Maple Leafs to Name Auston Matthews Captain – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs will name Auston Matthews as their next captain, according to Darren Dreger. Matthews, 26, was selected first overall by the Leafs in 2016. He has 368 goals and 649 points in 562 games with the club. He has been the other captain for the past five seasons.

This shocking decision will deprive John Tavares as captain following his run of four seasons in charge of this title. He also captained Canada to the 2024 IIHF World Championship where he scored two goals and nine assists in nine games with the New York Islanders for five seasons before joining the Leafs.

With Tavares about to enter the final season of his seven-year, $77 million contract signed back in 2018 with the Leafs, Matthews was expected to be the captain next season. However, this decision will leave Tavares as the alternate captain as he helps Matthews advance to the title.

Any concerns about animosity between Matthews and Tavares should be put to rest as Dregger reports Tavares and general manager Brad Treliving worked together on the decision. Heading into an important year for the franchise, the Leafs will have a new coach and captain.