Don't Do It, Toronto.

Nhl toronto maple leafs today - With nhl free agency 2024 a few days in and a bunch of big moves behind brad treliving and leafs news , the team's biggest names auston matthews john tavares william nylander and more should be pleased with the additions. There's obviously still plenty of noise around mitch marner trade rumors and what other nhl trades or free agent signings we might see from the buds, but this topic has definitely taken off a bit lately in toronto and I want to discuss it. For all things nhl hockey including toronto maple leafs news and rumors , nhl highlights 2024 goals mic'd up reaction recap reaction rankings and more, stay with us on this channel. Auston matthews captaincy john tavares leafs today nhl 2024
#nhl #highlights #nhlnews

[@dredrini7820]

We're talking about Toronto here guys.. Since when have they went the route that "Makes sense"

[@malcolmholmes2596]

2 firsts and a 2nd?

[@anonymous134y]

They should ask themselves, why would you give the C to someone that has "tummy aches" in the playoffs and only scoring 1 goal after a 69 goal season. Matthews shouldn't even have a letter. He is a goal scorer, doesn't have passion and shouldn't be a captain. Leafs is a weird one because most of the players don't have passion other than the new player on the roster Domi.

[@Goldy02]

@@anonymous134y You try playing with the flu, like that argument was stupid

[@steveciancone8941]

@@anonymous134yI’m glad you don’t manage a Sports Team.

[@ChillBlinton]

@@Goldy02Tkachuk played through a broken sternum

[@DirtyMoneyHipHop]

Tavares had 29 goals last year and is still around a point per game player. Yes, they overpaid him (and everyone else), but he's actually a good player still. It's not like Matthews has won them a cup.

[@leeham6230]

It's not about being a good player, it's about being a leader. Tavars has no charisma at all. Matthews isn't even the best choice, but he scores goals so they'll give it to him...

[@-extriisive9665]

@@leeham6230 bro what no one in the nhl has charisma

[@Dylandontplay]

Lmfao fuck off no he’s not!!

[@ethanparker7900]

@@leeham6230 he i think has charisma it just isn't documented well

[@Republica33]

​@@ethanparker7900who has charisma? Cardboard Tavares or cardboard Mathews?

[@seren451]

They got bigger things to deal with than a letter on a jersey, if they want another "captain" the players themselves should vote and decide within themselves to do it anybody outside the locker room shouldn't have a say whether someone is captain or not.

[@steveciancone8941]

I agree with this, I get why they would consider it now given they wouldn’t want to do it the offseason where he could be considering on taking a discount just so that he can stay. But yeah if you are gonna do it in this fashion, leave it to the players.

[@donsigalet7620]

👍

[@CoolDude-55]

As a leafs fan, I think they should wait until his contract is over. Then they could give it to Matthews 😊

[@DANZIG138]

shit take

[@AV11PROD]

I think it should be more of a passing of the torch if it happens

[@wmcduff]

Honestly, it should be up to the guys in the room. Who do they see as the captain?

[@IChewIceCream69]

When we were kids, we would vote 🤷‍♂️

[@lebrontoraptors2191]

Personally we need to stop giving the C to the best player. Give it to the best leader, Matthews just isn’t that

[@shanesymington7614]

Tavares is absolutely not a leader. There is a zero percent chance he’s vocal and giving inspiring pregame or intermission speeches. He’s not a hard ass. And he’s not even one of their top three players, so the lead by example excuse is out the window. Matthews is way more fit to lead.

[@DoubleDOwnage]

I strongly disagree. Matthews in interviews comes off as a more composed leader than Tavares. Tavares has been a stoic workhorse for us, but Matthews would do the same or better for the team.

[@hibby21]

makes no sense to not just wait for one more year

[@mp40submachinegun81]

it makes complete sense with mathews's next contract. tavares will almost certainly re sign at a lower price. hes in no way the actual captain. it clearly hasnt worked with tavares as leader.

