As the team works through free agency to compile a Cup-winning team, John Tavares is now at risk of losing his Toronto Maple Leafs captaincy to Auston Matthews.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have worked tirelessly for decades to overcome their Stanley Cup drought. Not wasting any time to make big moves, they acquired the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars before signing him to a 6-year contract.
"The Toronto Maple Leafs announce they've signed Chris Tanev for six years at a $4.5M AAV!"
Yet, it appears that Toronto's lineup may change more than just seeing a few new faces. According to NHL Insider Nick Kypreos, John Tavares is at risk of losing his captaincy to fellow Core 4 member Auston Matthews.
"Nick Kypreos on SN discussing the Leafs potentially stripping the 'C' from Tavares:
'From what I'm hearing, the Leafs are contemplating taking the captaincy away from him and giving it to Auston. They will talk about it. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's real.'"
John Tavares, now 33, recorded a respectable 29 goals and 36 assists in the 2023-24 regular season over 80 total games. However, Matthews was the top goal-scorer by 12 above Florid Panthers forward Sam Reinhart, collecting 69 over 81 games. Provided his additional 38 assists, it is hard to argue that the 26-year-old forward would not be fit for the job.
"69!!!
AUSTON MATTHEWS HAS 69 GOALS!!!"
Though nothing is set in stone, it is only a matter of time before Auston Matthews would be up to the leading role. However, with John Tavares still producing for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it may be another season before his captaincy is transferred.
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