Clark, Gilmour, Sundin, Phaneuf….and Matthews?

When the Maple Leafs announce a captain, sometime between now and opening night October 2nd vs Ottawa, expect to hear #34 get his name called, and rightfully so.

Auston Matthews has come out this preseason like a house on fire, loving his new full-time linemates, which looks like a line that could do some serious damage this season. Over the past 2 seasons, the Maple Leafs have been contemplating who should be ‘in charge’ of the leadership core, who exemplifies the focus and characteristics of the team the most, and who should be given the honour and privilege of having a ‘C’ on their Maple Leafs jersey.

They also know, they need somebody with personality who can handle the ups and downs of the media scrutiny. Someone who can manage their time effectively to be able to handle all the behind the scenes responsibilities. Someone who will lead by example, both on and off the ice. And most importantly, someone who can produce and lead them to a Stanley Cup.

ladies and gentlemen, auston matthews is the perfect choice

When Mike Babock travelled back down to Arizona this offseason, the conversation was centred around how Matthews could take the next step this season. They talked about perhaps seeing some time on the penalty kill, which was something Matthews declined two years ago. They talked about linemates, they talked about health and longevity in the game, and most of all they talked about leadership. Mike Babcock is ready for Auston Matthews to be his captain and Auston Matthews is ready and willing to accept the challenge.

The captaincy in hockey in general, is a huge honour, but especially in Toronto. You see the names of the guys who have come before you. We have all the captains banners lined up for us in the practice rink. You know the names, what they brought to the team, their competitiveness, what they did throughout the community, so it’s bit of a bigger honour, in my opinion, to bestow that in Toronto – Auston Matthews to the Athletic

Auston Matthews has prepared himself for a breakout season. He’s ready for the Maple Leafs to find another level of success, and he’s ready to lead the way, both on and off the ice. There’s nothing he wants more than to have the honour of being the first Leaf in 52 years to be called over by the commissioner of the league to raise some new hardware.

Auston Matthews is dedicated to the game and he’s dedicated to making a difference. Perfect example – is how he frequents SickKids children’s hospital throughout the entire year and most of the time he’s going there by himself and unannounced. No pictures, no quotes, no attention. He doesn’t need it and he doesn’t want it.

He does, however, want the ‘C’ in Toronto and opening night vs the rival Sens, expect to hear the loudest roar at Scotiabank Arena go to the final player they introduce.

Your captain, number 34, Auston Matthews.

FWIW: Marner, Rielly and Tavares will have A’s and Spezza will also have one when someone misses a game. Or they may go two A’s at home, and two A’s on the road, regardless, those are the 4 names to expect.