[@anonymous134y]

@@mp40submachinegun81 They should ask themselves, why would you give the C to someone that has "tummy aches" in the playoffs and only scoring 1 goal after a 69 goal season. Matthews shouldn't even have a letter. He is a goal scorer, doesn't have passion and shouldn't be a captain. Leafs is a weird one because most of the players don't have passion other than the new player on the roster Domi....

[@mp40submachinegun81]

@@anonymous134y just say you havent watched a game lol. of every top 6 fwd in the league matthews is easily top 10 defensively. he was going to get the captaincy when tavares did but he decided to moon a security guard instead. give even a single source for the reason matthews didnt play being "tummy aches". tavares clearly cant lead his way out of a wet paper bag. hes shown that in NY and toronto.

[@imrippingthefuckingheadoff]

@@anonymous134ytummy aches? lol wtf are you regarded

[@Hydrog666]

Because Matthews wants it. Give it to him. It could actually impact whether or not he re-signs with the team again. Tavares is declining, and he's arguably the quietest guy in the room.

[@quixMPG]

I don’t think Matthew’s is ready for captaincy yet. Keep Tavares

[@jamqqq319]

Agreed

[@AbesamisM]

matthews should be captain.

[@spartannige3296]

@@AbesamisMWhy? Because he’s a better player? That doesn’t decide it.

[@robertoorrego4374]

@@spartannige3296 thats what i've been saying. being a captain isn't about being the best player, its about being a good leader and having experience

[@AbesamisM]

​@@spartannige3296 why not? he can lead by example. what you want someone who just gives good speeches and stuff?

[@joshpalmer8171]

as an isles fan I get the feeling fans have been hoping to see Tavares genuinely do well/succeed since he was taken out by Perry in 2020. However won’t deny that we still don’t love seeing a leafs first round exit lol

[@cndnclassics5874]

dont you mean you still love?

[@drew651]

​@@cndnclassics5874American education, they don't understand double negatives.

[@cndnclassics5874]

@@drew651 makes for good comedy hahaha

[@anthonyclark9441]

​@@drew651calm it down there buddy. Don't be so presumptive either. Just because he's an Isles Fan doesn't guarantee that he's American, but keep up the nonsense.

[@anthonyclark9441]

​@@cndnclassics5874so does an idiot, who makes assumptions. Gotta appreciate the Comedy in life.

[@dh12.]

Morgan should have had it about 5 years ago

[@genericusername9551]

Why do you think Morgan should have it? He’s not a first pairing guy. Not a shut down D. Doesn’t put up insane amount of points. Idk what you guys see.

[@user-im7qg5qs6j]

@@genericusername9551 Longest tenured Leaf, plays with passion, shows up in the playoffs, great teammate, actually has a personality.

[@BlakeKernozicky]

@@genericusername9551 captaincy is not about points, it’s about leadership

[@RobbieBolger]

@@BlakeKernozickyand a real leader wouldn’t crosscheck someone in the head for scoring on him (referencing Ottawa). Definitely not captain or even assistant captain material

[@dh12.]

@genericusername9551 I see leadership, I see respect from every teammate, i see someone that can handle the media. I also see an organization that has disrespected almost every captain since Dave Keon.

[@__._._-_._.__]

As a leafs fan i don’t think Auston deserves it yet, He’s great yes but you don’t strip a captain in his last year of his contract. Let him play it out then switch the captaincy. Also don’t think Mo deserves it either tho i feel like he’d crack under the pressure as a captain and blame himself for everything. Jt seems like the best fit still, he’s just always been that leader.

[@littlebiglsteele4158]

agree, hes our captain and leadership is by far his best quality for this team, why lose that and damage your relationship with a player?

[@stevensonalderworstmd329]

i heard on wikipedia that reaves is gonna be the new captain, domi the assistant

[@OWlsfordshire]

"Why make waves when you could push it off another year?" Perfectly summarizes the Leaf mentality.

