**Report: Toronto Maple Leafs Expected to Make Captain Switch**
Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. Reports have emerged indicating that the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to make a significant change in their on-ice leadership. According to multiple sources, Auston Matthews is set to be named the team’s new captain, replacing John Tavares. Matthews is expected to become the franchise’s 26th captain in its history.
The announcement is anticipated to be made on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in Matthews’ evolution as a leader within the team. Current captain John Tavares has expressed full support for the transition and has been actively involved in the process alongside General Manager Brad Treliving.
Should Matthews be officially named captain, he will make history as the first American to hold the position for the Maple Leafs. At 29 years old, Matthews will also be the second non-Canadian to serve as team captain, following Swedish star Mats Sundin, who was the first non-Canadian captain from 1997 to 2008.
Matthews, who was the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, has demonstrated his elite capabilities on the ice with an impressive career to date. The San Ramon, California native has accumulated 368 goals and 281 assists in 562 career games. His most recent season was particularly notable, with Matthews scoring 69 goals and adding 38 assists over 81 games. Throughout his eight-year career, he has achieved six seasons with 40 or more goals.
In addition to his scoring prowess, Matthews has earned several accolades, including the Maurice Richard Trophy for being the league’s top goal scorer last season. He also claimed the Calder Trophy in 2016-17 as the NHL’s top rookie, and he won the Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award in the 2021-22 season.
The decision to name Matthews captain suggests a potential shift in the team’s leadership dynamics and roster structure. Tavares, who is entering the final year of his contract with the Leafs, may be facing either a departure or a reduced role with the team. TSN’s Darren Dreger has reported that Tavares is supportive of the change and has been involved in discussions with Treliving about the transition. Tavares, who also served as captain for the New York Islanders prior to joining the Leafs in October 2019, could either seek a new opportunity or accept a reduced salary when he becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Matthews, having just signed a four-year, $53 million contract that begins this season, appears to be a central figure in the Leafs’ long-term plans.
