Auston Matthews breaks silence after being named the 26th captain of the Leafs
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Auston Matthews was named the 26th captain in Toronto Maple Leafs history on Wednesday.
This makes him the first U.S.-born player to hold the role in the team's 107-year history. He's also the second non-Canadian to be captain, following Mats Sundin of Sweden, who led the team from 1997 to 2008.
The 26-year-old center takes over from John Tavares, who had been captain since October 2, 2019, and will now serve as an alternate captain.
"I'm incredibly humbled to be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs," Matthews said. "I'm honored to follow in John's footsteps and continue our work in leading this team along with so many other leaders within our dressing room. This team, this city, and our fans mean everything to me. We all embrace the history of this franchise, and we are determined to get the job done."
Matthews was born in San Ramon, California, and grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, after his family moved there when he was a baby. He was selected as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NHL Draft by the Maple Leafs. Last season, he had a career-high 107 points, including 69 goals, the most in a season since Mario Lemieux scored 69 for the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1995-96.
Source: NHL.com
Matthews named Maple Leafs captain, replaces Tavares
Matthews named Maple Leafs captain, replaces Tavares
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