[@f9w99]

Difference being other players can step as unofficial captains while he wears the C. If you strip him, you risk shaking up the locker room for no legit reason other than selling Mathews jerseys with a letter on it.

[@mil2172]

​@@f9w99 Womp Womp. It's a business at the end of the day. Granted I don't think changing the letters on JT jersey is gonna solve anything but this idea that we cannot do anything that might upset the players is nonsense.

[@f9w99]

@@mil2172 it’s a business but player management is a big component. Especially in a team sport. Bad chemistry or divisiveness an ruin a team. If anything, the priority should be to move his contract or Marner to shake the offence up a bit or allow them to go after a real number one goaltender. I’m a habs fan but find the leafs dynamics pretty fascinating. At this point, I just want a Canadian team to win the cup. I’d even drink to the leafs winning it.

[@mil2172]

@@f9w99 I want to see Marner traded. That would actually make a big difference to the locker room. I don't really care about this topic so if JT is the captain or not it does not matter to me. I'm saying teams do ruthless things all the time to players and it hasn't affected their ability to sign players or create bad locker rooms. Examples include Vegas, Tampa, and the Rangers. The way they treat their players are imo worse than this rumour and they still have a strong team culture.

[@ZoltanvamosOfficial]

A Leader is supposed to show accountability for themselves and the team. He doesn't. Each year its "We're right there", he literally said that. Matthews disagreed saying "It feels like we say that every year", and Rielly made it clear he knows that Leaf fans DON'T want to hear the "We're so close" thing anymore. Accountability is important in a captain, and I haven't seen any.

[@deanmalkewich2366]

There’s a fine line how much a player, even a captain, can criticize their given teams makeup. It might be obvious to everyone the team isn’t built to win but saying so is essentially calling out your GM and that generally doesn’t end well.

[@Matt-sl1wg]

Rielly shoulda been the captain instead of Tavares to begin with. He's been the only leader in the group this whole time.

[@Fenrisulv987-nl8kh]

Great comment, that's bang on mate. I feel like Tavares lacks charisma, passion, and a dedication to the welfare of his teammates, and a commitment to do the right thing for the team to succeed. I am in NO way saying that JT is egotistical, or self-centered, but I do think he's not a great captain. Morgan would have been a better choice in my eyes, and moving forward, I think it MUST be AM34.

[@redfive5856]

Unless a player is not respected by his teammates the team should never take the C away. Lombardi stripping Dustin Brown of his C and giving it to Kopitar was a horrible decision.

[@JackBirdbath]

Agreed. Unless Tavares chooses to grant it to Matthews, it should not be done. It just can’t be smart to introduce that kind of drama for the locker room.

[@HelloThere53470]

I think JT should keep the captaincy, at least untill his contract is over, then I think Mo should get it. Mo has been with the team for longer and he, and Tavares, took discounts to stay or go to Toronto. Mo also tries his best to play defense even though it’s not his strength and I’m never upset with his playoff performances the way I am with Marner or Matthews

[@baavi98]

Betting this is a situation where someone asked Matthews while walking by "would you want to be the Leafs captain?" and he replied "Sure" or something lol :D

[@AsainCole93]

Hakanpaa will be a good defensive addition, he was a solid lockdown defenseman for the Stars

[@lauig]

That's if he does play.

[@AsainCole93]

@@lauig yea if he can comeback from that injury

[@AyyItsLyndon]

I think he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee, his return is definitely a crapshoot

[@AsainCole93]

@@AyyItsLyndon your right is as just looking he may never play again :(

[@Ignite_Intensity193]

He’s actually terrible 😂

[@davidcarp1034]

I'm convinced that Matthews ego is the reason the leafs lost. You could tell that he had a major pressure on his team mates to get him the puck for scoring chances so that HE could be top scorer. Matthews isnt captain material imo.

[@mcraider3933]

I hope it's that simple tbh as a Leafs fan. If that's the case then the problems are simpler. In my opinion that's not the case, the entire cour four just needs to show up and play like they do in the regular season.

