Toronto Maple Leafs’ standout player, Auston Matthews, has been named as the team’s captain, making him the leader on the ice for the upcoming season. The 26-year-old Matthews, known for leading the NHL in goals in three of the past four seasons, takes over the captaincy from John Tavares, who held the position since 2019 and is approaching free agency next year. Matthews, who signed a lucrative four-year, $53 million extension last year, expressed his honor and humility at being named captain during a news conference, emphasizing the special connection he feels playing for Toronto.

John Tavares, who has been a respected leader for the Maple Leafs, publicly showed his support for Matthews taking over the captaincy, highlighting Matthews’ exceptional talent and work ethic. Matthews, who achieved a career-high of 69 goals last season and received several prestigious NHL awards, is now entrusted with leading the team to potentially secure its first Stanley Cup victory since 1967. Despite a disappointing early playoff exit last season, where Matthews struggled with injury, the Maple Leafs management has great confidence in Matthews’ leadership abilities and the positive impact he has on his teammates.

The team’s general manager, Brad Treliving, expressed his admiration for both Tavares’ leadership and the seamless transition of captaincy to Matthews, citing the latter’s natural ability to inspire and lead by example. The Maple Leafs organization is hopeful that under Matthews’ captaincy, the team can make a deep playoff run and contend for the Stanley Cup. Fans and supporters are eager to see how Matthews will embrace his new role and guide the Maple Leafs in the upcoming season.