Leafs GM Brad Treliving reveals official reason for captaincy change in Toronto
Photo credit: NHL.com
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has officially revealed why the time was right to transition Auston Matthews into the role of captain in Toronto.
Matthews became the first American captain in Leafs history today, as former captain, John Tavares, handed passed the torch to the 26-year-old, three-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner during a live press conference in Toronto. During this presser, Treliving addressed why he felt now was the right time to make the change in leadership.
"It was shortly after the end of the season," said Treliving. "You kind of digest the season and you're looking for any way to improve. It was at that time that John and I had a conversation and I first raised the thought of the succession of the captaincy to John.
Right from the beginning John was on board... From a manager's perspective you're trying to push your team forward. That's what we're doing here. I felt this was another step - to take another step forward. It's not that i thought something was wrong."
Right from the beginning John was on board... From a manager's perspective you're trying to push your team forward. That's what we're doing here. I felt this was another step - to take another step forward. It's not that i thought something was wrong."
Treliving also touched on why Matthews is the ideal captain to lead the Leafs to a Stanley Cup.
"What you don't see is the work, the commitment, what he does to push himself everyday, what he does to push his teammates every day and just the man that he has become. To me, the burden doesn't fall on one individual, but there are certain individuals that have that ability. People want to follow him."
With the Leafs entering what could be the final season of the 'Core Four' era in Toronto, the pressure is at an all-time high and Matthews will have to do whatever he can to help lead the Leafs win when it matters -- in the playoffs.
Source: Hockey ReferenceAuston Matthews Stats
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14 AOUT | 1210 ANSWERS Leafs GM Brad Treliving reveals official reason for captaincy change in Toronto Will Auston Matthews' production dip in his first season as captain in Toronto with all of the added responsibility of leading a team? | ||
| Yes | 481 | 39.8 % |
| No | 729 | 60.2 % |
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