[@bowlzine]

Does anyone really think of Matthews as a leader? Love what he's done for the Leafs but I've never seen him once be a leader. Where was he in the playoffs? Nylander had more of an impact than any one of those top scrubs. Is there anyone more overpaid than Tavares?

[@CzarrIV]

Nurse is objectively more over payed for the Oilers. Tavares is a useful hockey player 😂

[@derekhand7904]

I’m not a leaf’s guy but from an out side perspective I’ve always thought Reilly should be the captain. He just seems to love being a leaf the most.

[@gregorydoucet6657]

It makes 0 sense to give Matthews the C, we seem him avoid any physical confrontationa and refuses to stand up for his teammates

[@SpicyPotatoe]

Sells new jerseys, which is good for Matthews cus he's only about the money. Once money is off the table, he doesn't show up. His playoff history and performance are evidence as well as his deal - max money for very little time.

[@ryans413]

Mathews is more worried about what Bieber is up to than actually winning games for his team.

[@slicer7713]

The sad thing is I think Tavares helps that islanders team a lot more in those 2 conference finals against the lightning. Idk if they win but having Tavares in a game 7 would be nuts.

[@DamianBadzo]

Make the announcement on John Tavares Appreciation Day

[@davidkruse4030]

Is that you Mike Babcock?

[@bushater69]

100% agree Johnny!

[@curlyb]

I agree 100000% with you! It's wild.

[@NOVANITY.--372]

Yea Matthews 'I don't care' attitude is exactly what the leafs need for a captain.... 100% I agree Rielly deserves it

[@Petersson-yo7yn]

I HOPE we trade Marner, we gotta switch things up

[@JohnnyWick9733]

We??? Go cheer for Ottawa. The leafs don’t need pretend fans like you.

[@RobbieG17]

@@JohnnyWick9733 "Run it back again! No way it can fail nine times in a row!" 🤣

[@curtf5647]

There's no trade you can make that you win. Your defense is pretty much set, your goalies are set. So who are you going to trade for that will improve over Marner? You might as well sign him, Tavares' contract comes off next year. I get that fans don't want to run it back but I believe Berube and a new coaching staff could make a huge difference. You're just not going to win a Marner trade at this point and what good is that? Just to say you made a change?

[@RobbieG17]

@@curtf5647 It's not about "winning the trade," as any open cap space would be very beneficial to fill in the rest of the open positions. I would take two Bertuzzi''s over one Marner every day of the week. Leafs only have 11 forwards signed currently, and still need 2 top6 forwards, one of them being a center. Anyone that's willing to go dig for the puck in the corners or along the boards will be a huge improvement, because it's not just points that matter. Winning a game 8-2 and inflating your stats that way doesn't matter, and Marner doesn't have what it takes to win games in the playoffs. Just go look for "Marner avoids hit" and you'll see what I mean.

[@Petersson-yo7yn]

@@JohnnyWick9733 I love how the internet can’t let people have opinions

[@DoubleDOwnage]

Johnny Toronto gave us his career, his passion, and at an extreme cost to him. He stays and finishes his career as a Leaf, this is his house and it's a matter of respect. When his contract runs down this year, he can retire or take a team friendly contract.

[@cahg3871]

100% agree with your thoughts,there is absolutely no reason worth a damn to do that.Just wait till the coming season ends and then go from there.

[@-Subtle-]

Trading Marner would be dumb. Kypreos is a fool. The problem with the Leafs is still, and always has been, the lack of talent development. Imagine drafting Verhaege and then trading him for a bucket of pucks.

[@randybaldwin8199]

Couldn't agree more with your assessment

[@WaaDjooNoBoutDa]

Matthews just wants the C for his ego. Since when Captains are chosen because "a player wants it" ?

[@jonathanalfano3941]

"Unless 91's wearing a different jersey come the fall," it still hurts man :(

[@joshmoxey.]

