Star center Auston Matthews has been chosen as the new captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, as reported by ESPN News Services. This decision comes after multiple reports confirmed that Matthews will be taking over the role from fellow center John Tavares. The official announcement of Matthews’ captaincy is set to be made during a news conference on Wednesday.
This historic appointment makes Matthews the 26th player in Maple Leafs history to hold the prestigious position of captain, and notably, he will be the first American to do so. Reports suggest that Tavares was involved in the decision-making process and fully supports Matthews as the new captain. Both players are expected to be present at the news conference to address the media and fans.
Matthews, who is 26 years old, had an outstanding season last year, leading the NHL with an impressive 69 goals and accumulating a total of 107 points in 81 games. Throughout his eight-season career with the Maple Leafs, Matthews has earned numerous accolades, including being selected to the All-Star Game seven times. With 649 points in 562 games, he has proven himself as a formidable force in the league. Additionally, Matthews was honored with the Hart Trophy as the league MVP at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season.
Having been the first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Matthews has consistently showcased his skill and talent on the ice, solidifying his place as a key player for the Maple Leafs. On the other hand, Tavares, who is 33 years old, has served as the captain of the team since 2019. Throughout his career in the NHL, Tavares has amassed an impressive record of 456 goals and 584 assists in 1,109 games, making him a six-time All-Star.
As the torch is passed from Tavares to Matthews, fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs are eager to see how the team will continue to evolve under the leadership of their new captain. With both players bringing a wealth of experience and talent to the table, the future looks promising for the Maple Leafs as they strive for success in the upcoming season.