The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a significant step by naming Auston Matthews as their new captain, succeeding John Tavares for the 2024-25 NHL season. This move, announced last Wednesday, has sparked widespread speculation about the future of Tavares with the team.
Tavares, who has served as captain since the 2019-20 season, has long been seen as the heart of the Maple Leafs. His leadership, combined with a prolific offensive game, helped elevate the team’s performance. However, with Matthews now officially taking over the captaincy, questions arise about whether Tavares’ tenure in Toronto might be nearing its end.
Typically, NHL teams transition their captaincy when the current captain is either traded, leaves as a free agent, or retires. It is less common for a captaincy change to occur while the incumbent remains with the team, as it often implies a shift in the team’s direction or leadership dynamics.
The Leafs’ decision to appoint Matthews could be a strategic move to prepare for a potential transition away from Tavares. Since his arrival in Toronto during the highly publicized “coming home” signing of 2018, Tavares has been a central figure in the Maple Leafs’ lineup. Over the past six seasons, he has amassed 184 goals, 235 assists, and 419 points in 440 games, ranking third in points among Leafs players during this stretch. His contributions to the power play, with 60 goals and 137 points, and his clutch performances, including an overtime winner against the Tampa Bay Lightning that broke a long playoff drought, have been invaluable.
However, Tavares, now 34, has shown signs of slowing down. Last season, his points-per-game average dropped to 0.8, the lowest since his rookie season in 2009-10. As he ages, the physical demands of the game have started to take their toll, affecting his speed and overall production.
Looking ahead, Tavares’ current contract expires after the 2024-25 season, and he has yet to sign an extension. The future of his time in Toronto largely depends on whether he is open to a team-friendly deal, potentially accepting a reduced role as he nears retirement, or if he seeks one final lucrative contract. Comparisons to contracts given to other veteran stars like Steven Stamkos and Evgeni Malkin suggest that Tavares might be aiming for a significant deal, which could influence the Leafs’ decisions about their roster.
If Tavares is indeed looking for a substantial new contract, the Maple Leafs might already be preparing for life without him. This shift in leadership with Matthews as captain could be part of a broader strategy to align the team’s future with its younger stars and adjust to the evolving dynamics of the roster.
In summary, while Tavares’ impact on the Leafs has been undeniable, the changing of the guard with Matthews stepping into the captaincy role raises questions about the future. The next few months could provide further clarity on whether Tavares will remain a key figure in Toronto or if this marks the beginning of a new chapter for both him and the Maple Leafs.
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