Darren Dreger and Chris Johnston of TSN reported Monday that the Eastern Conference team is expected to name center Auston Matthews as its next captain on Wednesday. John Tavares has been the captain, but Toronto apparently decided to go a different direction for the upcoming campaign.
“This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change,” Dreger wrote. “Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.”
Johnston noted Toronto has also held “extensive internal discussions” following last season’s playoff exit, and the captain change has been part of them.
It’s hard to argue with the notion that Matthews is the face of the franchise at this point.
The 26-year-old’s resume includes a Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year), three Maurice Richard Trophies (top goal scorer), the 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP and five All-Star selections.
He is coming off an incredible season that saw him lead the league in goals (69) on the way to 107 points and a plus-minus total of plus-31.
It’s hard to argue with the notion that Matthews is the face of the franchise at this point.
The 26-year-old’s resume includes a Calder Memorial Trophy (Rookie of the Year), three Maurice Richard Trophies (top goal scorer), the 2021-22 Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP and five All-Star selections.
He is coming off an incredible season that saw him lead the league in goals (69) on the way to 107 points and a plus-minus total of plus-31.
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