John Tavares not pushed into stepping aside for Auston Matthews

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John Tavares’ sons ran around Real Sports restaurant in their new Auston Matthews sweaters, too young to comprehend the significance of their father’s role in the day’s events. 

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Whenever anyone has given up the captaincy of the Maple Leafs, it has been by trade, retirement or a highly publicized push out the window. However, Tavares, soon to be 34 years old, chose to pass the ‘C’ to a player seven years his junior while still an active Leaf for what both hope will be for the betterment of the club.

Minutes before, Tavares officially relinquished the ‘C’, a letter that’s been a blessing — and sometimes a curse — to the 25 men who’ve worn it before Matthews. While it was inevitable Matthews would get the honour, Wednesday’s announcement was equally newsworthy for how the transition unfolded, with Tavares staying at least a year more and possibly longer. 

In July, when general manager Brad Treliving raised the topic of succession as Tavares entered the final year of his contract, the latter knew where that ship was heading.  

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“I’ve given the captaincy everything I have, every single day,” Tavares said on Wednesday. “It’s meant the world to my family and I.  

“We’ve come to the decision that now is the time to pass it to Auston. This decision is definitely not about whether I’ve succeeded or failed, whether I’m capable or whether my time has passed. I feel stronger than ever in my ability to compete at a high level and make significant contributions through my leadership. 

“I do recognize the development of our young core and where they are today, specifically Auston. This is recognition of the maturation of a person who has shown a skill set that is special and who has a relentless drive to win. In that, I believe Auston can become more, that he’s ready for the responsibility and he can have an even greater impact on the team.” 

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In late July, after telling Treliving he was agreeable to stepping aside, Tavares called Matthews, reminding him he was influential in convincing himself to sign his seven-year, $77-million U.S. deal as a free agent in 2018, as a member of what became known as the Core Four with Mitch Marner and William Nylander.    

Tavares and Treliving presented the team’s first U.S.-born captain his new ‘C’ worthy 34 sweater that will no doubt be a big seller in Leafs Nation. Tavares will retain an alternate’s ‘A’ with new coach Craig Berube, whose arrival provided timing for a change, to get last word on whether Morgan Rielly and Marner keep their letters, though both were front-row guests Wednesday. 

“John has told me he didn’t come to Toronto (in 2018) to be captain of the Leafs, he came to win a Stanley Cup in his hometown,” Treliving said. “That goal still drives him today. He knew this day would come, told me that when he first looked around the room and saw the talent, that Auston would become the next captain. 

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“It’s not that I thought there was something wrong (that mandated a change in the captaincy). As a manager, you’re trying to push things forward, trying to find a way and that’s what we’re doing here, knock on the door, knock on the door, and push through.” 

But when the Leafs didn’t win the Stanley Cup, just one playoff series in fact, it was obviously going to reflect poorly on the leaders. Perhaps it will help Tavares to have a clear head as a less-pressured Leaf, while Matthews, who has been hot, cold and injured at playoff time, might thrive in the additional spotlight. 

“I think this gives him a chance to spread his wings and grow,” Tavares said. “(But) I mentioned to him the other day, that it’s a tremendous honour, but it’s not all on his shoulders and for him to be himself, to have key people to lean on and trust himself and his instincts. You don’t have all the answers and leaning on people is critical.”   

Matthews does not foresee any conflicts. 

“Our relationship has been great and has continued to evolve through the years,” he said. “(The congratulatory call) was very emotional, open and honest and it has meant a lot to have his support through this whole thing.” 

Matthews signed the sweaters for five-year-old Jace Tavares and Axton, three. 

“My boys love their collection of jerseys and got to add another one,” laughed Tavares. 

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