The Toronto Maple Leafs are set to name Auston Matthews as their captain on Wednesday, as reported by TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. Matthews will take over from John Tavares, who is reportedly supportive of the move.
Tavares has led the Maple Leafs for the last five seasons and he is now heading into the final year of his seven-year, $77 million deal.
Now, Matthews is set to make history as the first American captain of the Maple Leafs. He would be the second captain who isn't Canadian, following Swedish star Mats Sundin from 1997 to 2008.
The news has divided Maple Leafs fans on social media. One fan simply commented,
“Pathetic” in response.
However, another fan said,
“About time” expressing their approval of Matthews getting the captaincy.
A couple of fans were pleased for the Matthews pick as captain, but they have other concerns.
"So we're not getting Tavares as Captain for the 6th season? Matthews will be Captain for the Leafs? I mean I'm happy that he's Captain. He deserved and earned it though but my god." one fan wrote on X.
"Good for Matthews, but I don't see how the Maple Leafs are going to suddenly change. Show us on the ice when it matters: in the playoffs." another fan wrote.
Meanwhile, a couple of fans were not too thrilled by the move.
"This is embarrassing As good of a player as Matthews is we need a veteran leader like Tavares to be our captain, just because he isnt as good as Matthews doesn’t mean anything." a user commented.
"New captain, new coach. Does Brendan think this enough to satisfy Leaf nation?," another user commented.
Auston Matthews’ new four-year, $53 million contract with an average annual value of $13.25 million begins in 2024-25.
NHL analyst Anthony Petrielli's take on Auston Matthews becoming the next Leafs captain
Analyst Anthony Petrielli offered his perspective on Monday on the potential of star center Auston Matthews taking over as the next captain of the Leafs.
Petrielli believes that with current captain John Tavares in the final year of his contract and declining production, it is time to pass the torch to Auston Matthews as the undisputed leader of the team.
As Petrielli notes,
“At this point, Matthews is clearly the leader of the group. He drives the bus and leads the group on the ice. This is his team.” Petrielli said to mapleleafshotstove.com.
Part of assuming that leadership role, in Petrielli's view, is taking on the captaincy and being the public voice of the team, for better or worse.
“Part of the responsibility should be the captaincy and answering publicly for the group, for better or worse. It is part of being “the man.” Matthews is not a kid anymore; he’s turning 27 this September and is more than capable of handling the responsibility." he added.
The move would also symbolize a transition for the Leafs into a new era built around Matthews as the cornerstone player.