><\/strong> is the most obvious choice to be the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Analysis:\u00a0<\/em>Few players in sports draw as much attention as the Maple Leafs captain. The player chosen is expected to lead a team that hasn’t celebrated a Stanley Cup since 1966-67. The team hasn’t had a designated captain since Dion Phaneuf<\/a><\/strong> left the team after the 2015-16 season.<\/p>\n

Naming Tavares as the captain is a bit surprising considering the team has superstar Auston Matthews<\/a><\/strong> acting as the face of the franchise. The young star has had some offseason trouble<\/a> which could have helped Tavares’ case. Both are worthy as Matthews is the most productive while Tavares is more experienced and commands almost as much money.<\/p>\n

Tavares, despite not being the most famous player on the team, is still an ideal candidate to act as captain. He was acquired to help the team get over the hump and win the Cup. His experience on and off the ice works out well for a team that has moved other veteran presences off the roster over the past several seasons. Watch the dynamic between Tavares and Matthews over the course of the year given the importance attached to the captaincy of a team like Toronto.<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils<\/h3>\n

Rumour: Bob McKenzie of TSN briefly mentions in a recent podcast episode that Taylor Hall<\/a><\/strong> has given his agent the green light to discuss a new contract with the New Jersey Devils.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Bob McKenzie on the Canucks captaincy & who he sees as the best Canadian team for this season
#NHL<\/a> #OverDrive<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/JDcJ3EmQBU<\/a><\/p>\n

— TSN 1050 Toronto (@TSN1050Radio) October 1, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n