Huge change in Toronto's lineup and Auston Matthews is involved

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Dominic Pouliot
August 12, 2024 (8:52 PM)

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In the last hour, the Toronto Maple Leafs have announced a press conference, which is highly unusual for this time of year.

According to insider Darren Dreger, the press conference is expected to announce that Matthews will become the 26th captain in the franchise's history. Chris Johnston confirmed this just a few minutes later.

What will happen with John Tavares?

The man who is starting the final year of a 7-year, $77 million deal has been the Leafs' captain since the 2019-20 season. John Tavares has been involved in trade rumors for several months due to his hefty contract and the Maple Leafs' salary situation.

It's worth noting that the four star forwards for the Toronto team-Auston Matthews, John Tavares, William Nylander, and Mitch Marner-will occupy $46.65 million in cap space. This seems to confirm the open secret that Brad Treliving's Leafs will not re-sign their former captain.

Auston Matthews, why him?

The 26-year-old forward is starting a new 4-year, $53 million deal, averaging $13.25 million per season. This is the highest annual average in NHL history. The American forward is one of the league's biggest stars and appears to be the face of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Matthews just completed a season with 69 goals and 107 points, the highest single-season goal total in Maple Leafs history. According to the new Leafs management, Matthews is their new leader.