William Nylander to start training camp at center, while Morgan Rielly has given his thoughts about the recent NHL-wide ban on Pride Tape. Earlier this week, Outsports.com released a story highlighting that the NHL has "issued a league-wide ban of Pride Tape [https://www.outsports.com/2023/10/9/23907582/nhl-gay-lgbtq-pride-tape-drag-queen-national-anthem-player-boycott] on the ice with the players during warm-ups, games, and even practices." Furthermore, a league spokesperson has confirmed this change in policy, says Outsports.com. Following the Maple Leafs' final practice ahead of their season opener on Wednesday night, Rielly, a longtime LGBTQ+ ally and assistant captain for Toronto, was asked about the change [https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/video/morgan-rielly-practice-6338797378112]. "It's unfortunate," he said to the media. "I think as players, as people, and individuals, we're going to continue to support those people and those causes that we think need it or are worth and very deserving of it. "So, I mean, whatever statement was made is fine, but as players we're going to continue to offer support and be allies, and we want to be a part of this community." [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1t0WV4jRfTk[/embed] For a number of years, the NHL has supported players using Pride Tape on the ice, whether it be during the games or just in warm-ups. The league, too, has always pushed the narrative "Hockey is for Everyone", but it doesn't seem that way with this new policy. Following the news, the company that creates the Pride Tape released a statement. "The Pride Tape team is extremely disappointed by the NHL's decision to eliminate Pride Tape from any league on-ice activities," the statement reads. "The league has used language in recent days which would prohibit the tape from any proximity to NHL Hockey. We hope the league - and teams - will again show commitment to this important symbol of combating homophobia. Many of the players themselves have been exceptional advocates for the tape. "For the last six years we are grateful for the clubs and their players' support and visibility for inclusion in hockey. The NHL's amplification and global influence has been integral to Pride Tape connecting with players, parents, coaches, officials, fans at all levels in over 40 countries. "Seven years ago, Pride Tape was born out of adversity as a grassroots hockey initiative that remains resilient, and optimistic about our plans with hockey clubs, organizations and their partners at every level. "Thank you to everyone around the world who has had the courage to speak up for inclusion and stand up to the idea that Hockey is For Everyone. Despite this setback, we are encouraged for what lies ahead based on our recent conversations from every corner of the sport." Following Rielly's answer where he called the situation "unfortunate," he was asked if he felt as though it was a step back for the NHL. "I wish players had the right to do more and be more involved," Rielly said. "I'm going to continue to be involved in the community and offer support to those communities and those groups that want that and need that (support). As players, we're going to continue to be involved pretty much no matter what the league says." Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAwNTk1MTUxMDE2NDM2ODQ0/cf1808c0-6a82-4298-9049-3eb2eae105b0.jpg] Related Here's What the Maple Leafs' New Home Will Look Like in 2024 and Beyond [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/breaking-news/heres-what-the-maple-leafs-new-home-will-look-like-in-2024-and-beyond] Toronto Maple Leafs 2023-24 Projection: Three Keys to the Season and Worst-Case Scenario [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/breaking-news/toronto-maple-leafs-2023-24-projection-three-keys-to-the-season-and-worst-case-scenario] Maple Leafs Appoint Curtis McElhinney as Director of Goaltending Development; Jake Muzzin Assumes Role as Pro Scout [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/breaking-news/maple-leafs-appoint-curtis-mcelhinney-as-director-of-goaltending-development-jake-muzzin-assumes-role-as-pro-scout] News from THN.com NHL Nugget: Wayne Gretzky's Hat Trick of Oct. 9 Memories with Oilers and Kings [https://thehockeynews.com/video/nhl-nugget-wayne-gretzkys-hat-trick-of-oct-9-memories-with-oilers-and-kings] Sleepers and Keepers Podcast: Fantasy Hockey Takeaways from the NHL Pre-Season [https://thehockeynews.com/podcast/sleepers-and-keepers-podcast-fantasy-hockey-takeaways-from-the-nhl-pre-season] Could the Nashville Predators Trade a Goalie This Season? [https://thehockeynews.com/news/could-the-nashville-predators-trade-a-goalie-this-season]
