Following the initial reports, more information has emerged on the case of the Toronto Maple Leafs stripping John Tavares of his captaincy - and it appears the decision was made due to his lackluster performance in the playoff against the Boston Bruins in the first round this past season, and in every other playoff series he has been involved in since signing in 2018.
Per Darren Dreger and Chris Johnston, John Tavares has been heavily involved in the process over this off-season as he enters his last season of his $77 million contract and possibly his last season as a Toronto Maple Leaf. The former New York Islanders first overall pick equally served as their captain before leaving in free agency in 2018.
Auston Matthews has 60-goal pedigree and true superstar skill, and he is the obvious choice to lead the Toronto Maple Leafs into their next era, on a NHL-record $13.25 million annual deal.