Ex-NHLer weighs in on Maple Leafs' decision to name Auston Matthews new team captain

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Aug 13, 2024 15:37 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs have named Auston Matthews as their new captain, replacing John Tavares. Former NHL player Matthew Barnaby shared his thoughts on X, saying that changing the captain does not make a big difference. He believes that Matthews already leads the team with or without the 'C'.

"I was with Dallas when they took C from Modano and gave to Morrow. Does absolutely nothing. I also think the C is very overrated. It is Matthew's team with or without C," Barnaby posted on X.

Matthews is the first American and only the second non-Canadian captain in the team's history. He recently signed a five-year, $53 million contract after a career-high season.

The Leafs hope this leadership change will help them succeed in the playoffs, where they have struggled in recent years.

Last season, the Maple Leafs lost in the first round to the Boston Bruins. Since Matthews' rookie season in 2016-17, they've made the playoffs every year but have only reached the second round once. The team hasn't won a Stanley Cup since 1967.

The official announcement is expected on Wednesday at a press conference. NHL insider Chris Johnston posted on X:

"The #leafs have called an 11 a.m. press conference on Wednesday where they will officially unveil Auston Matthews as the 26th captain in franchise history."

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Insider Jay Rosehill remarks on the potential implications of Auston Matthews replacing John Tavares as Leafs' captain

The Toronto Maple Leafs will soon make the announcement to replace John Tavares with Auston Matthews as captain. It has drawn another remark from former Leafs player Jay Rosehill. He shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter).

Rosehill believes the change won't significantly impact team dynamics. He talked about how Tavares dwelled on leading by example rather than being active vocally. He also talked about the impact of media on the situation:

"The media and market will make more of an issue out of it than it really is. The conversation with John would have been tough the first time he addresses the room, but John is a consummate professional and will handle it just fine."

Rosehill believes that while the change might be personally difficult for Tavares, it's necessary for the team. He doesn't expect the move to cause major problems and sees it as a practical step for the Leafs.