In at this time’s version of Toronto Maple Leafs Information & Rumors, I’ll dive into at this time’s largest headline: Auston Matthews being named captain. After this vital determination, I’ll additionally discover what’s subsequent for John Tavares. The place does he match into the crew’s management image?
I’ll additionally contact on Ilya Samsonov, the often-criticized goaltender who has moved on to the Vegas Golden Knights however nonetheless has followers rooting for him in Toronto. Lastly, I’ll briefly talk about a possible addition to the Maple Leafs’ blue line—a extremely skilled right-shot defenseman who stays unsigned however may deliver precious depth to the roster. That’s Justin Schultz.
Merchandise 1: Why Auston Matthews Is the Proper Captain Now
As the brand new season approaches, the Maple Leafs are set to announce a major change in management: Auston Matthews can be named the crew’s captain. This determination coincides with Matthews’ four-year contract extension and the start of a brand new period beneath head coach Craig Berube.
Associated: 5 Maple Leafs Prospects Flying Beneath the Radar in 2024-25
Matthews has been the face of the Maple Leafs for a number of seasons, and his impression on the ice is plain. With a franchise-record 69-goal season and a Hart Trophy beneath his belt, he’s the crew’s greatest participant. He’s additionally one of many high facilities within the NHL. His maturity, endurance, two-way play, and talent to deal with strain make him a pure match for the captaincy.
(Picture by Kevin Sousa/NHLI by way of Getty Photographs)
By naming Matthews captain now, somewhat than ready till John Tavares’ contract expires subsequent 12 months, the Maple Leafs are sending a transparent sign that they’re dedicated to constructing a future round their star participant. The timing of this determination is important; it permits Matthews to step into his management function at first of a brand new chapter for the crew, creating a robust basis for the years forward.
Merchandise 2: What About John Tavares within the Transition?
The choice handy the captaincy to Matthews isn’t a slight in opposition to Tavares, who has served because the crew’s captain since 2019. Experiences point out that Tavares has supported the choice, understanding the significance of passing the torch to the crew’s greatest participant. No shock there to anybody who’s watched the crew. Tavares has constantly been a category act since he first donned the blue and white sweater.
Associated: Maple Leafs Followers Must Admire John Tavares
Tavares’ willingness to relinquish the captaincy a 12 months earlier than his contract expires speaks volumes about his character and his dedication to the crew’s success. He acknowledges that Matthews is poised to steer the crew into the longer term and that the transition is important for the crew’s progress.
Whereas Tavares could now not put on the “C,” his management and expertise will stay invaluable to the crew. As a veteran, he can proceed to mentor youthful gamers and contribute on and off the ice. His function could evolve, however his presence within the locker room and on the bench will nonetheless be important because the Maple Leafs purpose for postseason success.
On this new period, Tavares’ legacy as captain can be remembered fondly, and his continued assist of Matthews’ management can be essential to the crew’s cohesion and drive for a Stanley Cup. A probable secondary transfer coming subsequent low season is for Tavares to signal a team-friendly contract permitting him to retire with the crew he grew up loving.
Merchandise 3: May Samsonov Leverage This Into Constructive Vitality?
After a difficult playoff run with the Maple Leafs, Ilya Samsonov discovered himself on the heart of some sudden criticism. Linus Ullmark, then a goaltender with the Boston Bruins, expressed shock throughout an interview that former Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe continued to begin Samsonov of their first-round sequence. Ullmark famous that he discovered Toronto extra formidable when Joseph Woll was within the web, implying that Samsonov struggled in opposition to Boston.
Associated: Maple Leafs’ Samsonov Reveals Human Facet of Skilled Sports activities
These feedback got here after the Bruins eradicated the Maple Leafs, and Samsonov’s efficiency was beneath scrutiny. Now, with the Vegas Golden Knights, Samsonov didn’t let Ullmark’s phrases go unnoticed. In response to a social media put up about Ullmark being a top-10 goaltender, Samsonov fired again. He then referenced their upcoming matchup on Nov. 21, when the Golden Knights will face Ullmark’s new crew, the Ottawa Senators. This change has added a uncommon private layer to Samsonov’s relationship with one other goalie. Normally, you don’t hear one goalie criticizing one other on the media.
Over his time with the crew, followers have seen a whole lot of feelings from Samsonov, however not anger. It’s clear that he, who I appreciated as a human much more than as a goalie, has had his fair proportion of challenges. Samsonov’s response on social media suggests he’s taking these phrases to coronary heart – sufficient to strike again. For his many followers nonetheless in Toronto, hopefully, it should gasoline some optimistic power for his upcoming season with the Golden Knights. Wouldn’t it’s nice if this marked the beginning of a incredible season for him? I hope this motivation helps him excel and succeed on this new chapter of his profession.
What’s Subsequent for the Maple Leafs?
Because the Maple Leafs put together for the 2024-25 season, shoring up the crew’s blue line is rarely a nasty concept. Including a seasoned depth defenseman like Justin Schultz is sensible, given the crew’s concentrate on defensive stability. Schultz, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has the expertise and reliability that would bolster the crew’s defence, significantly in a third-pairing function.
At 34 years outdated, Schultz won’t command a excessive wage. If he nonetheless needs to play, he’d be an reasonably priced possibility. His veteran presence and playoff expertise may present precious management, just like what Mark Giordano has supplied in latest seasons. If the Maple Leafs need a stable, low-risk addition to their defence, Schultz could possibly be an ideal match.
