After much anticipation and speculation, it has been confirmed that Auston Matthews will be named the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs today.
The 23-year-old star forward has been a key player for the Leafs since he was drafted first overall in 2016. In his four seasons with the team, he has consistently been a top scorer and has shown strong leadership qualities on and off the ice.
Matthews’ potential as a future captain was evident from the start, with former Leafs coach Mike Babcock stating in 2017 that he saw Matthews as a “future captain” for the team. This sentiment was echoed by current coach Sheldon Keefe, who has praised Matthews’ maturity and leadership skills.
The decision to name Matthews as captain comes after the Leafs’ previous captain, John Tavares, suffered a season-ending injury in the playoffs last year. Tavares has since given his full support for Matthews to take on the role, stating that he is “ready for it” and that he has “all the qualities you look for in a captain.”
Matthews will be the 25th captain in Leafs history, following in the footsteps of legendary players such as Mats Sundin and Dave Keon. He will also be the first American-born captain for the team.
The official announcement is expected to be made at a press conference later today, where Matthews will likely express his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the Leafs. Fans and teammates alike are eagerly awaiting this moment, with many expressing their confidence in Matthews’ ability to take on the role.
As the Leafs gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Matthews as he takes on the responsibility of leading the team. With his talent, determination, and now the captain’s “C” on his jersey, there is no doubt that he will continue to make a significant impact on the ice and in the Leafs organization.
