Should Tavares give the C to Auston Matthews this summer?
John Tavares has been a fantastic player for the Leafs. A leader by example, and a role model for those around him, the Leafs' captain has played at a point per game pace since joining the team in the 2018-19 season and his appointment to team captain before the 2019-20 season was well earned and well deserved.
Having said that, it may be time for Johnny Toronto to take a look in the mirror and then take a look around the locker room step. Its not an indictment on Tavares' leadership, or his on ice performance. It's simply the fact that a worthy successor has emerged. On the ice it's clear who the players look to when leadership is needed. It's Auston Matthews.
Matthews has been one of the league's top players for 3 seasons now, and has improved steadily since then. In 2019, Matthews wasn't mature enough to wear the C just yet. Now, he's a bona-fide superstar and quite possibly the best player in the league this season. Matthews is the #1 goal scorer, the team's #1 center and when the Leafs need a clutch goal, he's the one that usually scores it. Matthews has earned his captaincy.
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 John after he took a discount of a reported $2M less per season to come home and play for his hometown team. This would have to come from John himself. Call it a passing of the torch.
Do I see it happening? No, I don't think anyone would willingly give up the C. Should it happen though? I think it hinges on how the Leafs perform in the playoffs this year and who leads them to any success they may achieve. If they can't get out of the first round, or if they do make it out of the first round and Matthews is the one who carries them, it may be time for a change in leadership.
The argument against Matthews ascending to the captaincy is thin, but if there is a reason Matthews shouldn't be given the C, it's his relationship with NHL officials. It seems that the NHL's officiating group simply doesn't like him. Maybe it was his «good goal» celebration that started it all. He's certainly let them know when he isn't happy with the job they've done. NHL referees are easily offended, and can be vindictive towards certain players. Matthews' lack of penalties drawn this season is evidence that NHL refs have some sort of an issue with him. He might not be the ideal candidate to be having discussions with them about certain calls or non calls.
The good news for the Leafs and their fans is that there are multiple players on the team who could wear the C. Tavares, Matthews or even Morgan Rielly could all make suitable captains for the Leafs. It's a good problem to have.
For now, Tavares is a good captain, there's no doubt in that. But would Matthews make a better one? I think that's a fair question to ask.
| POLL | ||
MARS 28 | 363 ANSWERS Should Tavares give the C to Auston Matthews this summer? Should Tavares give up the captaincy to Auston Matthews this summer? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 36.1 % |
| The team should do it | 38 | 10.5 % |
| No | 155 | 42.7 % |
| Make Reilly captain | 39 | 10.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
