The Toronto Maple Leafs will identify Auston Matthews as their subsequent captain, in keeping with Darren Dreger. Matthews, 26, was chosen first total by the Leafs in 2016. He has 368 objectives and 649 factors in 562 profession video games with the group. He has been an alternate captain for the previous 5 seasons.
This surprising choice will strip John Tavares of the captaincy following his four-season run with the title. He additionally captained Canada on the 2024 IIHF World Championship the place he scored two objectives and 9 assists in 9 video games and the New York Islanders for 5 seasons previous to becoming a member of the Leafs.
With Tavares heading into the ultimate season of his seven-year, $77 million contract signed again in 2018 with the Leafs, Matthews taking up as captain was anticipated to happen subsequent season. Nonetheless, this choice will probably depart Tavares as an alternate captain as he helps Matthews transition to the title.
Any issues of animosity between Matthews and Tavares needs to be put apart as Dregger experiences Tavares and basic supervisor Brad Treliving labored collectively within the choice. Heading right into a pivotal 12 months for the franchise, the Leafs could have a brand new head coach and captain.
