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Auston Matthews to Replace John Tavares as Captain of the Maple Leafs
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    Auston Matthews to Replace John Tavares as Captain of the Maple Leafs

    The Toronto Maple Leafs will be making a major change to their captaincy.

    Star forward Auston Matthews will replace veteran John Tavares in the role, Sportsnet can confirm.

    The 26-year-old will be the Maple Leafs’ 26th captain in franchise history. It marks the first time the team has ever had an American captain and just the second time they have had a non-Canadian captain — the other being Swede Mats Sundin.

    Matthews takes over from 33-year-old Tavares, who was named captain in October 2019. Tavares took on the role just over a year after joining the team as a free agent in the summer of 2018. The Mississauga native is about to enter the final season of his seven-year, $77 million contract.

    Meanwhile, Matthews is about to enter the first season of his five-year, $53 million deal.

    This past season marked several career highs for Matthews, including games played (81), goals (69) and points (107). He won his third Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy in 2023-24 as the NHL’s leading goal scorer, adding to an individual awards collection that also includes the Ted Lindsay Award, Hart Memorial Trophy and Calder Memorial Trophy.

    Selected first overall by Toronto at the 2016 NHL Draft, Matthews has been with the team for the past eight seasons and been named an All-Star five times.

    The Maple Leafs will be hoping the change in leadership will provide a boost to a team that has struggled to find success in the playoffs for many years now, including this past season when they were knocked out in the first round at the hands of the Boston Bruins.

    Apart from Matthews’ rookie season (2016-17), the Maple Leafs have advanced to the playoffs every season. However, they have not advanced past the second round, which they reached only once during that span.

    The franchise has not won a Stanley Cup since 1967.

    The official announcement is expected on Wednesday, with the team announcing Monday that they will be holding a press conference at 11 a.m. ET.

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    In a surprising turn of events, it has been reported that Auston Matthews will be taking over the role of captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs, replacing John Tavares. This decision comes after much speculation and debate among fans and analysts alike.

    Matthews, who was drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016, has quickly become one of the team’s most valuable players. Known for his incredible skill on the ice and leadership qualities off of it, many believe that he is more than ready to take on the responsibilities that come with being named captain.

    Tavares, who has served as captain since signing with the Maple Leafs in 2018, has been a strong leader for the team during his tenure. However, with Matthews’ growing presence and influence within the organization, it seems like a natural progression for him to step into the role of captain.

    This change in leadership could have a significant impact on the team’s dynamics and performance on the ice. As one of the league’s top goal scorers, Matthews’ leadership and guidance could help elevate the Maple Leafs to new heights in the upcoming season.

    While some may question the timing of this decision, there is no denying that Matthews has proven himself to be a capable leader both on and off the ice. With his talent, work ethic, and dedication to the team, it is clear that he is more than deserving of this new role.

    As the Maple Leafs prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Auston Matthews as he takes on the responsibility of leading his team to success. Only time will tell how this change in leadership will impact the team, but one thing is for certain – Matthews is ready to step up and take on the challenge of being named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.