*Photo from Maple Leafs Hot Stove*
The Toronto Maple Leafs have removed forward John Tavares from his role as the team captain and have awarded the captaincy to forward Auston Matthews, according to Darren Dreger of TSN. The Maple Leafs have confirmed the news.
Tavares had worn the C for the last 5 seasons with the Maple Leafs and will now serve as an alternate captain with Matthews becoming the captain. Tavares reportedly supported the team's decision. Both Matthews and Tavares were chosen first overall when both were in the NHL draft.
Asked about the change, Tavares said "When Brad Treliving and I met at the end of this past season and discussed ways for our team to take the next step, we both agreed that Auston is ready and it's his time to lead. It's been an incredible honor to serve as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs these past five seasons. Looking forward, I will do everything to support Auston as we continue our pursuit of the Stanley Cup."
Tavares was named captain entering his second season with the Maple Leafs after a 47 goal, 41 assist season in 2018-2019, his first year in Toronto. The 2024-2025 season is the last year of the 7 year, $77 million contract he signed with the Maple Leafs in free agency. He had 29 goals and 36 assists in 80 games last season.
Matthews becomes the first player born in the U.S. to become captain of the Maple Leafs in franchise history and just the second player born outside of Canada to be Maple Leafs captain. Mats Sundin was the other, born in Sweden and serving as captain from 1997 to 2008.
Last season was another stellar campaign for Matthews, who finished in 4th place in MVP voting. He potted 69 goals and added 38 assists for 107 points, averaging 20:58 of ice time per game with a +31 rating in 81 games. He had one goal and 3 assists in 5 playoff games.
Matthews said of becoming captain "I'm incredibly humbled to be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm honored to follow in John's footsteps and continue our work in leading this team along with so many other leaders within our dressing room. This team, this city, and our fans mean everything to me. We all embrace the history of this franchise, and we are determined to get the job done."
Since entering the league in 2016-2017, Matthews has exceeded 30 goals every season and has scored at least 40 goals in 6 of his 8 seasons. The lowest single season goal total he has is 34 in 2017-2018. His 368 goals are most in the NHL in that span and are already 3rd most in Maple Leafs history.
Matthews has been an alternate captain for the last 5 seasons, wearing the A on his jersey alongside Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly. The rest of the leadership group beyond Matthews is unclear, but Rielly and Marner could remain as alternate captains along with Tavares. Rielly is currently the longest tenured player on the roster, having debuted in 2013-2014.
Toronto president and alternate governor Brendan Shanahan said of Matthews "Over these past eight seasons, we've witnessed first-hand Auston's trajectory and evolution as a player and a person. He's grown year over year and has shown, through his dedication to the Leafs and unwavering commitment, that he is ready to lead this Club."
In each of the last 8 seasons, the Maple Leafs have made the playoffs, but only have one series win to show for it, having advanced to the second round in 2022-2023 after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning. They lost in 7 games in the first round last season to the Boston Bruins.
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