John Tavares has revealed the truth about why he passed off the captaincy to Auston Matthews this summer
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Former Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has shared an official statement, revealing the truth about why he passed off the captaincy to Auston Matthews this summer.
Wednesday marked a very significant day for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who crowned Auston Matthews
the 26th captain in franchise history, with the full endorsement and blessing from former captain John Tavares, who was the one who handed Matthews his new #34 jersey, adorned with a fresh new letter on the chest.
While Tavares was all smiles on Wednesday, some have maintained that he was merely smiling through the pain and that he must have been upset to see the "C" taken from him prior to the end of his current deal. If Tavares' official statement is any indication, that simply isn't true.
Tavares shared a heartfelt speech this week, revealing why he thought the time was right to pass the captaincy off to Matthews. Among the primary reasons for the transition of the captaincy, according to Tavares, was Matthews' "maturation" and "relentless drive to win".
The former Leafs captain made sure to emphasize that this change in leadership was not related to the job he did or did not do while wearing the "C" in Toronto, confirming that he feels as though he's in the best playing shape of his life.
"This decision is definitely not about whether I've succeeded or failed, whether I'm capable or my time has passed, I feel stronger than ever in my ability to compete, play at a high level, and make significant contributions through my leadership.
Where Tavares placed the focus for the change was on Matthews' individual growth. Tavares has seen, first hand, how Matthews has grown as a leader in Toronto and he simply felt, through consultation with Brad Treliving and Brendan Shanahan, that he'd enjoy the opportunity to help Matthews to transition into a role that he was born to play as an NHL captain.
"This decision is a recognition of the maturation of a person who has shown a skillset that is special, unique, and has a relentless drive to win. In that, I believe Auston can become more and that he is ready for this honor and responsibility. With me passing on the captaincy, it will allow Auston to fully embrace the leader that he is and have a greater impact on our team. I'll be able to continue to lead the way that I do and give Auston my full support."
The grace and humility that Tavares has shown throughout this process has been wonderful to see and has really gone a long way in convincing at least some members of the Leafs' loyal fanbase that he is worthy of a contract extension and an opportunity to retire as a Maple Leaf.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
AOUT 18 | 2254 ANSWERS John Tavares has revealed the truth about why he passed off the captaincy to Auston Matthews this summer Do you think John Tavares is secretly upset about losing the "C" in Toronto? |
Yes, how could he not be? | 715 | 31.7 % |
No, I think he's genuinely happy for Auston | 1272 | 56.4 % |
Not really sure | 267 | 11.8 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By TJ Tucker Silly Question Causes Auston Matthews to Scoff at Reporter During Live Interview |
|
4 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Leafs Officially Linked to Top-Six Scoring Winger in Vancouver in New Report |
|
6 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Shares Honest Thoughts After 4 Nations Face-Off Loss |
|
8 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Setback for Max Pacioretty Creates Huge Opportunity for Young Maple Leafs Forward |
|
10 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Leafs Issue Important Announcement Regarding Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner |
|
11 hours ago | By Mike Armenti Maple Leafs' Starting Goalie Decision Coming Out of the Break Paints a Clearer Picture in Net |
|
12 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Maple Leafs Officially Shut Down Forward for Pair of Upcoming Games |
|
14 hours ago | By Nick Matthews John Tavares Reveals Why He Missed Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off Win Over Team USA |