NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Roy Bellamy talks about John Tavares losing captaincy to Auston Matthews (Credit: Imagn)

NHL podcaster speculates on John Tavares' future after losing out on Maple Leafs captaincy

Modified Aug 17, 2024 17:04 GMT

On Saturday's episode of "The Hockey Show," podcaster Roy Bellamy talked about John Tavares losing the Toronto Maple Leafs captaincy. Auston Matthews was named the new captain, becoming the 26th in the team’s history. Tavares served as captain since 2019 and will now be an alternate.

Bellamy thinks Tavares is OK with the decision and doesn't have any hard feelings.

"I don’t think there’s any bad blood or ill will in this situation." Bellamy said. "I don't think John Tavares is ringing his hands like, "Oh, they took my C." I think it's OK."

However, Bellamy pointed out how Wendel Clark, a former Leafs captain, left for Quebec after a similar situation.

"Usually when that happens, the captain ends up moving on to another team — gets traded or leaves in free agency. Like Wendel Clark, that happened to him when he left Toronto and went to Quebec, I believe." Bellamy added.

Tavares has shown his full support for Matthews. Despite this, some wonder if Tavares might leave Toronto, either through a trade or in free agency.

Auston Matthews' statement after claiming the 'C' from John Tavares

Auston Matthews is the first U.S.-born captain in the team’s 107-year history. Auston Matthews, picked first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs, had a career-high 107 points last season.

He scored 69 goals, the most since Pittsburgh Penguins' Mario Lemieux's 69 in 1995-96. Matthews won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy three times and the Hart Trophy in 2021-22. He leads all NHL players with 368 goals since his debut.

Matthews expressed his honor and excitement for the role.

"I got chills, honestly," Matthews said (via NHL.com) "I'm so honored and humbled since being drafted here eight years ago. You realize how special it is to play for the city of Toronto, to wear the Maple Leaf on your chest every single night. It just means the world to do that.

Matthews ranks third in goals and sixth in points in Maple Leafs history. Toronto has made the playoffs every season Matthews has played but has advanced past the first round only once. Matthews is now the fifth-youngest captain in the NHL.

"To have the support from Johnny, my teammates, our staff, ownership, my family, it just means the world to me." Matthews said mentioning Tavares.

Matthews hopes to stay with the team for his entire career. He has signed a four-year, $53 million contract ($13.25 AAV) and is focused on bringing the Stanley Cup to Toronto.