It may be time for John Tavares to pass the torch to Auston Matthews
What more can you ask from John Tavares? The current Leafs captain has done nothing but give his all for his childhood team. He's a goal scorer, a point per game player, a respected veteran of the league and a fantastic role model for younger players. John Tavares is a good captain. The question is, would Auston Matthews be a better one?
Matthews is coming off an absolutely monstrous season. The Leafs top centreman scored 60 goals and recorded 106 points in just 73 gamesduring the regular season, then followed it up with a 4 goal, 9 point series against the Tampa Bay Lightning. What I saw from Matthews in that series convinced me. He should wear the C from this point on. Matthews didn't just put put up points. He was a beast along the boards, he was finally using his size to inflict some pain, he laid it all on the line for his team. Sure, the ending was bad, but Auston Matthews was incredible for the Leafs over those 7 games.
Now, of course there's the question of how it would go. The team can't, or rather shouldn't, strip Tavares of his captaincy. That would be disrespectful to Johnny Toronto. This would have to come from John himself. Call it a passing of the torch if you will. For Matthews to don the C, Tavares would have to support it. Otherwise it could cause a rift in the locker room and destroy a lot of good chemistry. Still, if Tavares is willing, I think having Matthews wear the C could be a good thing for this team.
After 6 straight first round exits, this team needs a shake up. Firing one or more of Dubas, Keefe or Shanahan would be a rash decision after the Leafs broke franchise records for wins and points this season. Trading one of the core 4 seems like a bad idea as well after all of them put in solid seasons and had strong showings in the first round. Making Matthews captain may be the least destructive way possible to shake things up in that dressing room. I think the time is right. Put the "C" on Auston and see if he truly is the savior of the franchise we've all hoped he can be.
| POLL | ||
MAI 16 | 733 ANSWERS It may be time for John Tavares to pass the torch to Auston Matthews Should John Tavares offer the Leafs' captaincy to Auston Matthews? | ||
| Absolutely | 360 | 49.1 % |
| No, this is JT's team | 228 | 31.1 % |
| If he passes it to anyone, it should be Rielly | 145 | 19.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
