Toronto Maple Leafs considering stripping Tavares of the 'C'
The Toronto Maple Leafs badly need change going into next season. Management is pondering a change but not by trade.
Leafs Nation has been exuberantly requesting change within the «Core Four» this off-season. Fans have wanted that change to come from trading playmaker Mitch Marner who is entering the final year of his contract next season. Rumors ran rampant for a period but have cooled since. Management are pondering a change within the core but it may not come from a trade.
Media personality Nick Kypreos was on Sportsnet discussing the Leafs leadership group and dropped a bombshell on what Leafs management is thinking of doing.
"From what I'm hearing, the Leafs are contemplating taking the captaincy away from him and giving it to Auston. They will talk about it. I'm not saying it's going to happen, but it's real."
All respect to what Tavares brings, but he doesn't come across as the leader that can ultimately lead this team to a Stanley Cup. The monotone way he answers questions, rarely deviating from the cliche responses. It is his personality so you can't hate on the guy for it.
The 33 year old, has consistently put up around a point per game for the entirety of his career but took a step back last season scoring 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games. Tavares did post the worst shooting percentage of his entire career at 10.4% last season and still managed to pot 29 goals so a bounce back season wouldn't be out of the question. The former 1st overall pick from the 2009 NHL Draft did look a step slower last season, he was never known as the fastest player to begin with so any regression is extra noticeable for a player like him.
With Tavares regressing, Matthews took another step, scoring 69 goals during the 2023-24 season. Further solidifying his place as the best Maple Leaf currently something that isn't up for debate. He is the face of the franchise without the «C» on his jersey. He has broke numerous Leaf records during his short career so far and it is only a matter of time before Matthews is named the 26th captain in franchise history.
The question is, does it happen now or next off-season when Tavares' contract expires.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Toronto will change their captain before next season? | ||
| Yes, some change is needed | 42 | 53.2 % |
| No, Matthews will take over after next season | 37 | 46.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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