Maple Leafs supporters react to Auston Matthews reportedly becoming captain
Matthews reportedly to be named captain
Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ standout centre, is expected to become the franchise’s 26th captain, according to reports.
“Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to appoint Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the maturation of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares completely supports the shift. Tavares has been highly involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said in an article on X.
Hockey fans gathered at Legends Row—where several former captains are honoured outside of Scotiabank Arena—and voiced their feelings about Matthews with CTV News Toronto.
Perry Sheppard from Cox’s Cove, N.L., said he thinks Matthews should have become captain “a long time ago.”
“Because he was the franchise player when he was drafted,” Sheppard added.
Since being picked first overall by the Leafs eight years ago, Matthews, who originates from Scottsdale, Ariz., has won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year, three Rocket Richard trophies as the NHL’s leading goal scorer, and the Heart Memorial Trophy as league MVP.
“I think it’s really wonderful. He’s a terrific player and completely worth it,” Uffe Samd, a lifelong Leafs fan traveling from Sweden, told CTV News Toronto.
The 26-year-old would be the first American-born captain in franchise history. Tavares, from Mississauga, has been in the job since 2019.
Some hockey fans in Canada don’t think Matthews should take the lead.
“I think Tavares is the better choice than Matthews, actually,” 15-year-old Rilan Drew from Winnipeg told CTV News Toronto.
“I think it’s that leader in the dressing room that kind of gets you that captaincy in the NHL,” Dominic Gallis from Edmonton remarked.
But, when questioned if Matthews is that leader, Gallis answered, “To me? No.”
Former Leafs’ player Dale McCourt’s son Derek shared Gallis’ comments, adding that he likes long-time Leafs player Morgan Reilly.
“I like Matthews, he’s a tremendous goal scorer. There’s no debate about that, but, I think it should be someone who speaks up for the team and displays character in the dressing room and I think Reilly has that over Matthews,” McCourt said.
Matthews has scored 368 goals, 281 assists, and 649 points since he started playing with the Leafs.
