In a move that stunned fans and media alike, newly appointed Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube held a press conference this morning where he announced that superstar forward Auston Matthews has been named the new captain of the team.
The unexpected announcement comes just weeks after Berube was hired to replace Sheldon Keefe following the Leafs’ early playoff exit. While many anticipated changes under Berube’s leadership, few saw this coming—especially considering the team had a captain in John Tavares, who has worn the “C” since 2019.
“After discussions with management and conversations in the locker room, we’ve made the decision to name Auston Matthews the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” Berube said. “This wasn’t a decision we made lightly, and it’s certainly not a reflection on John [Tavares]. He has been a tremendous leader and will continue to be a huge part of our leadership group. But we feel the time is right for Auston to take that next step.”
A Shift in Leadership
The decision represents a major shift in the leadership dynamic of one of the NHL’s most high-profile franchises. Tavares, a hometown hero and respected voice in the locker room, had served admirably as captain through several up-and-down seasons. However, with the Leafs once again falling short in the postseason and a new coach at the helm, it seems the organization is ready to turn the page.
Matthews, 27, has long been the face of the franchise. Drafted first overall in 2016, he’s a former Hart Trophy winner, a Rocket Richard Trophy regular, and arguably one of the most dominant goal-scorers in the modern era. But leadership has often been something discussed in the shadows when it came to his role on the team.
Now, it’s official.
“Auston has grown tremendously both on and off the ice,” Berube said. “He’s respected, he leads by example, and he’s embraced what it means to be a Maple Leaf. We believe he’s ready to lead this team into a new era.”
Fan Reactions: Excitement, Shock, and a Bit of Division
As news of the captaincy change broke, Leafs Nation lit up social media. Many fans expressed excitement over the new direction and confidence in Matthews’ ability to lead.
“It’s about time! This is Auston’s team—he’s earned it,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
But not all reactions were celebratory. Others were surprised—and even a little dismayed—by the perceived ousting of Tavares.
“Wow. Total disrespect to JT,” another fan wrote. “He’s been nothing but class. Don’t like this at all.”
The move seems to have split fans between those eager to see a more vocal, aggressive leadership approach from Matthews and those who believe Tavares still deserved to hold the “C” for the remainder of his time in Toronto.
What About Tavares?
Berube addressed the elephant in the room early in the press conference, clarifying that Tavares was not being “demoted” in any way, but that the change was simply a part of evolving team culture.
“John is still a critical part of this group, and I’ve had nothing but respectful, honest conversations with him,” said Berube. “This is about passing the torch, not taking it away.”
Tavares, who is entering the final year of his contract, released a statement shortly after the announcement:
“I’m proud to have served as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and will continue to support Auston and the team in every way I can. Our goal remains the same—to bring a Stanley Cup to this city.”
A New Era Begins
With the captaincy change, the Leafs appear to be signaling a more assertive and energized vision for the future. Berube, known for his no-nonsense style and his Stanley Cup win with the St. Louis Blues in 2019, seems intent on pushing Toronto’s core to a new level of accountability and performance.
For Matthews, the pressure will only grow. He is now not only the team’s best player but also its spiritual and emotional leader. The spotlight, already intense, just got hotter.
But if there’s one player in the NHL built for it, it might be him.
The Road Ahead
As the Leafs gear up for the offseason and begin to reshape their roster for another shot at playoff glory, all eyes will be on Matthews—now wearing the “C” on his chest—for signs that this new chapter can finally deliver what the city has craved for decades