The Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to announce Auston Matthews as their next captain during a press conference. Matthews will become the 26th captain in the franchise’s history, stepping into the role previously held by John Tavares.
Matthews Takes the Helm
At just 27 years old, Auston Matthews has already established himself as one of the NHL’s premier players. The superstar centre scored an impressive 69 goals last season, earning his third Rocket Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer. Since being drafted first overall by the Maple Leafs in 2016, Matthews has become a cornerstone of the team.
Transition of Power
Matthews will succeed John Tavares, who served as the Leafs’ captain for the past six seasons. Under Tavares’ leadership, the team consistently made the NHL playoffs but advanced past the first round only once. Despite his departure from the captaincy, Tavares remains under contract and supports the transition to Matthews.
Historical Context
This marks the first time since 1997 that the Maple Leafs have appointed a new captain without a gap season between changes. Previously, Mats Sundin succeeded Doug Gilmour in 1997, and there were periods of vacancy following Sundin’s retirement and Dion Phaneuf’s trade.
Matthews’ Legacy
Matthews is set to become the second non-Canadian captain in the franchise’s history, joining Mats Sundin. His appointment continues the legacy of influential leaders who have donned the “C” for the Leafs. Here’s a look at the team’s captains over the years:
- John Tavares: 2019-20 – Present
- (No Captain): 2015-16 – 2018-19
- Dion Phaneuf: 2010-11 – 2015-16
- (No Captain): 2008-09 – 2009-10
- Mats Sundin: 1997-98 – 2007-08
- Doug Gilmour: 1994-95 – 1996-97
- Wendel Clark: 1991-92 – 1993-94
- Rob Ramage: 1989-90 – 1990-91
- (No Captain): 1986-87 – 1988-89
- Rick Vaive: 1981-82 – 1985-86
- Darryl Sittler: 1975-76 – 1980-81
- Dave Keon: 1969-70 – 1974-75
- George Armstrong: 1957-58 – 1968-69
- Jimmy Thomson and Ted Kennedy: 1956-57
- Sid Smith: 1955-56
- Ted Kennedy: 1948-49 – 1954-55
- Syl Apps: 1945-46 – 1947-48
- Bob Davidson: 1943-44 – 1944-45
- Syl Apps: 1940-41 – 1942-43
- Red Horner: 1938-39 – 1939-40
- Charlie Conacher: 1937-38
- Hap Day: 1927-28 – 1936-37
- Bert Corbeau: 1926-27
- Babe Dye: 1925-26
- John Ross Roach: 1924-25
- Jack Adams: 1923-24
- Reg Noble and Jack Adams: 1922-23
- Reg Noble: 1920-21 – 1921-22
- Frank Heffernan: 1919-20
- Ken Randall: 1917-18 – 1918-19
Conclusion
As Auston Matthews prepares to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs into a new era, fans can look forward to his impact both on and off the ice. The press conference at 11 a.m. ET will officially mark the beginning of Matthews’ tenure as the team’s captain.
Stay tuned for updates on how this new chapter unfolds for the Leafs and their new leader.
Source: TSN
