海角社区官网

鈥淚 got chills, honestly,” Matthews told reporters at the news conference at a downtown 海角社区官网sports bar. “I鈥檓 so honoured and humbled聽鈥�

鈥淚t just means the world to me and I look forward to continuing our journey to obviously get to the top of the mountain and win the Stanley Cup and bring it back to Toronto.鈥�

Matthews is the first American to lead the Leafs and, after聽Mats Sundin,聽just the second non-Canadian.

Why did the Leafs make the change?

The conversation to shift the captaincy away from John Tavares began when the season ended, with the Leafs losing to the聽Bruins聽and tumbling out of the post-season for the eighth consecutive season.

It was general manager Brad Treliving who raised the idea as a way to push the team forward.

“It’s not that I thought there was something wrong,” Treliving said. “I felt this was another step.”

Treliving said Tavares was on board from the start. Tavares said he saw the growth of younger players and the benefits of making Matthews captain.

鈥淚 do recognize the development of our young core and where they are today, specifically Auston,” Tavares said. ”(Making him captain) will allow Auston to fully embrace the leader that he is and have an even greater impact on our team.”

Matthews has already been a leader on the ice, leading the NHL in goals in three of the last four seasons and setting a franchise record in 2023-24 with 69 goals.听

How did Matthews get the news?

Tavares called Matthews in late July to give him the news.

“I was, like, shaking,” Matthews said. “I had chills. It’s such a big honour just to represent the Maple Leafs and put on that jersey every night and to be captain is truly special.”

Matthews said it never crossed his mind to turn down the captaincy. He said he spoke with his family and friends before making his decision and added he will lean on Tavares and other teammates as captain.

What kind of captain will Matthews be?

Treliving said he chose Matthews because of his natural leadership and sterling work ethic.

“The most authentic part of leadership is doing it right and being a mirror that people can look at and follow,” Treliving said. “That’s what Auston does. I haven’t been around a more prepared athlete in my life.”

Much of Matthews’s leadership already shines without him noticing, Tavares said. He pushes the team to be better with how he acts.

Tavares said his advice is to lean on others.

“It’s an honour and responsibility for a reason,” he said. “But at the same time, it’s not all on his shoulders.”

What will happen to Tavares?

Tavares, 33, isn’t going anywhere. Treliving said he will be an alternate captain this upcoming season, while the rest of the leadership group is still being decided on with new head coach Craig Berube.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 thank John enough for his leadership, the character that he has,” Treliving said. “Those things don鈥檛 stop today.鈥�

Tavares emphasized he still feels “stronger than ever” about his ability to play and contribute to the Leafs’ leadership.

“This decision is definitely not about whether I鈥檝e succeeded or failed, whether I鈥檓 capable or that my time has passed,” he said. “This decision is a recognition of the maturation of a person who has shown a skill set that is special, unique and who has a relentless drive to win.鈥�

Who came before Matthews?

Matthews is the 26th captain in Leafs history and joins a storied list of players, many of whom have ended up in the Hockey Hall of Fame and with their numbers retired by the Leafs.