The key thing here to remember is Tavares is probably going to be a Leaf longer than this contract, so it’s going to happen at some point. I have big respect for John as a player and person, but the reality is, they’ve only gotten to the second round with him wearing the C. Everything should be a possibility right now. Things haven’t worked. I get how ego might get involved, but if he’s truly for the franchise winning, why not opt for an A instead? That being said, I hope that he does it willingly instead of them forcing him to, but I still think it’s Matthews’ time. I’d also be happy with Rielly, as he’s a great leader as well.

[@BramStoked-uq4hp]

Just trade him. Only loser teams strip their captain of the “C”. JT can handle the heat from the media. Reilly is the best option when JT leaves.

[@joshmoxey.]

@@BramStoked-uq4hp I want him to stay with the team. He's still a very good player, veteran and I want him as support leadership

[@reno1871]

Love the videos!

[@deadrizen]

Doesn't matter who has the C if they can't figure out their cap situation first. Marner or Tavares have to go, then that will decide who wears the C this year

[@profdave2861]

I’m in total agreement. Tavares is still a productive player and a strong leader. He’s quiet but if you dig and learn what he does behind the scenes, especially in the off-season, and particularly with young, newer players, he’s a captain through and through. Leave him be. He deserves it.

[@MrMaxtaurus]

A rare moment that I agree with Hawkey

[@irishducky4578]

I gotta say Mathew knies in a couple years will need to be looked at for a letter guaranteed

[@Marixa1979]

Kinda highlights the difference between McDavid and Matthews. Matthews is all about him, wants the captaincy, worries about individual accolades, only scores goals, very few assists, whereas McDavid doesn't care about individual awards, didn't skate out to get the Conn Smythe, he can score all the goals if he decides to, but prefers to set up his teammates. McDavid plays through injury to try and help the team, Matthews sits out the critical games with a mystery ailment.

[@a17yearoldonyoutubeluigi]

Canadian humility vs American ego

[@MyName_Jeff]

Goals>assists

[@navinjohnson9416]

How did McDavid enter the conversation? It's crazy how only haters insist on making the McDavid/Matthews comparison just to post completely irrelevant comments.

[@SmallAndDisfigured]

Lmao that’s hilarious. For all we know Mcdavid would have fought to sign a 4 year deal off his ELC if he wasn’t given the captaincy. Furthermore yeah Matthews scores more than he assists because he’s clearly the best goal scorer in the entire league. Why the fuck would you want the best goalscorer in the league to not score goals? Also btw goals are more valuable than assists. The whole purpose of assists is just an indirect way of measuring goals. Btw lmao Mcdavid absolutely could not hit the goal totals of Matthews. Like lmao if you take away every single power play goal from Matthews this year, he still has 19 more goals at even strength than McDavid had all year in all situations. Like it’s not even fucking close. Also not coming out for the Conn Smythe is a narcissists behaviour. Awards are beneficial not only for the player but for the league itself. When you have players who put their own emotions (piss-baby because L) ahead of the league it actually just shits on every fan of the sport.

[@scottjohnson3971]

It’s ok I believe you… TF do you know about what these players think?

[@nigelcanuck5943]

Agree when have the Leafs ever made sense, but I'm not sure Matthews is ready yet given that Willie showed more Leadership through the playoffs especially when he jacked up Marner! Not convinced that the Top 4 all survive the off season, but back to the Leafs making sense!

[@KD-zi2fi]

I'm a die hard Leafs fan and I would be livid if they took it off Tavares. He has a year left. Let it be.

[@craigmacdonald3711]

Tavares is 33, turning 34 before the season starts. In all likelihood he's going to sign a new 3 or 4 year contract with the Leafs after this season, taking him to 38 at which point Matthews will be at least 30. So are you waiting until he's in his 30's to give him the captaincy?

[@Republica33]

Once upon a time the Leafs had George Armstrong. Neither of these two could carry his jock strap. Maybe this is a big part of their problem. They have no leader. They have cardboard.

