The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of making a major announcement that will shake up the hockey world. According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, Auston Matthews is expected to be named as the team captain on Wednesday. This decision marks a significant milestone in Matthews’ career and is a testament to his growth as a leader on and off the ice.
“This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving,” Dreger revealed in a post on X.
The anticipation for this momentous occasion has been building up, with the Maple Leafs scheduling a press conference for Wednesday at 11am ET. It was just last year, on October 2, 2019, when John Tavares was named as the 25th captain of the Maple Leafs, ahead of his second season in Toronto. Now, the torch is set to be passed on to Matthews.
At 26-years-old, Matthews is poised to make history as he would become the first American captain of the Maple Leafs in franchise history. Only Swedish star Mats Sundin has held the ‘C’ as a non-Canadian captain for the Leafs, from 1997 to 2008. The significance of this moment cannot be understated as Matthews continues to break barriers and set new standards for excellence.
Since being selected first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016, Matthews has captivated fans with his exceptional talent and skill on the ice. His NHL career began with a bang, scoring four goals in his debut game against the Ottawa Senators on October 12, 2016. From that moment on, Matthews has solidified his place as one of the top players in the league.
In 562 career games, the San Ramon, California native has amassed an impressive 368 goals and 281 assists. With six seasons of 40-plus goals under his belt, Matthews has consistently delivered exceptional performances year after year. His most recent season in 2023-24 was nothing short of spectacular, netting 69 goals and 38 assists in 81 games. This outstanding performance earned him his third Maurice Rocket Richard Trophy.
Matthews’ achievements extend beyond the regular season, as he has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs as well. With 23 goals and 25 assists in 55 postseason games, Matthews has demonstrated his ability to elevate his game when it matters most.
As Matthews embarks on this new chapter as the captain of the Maple Leafs, he does so with a new contract in hand. His four-year, $53 million deal with an average annual value of $13.25 million signifies the team’s commitment to his leadership and talent. The 2024-25 season will mark the beginning of this new era for Matthews and the Maple Leafs, as they set their sights on achieving greatness together.