Maple Leafs expected to name Auston Matthews captain

Mark Freitas

Hockey
Published on:August 12, 2024

Photo Credits: R.J Johnston

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be making leadership changes for the 2024-25 season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will officially name Auston Matthews the 26th captain in the team’s history.

TSN Insider Darren Dreger broke the news Monday evening.

Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) August 12, 2024

TSN Insider Chris Johnston adds that the decision follows “extensive internal discussions that began after the team’s playoff loss to Boston.”

Can confirm this report from @DarrenDreger. The move comes after extensive internal discussions that began after the team's playoff loss to Boston. https://t.co/pLnOhOZdZA
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) August 12, 2024

John Tavares, who has served as captain since 2019, supports the move. Under Tavares’s leadership, the Maple Leafs have enjoyed regular-season success but have struggled in the playoffs, winning only one round during the Matthews era.

A press conference to announce the unavailing will be held Wednesday morning at 11:00 A.M.

Matthews will become the second-ever player of Mexican descent to captain an NHL team, joining Max Pacioretty in that distinction.