[@jacksonhogg2624]

love your vids dude

[@ZenithLegend]

It's a serious convo because Tavares has been weak and Matthews has been great. What we used to do in the GTHL was split captaincy. One guy wears the C on home jerseys, and another guy on Away jerseys. I know those are literally the little leagues, but I'm surprised you don't see it more in the NHL.

[@shanesymington7614]

The leafs had rotational assistant captains a couple years ago, which sounds like a similar concept

[@heisenbones2477]

Just wait another year. No point to deal with drama

[@SolidRizo]

anything to make people forget the leafs last playoff run

[@marting1984]

Well, the main reason would be that there is a new coach and usually the coach chooses the captain. It's not really a hard to understand situation. Is it strange do it now, ya, kinda, butt it's not hard to believe

[@Moviebro]

All those Sharks Captains respect each other.

[@EarlofSedgewick]

It's certainly a tough question. When I think of the Leafs, I don't think of Tavares. It doesn't seem like it's ever been his team. The team's success goes with Matthews, Marner, Nylander and Rielly, so having the 'C' sit on someone who isn't one of those guys seems a bit useless. I don't know what the dynamics are exactly, but the Leafs should err on the side of investing in Matthews really being that guy, rather than playing it safe and sticking with Tavares. One is 26, the other is 33, and I wouldn't be surprised in Matthews felt he wants to have that investment from the organization to really be that guy.

[@dw.1551]

The way I look at it : GM job is to build a team that can compete in the playoffs, the coachs job is to build systems and guide that team to the playoffs. Once you're in the playoffs, it's up to the players themselves to dig deep and win. Toronto has been missing that element year after year. Leafs need a new leader in the dressing room.

[@joeymiller7455]

Yes Matthew's a captain but can't hold the A on his chest makes sense l m a o

[@matthewajtay9700]

If Tavares hands it over, it would be ideal. I don’t think anyone else has the say. If he does give it up, it might pave the way for a cup.

[@omfg322]

Toronto is in a lose lose situation. They'll have less cap space to surround the core, lots of players like knies and Robertson need new contracts woll extension kicks in next year if marner gets an extension and signing Tavares at a discount means even when the cap goes up you haven't improved because all that cap is gona.

[@svperstar]

real talk, Tavares should be the C as long as he wears the blue and white, be it for 1 more year or 5 more years or anything in between.

[@rickpapineau5939]

The Leafs want to be a serious contender, but also want the give the captaincy to a guy who CONSTANTLY demonstrates that he's playing for the name on the back well in advance of the logo on the front? Good one, TO.

[@MrSteelerboy1]

"Special' hockey market. They are special all right.

[@CarbonatedTurtle]

This Leafs season was almost exactly like every other, except they grew the balls to finally fire their coach. Adding a bunch of 30+ year olds who are past their prime, including a career backup goalie who still hasn't broken out as a starter, is going to result in the same early playoff exit as it always does.

[@kelly2558]

Only in Toronto would the captaincy of the team be so controversial. The only NHL franchise with 10,000 amateur assistant general managers.

[@poboymusic1958]

Totally agree with all the comments here. Tavares has shown nothing but class and if he chooses to hand the C to Matthews, that would be just more evidence of that class. If not - ie, if Tavares still believes he is the best captain for the team - then he should keep it, no questions asked.

[@J.CashDro]

As a Leafs fan I believe the captain should be Rielly before anybody on this team after Tavares

[@ThunderRazorYT]

Silly clubs do silly things. Hopefully they don't opt to be silly.

[@Wysiswyg]

Only reason this topic is coming up is because Toronto knows they’re about to make him an offer he will refuse.

[@oliviakoffman7837]

Firstly it is unlikely Tavares was the first choice as captain. Babs visits Matthews in Arizona comes back and says he is now man. Then shortly after they announce a captain will be named. Then a couple days before the naming, a druken mishap squashes the plans for Matthews being named captain. Secondly if they don't get rid of Marner, they need the captancy change to make some sort of splash. The fans won't accept the same and will boo the leafs starting line up upon return.

