Toronto Maple Leafs is reportedly getting a new captain, and it is none other than Auston Matthews.
Captain John Tavares is handing in the reins to the 26-year-old ice hockey player who has been with the Leafs since 2016, according to Sportsnet.
The Leafs have called a press conference for 11 a.m. on Wednesday where they will reportedly announce the change officially.
Matthews’ renewed four-year commitment will make him the 26th captain of the team, and the first American captain of the Maple Leafs.
The decision follows a disappointing seven-game, first-round playoff loss to the Boston Bruins in May, which led the organization to explore changes to the team’s dynamic.
Matthews has previously served as captain of three NHL All-Star teams and was among the initial selections for Team USA’s 4 Nations Face-Off squad.
Since reports of the announcement have come out, reactions have been pouring in, with many expressing that the move was expected.
“Finally!,” one X user said.
“This was coming for a long time,” another X user said.
For many die-hard Leafs fans, the appointment is seen as a sign of renewed hope for a Stanley Cup victory.
“… and just like that, the curse has been lifted!,” one X user said.
Meanwhile, some are also suspicious of this move, and do not see this changing much for the team.
“Matthews doesn’t look like a guy who deals well with pressure of the captaincy. What’s also weird is doing this with 1 year left in Tavares contract. That’s a huge slap in the face for a guy that’s been pretty consistent. Leafs didn’t lose because of his lack of leadership,” one X user said.
“This guy isn’t fit for the leader, rather have Reilly or Nylander, but I guess We’ll see how he fits 🤷,” one fan said.
“Go Austin Go. Hope it goes well with JT. However it is time for change. We need the Stanley cup.🇨🇦,” another X user said.
“Still going to get first round exits unless they perform when it matters,” added another X user.
Matthews has served as an alternate captain for the Maple Leafs since the 2019-20 season.
As the new captain, he faces the challenge of breaking the team’s long-standing curse and guiding the Leafs to their first Stanley Cup victory since 1967.
