Change Is Finally Happening In Toronto But It Doesn't Involve A Trade

Leafs Nation has been clamouring for change all off-season after another failed postseason that saw them exit in the first round. Change is finally coming but it isn't coming via a monster trade.

TSN Insider Darren Dreger broke the news that John Tavares is being removed as captain and face of the franchise Auston Matthews will be taking over the C on Wednesday. It is a decision that Tavares fully supports. With this change, there is more proof that a shift is occurring with the club and naming Matthews the captain makes sense for the long term of the club. Tavares who has held the C since the second year he had been a member of the club has filled in admirably, and although it may hurt, a changing of the guard was necessary, especially with only one year left on Tavares' deal.

Matthews led the Leafs with a career-high 69 goals and 107 points last season. He is signed until the end of the 2027-28 season at a cap hit of $13.25M.