[@beofonemind]

Why can't John just be the guy to want to do it? I think it would be a nice transition. Make a marketing thing out of it. Passing of the torch.

[@Rossco84]

The only reason I think changing the Captaincy makes sense is before I do believe Matthews was supposed to be named captain in 2019 but because of those stupid legal issues that turned into absolutely nothing they had to knee jerk make a change and JT was the only player that made sense to give the C to at the time. With Matthews going into his 4 year extension this year…he has 4 years to wear the C. If the Leafs don’t bring home a cup in those 4 years Matthews will most likely leave the Leafs.

[@ShadyLurker16]

completely agree with you ythought on the captaincy. Tavares is a fine leader, no need to cause unneeded drama or rock the board over a c shaped piece of fabric on a jersey.

[@cryptocat7442]

I think it’s wrong to strip the “C” from anyone.

[@2bNIKEt1]

Maybe worrying about deep runs in the playoffs should be of a greater concern. Maybe talk to the team. If the team doesn't want the change you have a problem with Matthew's. If they do, Tavares should wanna do that if he cares about the team he chose to go to.

[@davechrenek8220]

Agree with you completely

[@BruceC]

I agree - Tavares bleeds blue - don't do it

[@eriklakeland3857]

Tavares is a ghost of a captain. The team needs someone more vocal.

[@KptKrunch9481]

Well, no one here has no clue what goes on in the room. Captains usually lead by example, they don't need a mouthpiece in the room, especially if he's not backing up what he's saying on the ice. I have no clue what the dressing room dynamic is in Toronto, nor do I know if Matthews, Tavaras, or Reilly lead the most on the ice by their actions. But I do know Tavaras has not led the Leafs anywhere but (mostly) first round playoff exits (though last year they did beat an old Tampa team in round 1). So if I'm a Leafs fan, I'd want the change but again no clue who would be best to wear it - I'm not in the room

[@CSV119]

Maybe not miss playoff games due to "illness" first and then we can talk being Captain. But Tavares isn't working out either. Maybe Domi?

[@sawyertuide7636]

Mathews is the most talented player but Tavares did score that goal that won the Leafs their only series vs the Lightning, however JT is also getting older I think the Leafs should also consider Nylander for the captaincy. He’s been their best playoff performer when he’s out there the past 2 years.

[@vt1340]

Leaf fan for 60 years, I didn't think they should have signed JT, let alone make him Captain. I was hoping that they had the patience to find a stud right D with some leadership ability, to influence the up-and-coming rookies. But someone decided to speed things up. And here we are again.

[@TreySarver]

I agree. I think JC should’ve been dealt (he would’ve been perfect for Chicago’s locker room) but if he’s still there let him have the C

[@ryujin1075]

I honestly feel like Tavares doesn't get enough recognition for his off-ice leadership, I know he can be a bit too much of a quiet captain on the ice. I wouldn't say Auston won't be bad, but I feel like he's more of a limelight poster boy than a leader. Reilly I feel would be the next to get the C, but only until we see what happens with Tavares first before making sudden moves

[@fusscoopland9680]

John Tavares should stay as captain of Toronto Maple Leafs until his contact expires. Bad idea for the league to deal with any drama right now especially, since the Toronto Maple Leafs were not able to gain any huge changes to the offensive positions via NHL draft recently.

[@GoBudsGo]

Mo should have been chosen as C instead of JT years ago. But JT has been clutch on many games, he deserves it one last run.

[@russellyerxa3252]

I have always been a firm believer that just because someone is the best player on a team does not mean they should be captain.

[@sportsmaster1364]

I think this year is the audition year. If Tavares wants to stay a Leaf *and* keep the C, he'll prove it. If Auston or someone else badly wants it, they'll prove it. This is the true "show me" season.

[@HavendaleBlvd80]

Oh the life of the leafs fan.

