When John Tavares picked up the phone and called Auston Matthews to reveal that he'd like to pass on the "C" this season and help Matthews grow individually and as the team's new leader, he was very clear about what the moment meant to him, becoming the first U.S. born captain in Maple Leafs history.
During Wednesday's captaincy change press conference in Toronto, Matthews was asked about his future beyond the 4-year deal that he'll begin this season -- particularly about whether he'd like to play his entire career as a Leaf. His response was everything a Leafs fan could hope for.
The goal, as Matthews alluded to, is winning with this team. The hope is that he can accomplish this goal as the new captain of Canada's hockey mecca in Toronto.
POLL | ||
14 AOUT | 1106 ANSWERS Matthews a Maple Leaf for life? New captain makes bold statement about future Do you believe Auston Matthews will be a Leaf for his entire NHL career? | ||
Yes | 637 | 57.6 % |
No | 469 | 42.4 % |
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