Maple Leafs debating taking captaincy away from John Tavares
The Toronto Maple Leafs are considering taking the captaincy away from John Tavares.
Insider and former Calder and Stanley Cup champion Nick Kypreos shared on Sportsnet that the Leafs might hand the captaincy to Auston Matthews, who was a strong contender for the role last time before it ultimately went to Tavares.
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.
"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.
While changing captains doesn't usually impact on-ice performance significantly, many Leafs fans seem to support the idea of Matthews becoming the next captain. The reaction from the fanbase appears to welcome the idea.
Should have been done a while ago.
John Tavares may be a good guy, a family man, & a home-grown talent, but his contract has been a disaster, his decline hard to watch, & was captain during some of the most embarrassing times we've ever endured.
He's a passenger.
John Tavares may be a good guy, a family man, & a home-grown talent, but his contract has been a disaster, his decline hard to watch, & was captain during some of the most embarrassing times we've ever endured.
He's a passenger.
Last season, Tavares showed some signs of age-related decline, which could be influencing this potential change.
As much as I love and adore Tavares, it's time for a change and Auston Matthews is the one who deserves it.
He recorded a Leafs career-low 29 goals and 65 points In the playoffs, he managed just one goal and two points.
Meanwhile, Matthews is undeniably the team's best player, with the offense driving through him.
Maybe this is something Brad Treliving, new coach Craig Berube and the Leafs will consider after the dust settles on their offseason plans.
| POLL | ||
1 JUILLET | 222 ANSWERS Maple Leafs debating taking captaincy away from John Tavares Who should be the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs moving forward? | ||
| Auston Matthews | 139 | 62.6 % |
| John Tavares | 83 | 37.4 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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