[@Tbiblaine23]

Has he shown the team well? They’ve won 1 playoff series in his tenure on a team with the talent to win multiple cups, then every year has no answers for it.

[@eggstu]

I would think that would be a huge distraction for this team and could potentially hurt the team or split the locker room. I think the negatives outweigh the positives. Just let JT finish this year out and make the change when it seems natural and isn't overblown by Toronto media

[@masterbaiters1183]

The Leafs are too scared of a headline to strip the captaincy from JT

[@ethanparker7900]

making matthews captain i don't think would make a difference and tbh i feel bad for tavares cause while im not a leafs fan, I have always been fond of him and i know he is well respected within teammates and coaches and he doesn't seem to get as much credit as he should. I mean no captain is perfect including him but deep down he is a damn good captain who does a lot both on and off the ice and he's great with mentoring young players. Aside from a leadership perspective, he was the one who finally got the leafs over the dreaded first round hump in 2023

[@adammckenzie6074]

The only reason Matthew’s didn’t get captain over john t in first place was cause matthews got in trouble that year with that security guard at his building or what ever. If that didn’t happen he woulda been captain this whole time

[@kaelandrew1387]

The reason I say Mathew’s is because he’s there best player and he makes big plays and the right times I don’t care about his performance in the playoffs he’s been good the last 2 years and he was severely sick in this years playoffs

[@jayvardy]

I am on the side that thinks Tavares should have his captaincy taken away. The Leafs haven't taken a step forward with him as captain and this is an accountability league. Tavares himself also doesn't have a history of winning in his long career. He couldn't even get Canada to a medal game as Captain at the worlds this summer. He's had his chances. Time for someone else to get the C and time for Tavares to be shown the door at the end of this contract.

[@Marixa1979]

How did Austin do this summer leading the States in the worlds? I didn't watch. What has Austin won?

[@jayvardy]

@@Marixa1979 who is Austin?

[@leechavarie4675]

Poker game between the 3 winner is the captain !

[@carson_rock195]

That has to be the dumbest thing I've heard, why take it away from him, he's a class act that knows to be a leader, knows how to get around the media and their questions, and Matthews "wanting" it is ridiculous, he may want it but we all know Matthews has more respect than to take it from the captain, and he knows how much shit he'd receive and respect he'd lose for that, I don't see them doing this, at least not while Taveras still is a player and WANTS to have it

[@RobbieG17]

They'll do it next season, after Tavares either walks or re-signs a very team friendly deal.

[@sneakybeaky3423]

Diddnt johnny t leave isles cuz he didnt want the captain pressure

[@RobbieG17]

@@sneakybeaky3423 Doesn't seem likely that he would accept the C in a market like TOR if he couldn't handle it with NYI. He probably left just because it was a childhood dream to play for his favourite team growing up.

[@TheChronicFiend]

A class act that lied to his GM telling him not to trade him at the deadline just to sign with Toronto on free agency😂yup a real class act😂

[@carson_rock195]

@TheChronicFiend so what if he wanted to come home! He did a lot for the islanders and I get being upset but for how far they take it like when he got his 1,000th point, they couldn't even congratulate him on his HUGE achievement, which is horrible, be angry, but there's also a way to show respect! And he is a class act, whether it's in Toronto, New York, or fkn Vagas, Taveras has passion, he may not be the player he once was, but he deserves better than the shit he receives

[@brad1716]

Do it, do it, do it!

[@timw4369]

Do it toronto you have nothing to lose.

[@schmingusss]

I can't see Matthews wanting to take the captaincy from Tavares. Kypreos is nuts.

[@BeastOfMetal1989]

If you want Pro Hockey's Post Master General to keep the C for one more year, more power to you...

[@atomicpumpkiin593]

The aves havent even done this with MacKinnon, and Landeskog hasnt pleayed in two years...

[@JNJ1014]

There's no way Matthews would be cool with taking the captaincy from a guy who's not only performed very well for the Leafs (albeit not up to his contract) and is a good friend & long-time teammate of his.