Tavares vs Matthews: Odds to be the Leafs’ Next Captain

• John Tavares shocked the hockey world and signed with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency
• Will Tavares get to wear the “C”, or is this Auston Matthews’ Toronto Maple Leafs?

John Tavares is a Toronto Maple Leaf. And there was much rejoicing from Leafs Nation.

On July 1st, the premiere free agent of 2018 decided that he would be bringing his talents home. Tavares, a native of Mississauga who had spent nine seasons with the New York Islanders, spurned five other suitors to make a childhood dream come true.

The addition of Tavares rocketed the Leafs up the Stanley Cup odds chart. The Leafs have become the favorites (+700), with Tampa (+900) and Boston (+950) trailing.

Now that Toronto is favored to win the Cup, the only thing left to solve in Leaf-land is who will be the first player to hoist the Cup. I’m talking, of course, who will wear the “C” on their jersey.

Sportsbooks have weighed in on the matter, offering these odds:

The case for and against Tavares as the Leafs Captain

It’s easy to make a compelling argument as to why John Tavares should be the next Leafs captain. He spent five years as the Islanders’ captain, leading them to the playoffs twice.

He has also faced the expectations of being a former first-overall pick and thrived, evolving into a consistent producer. That’s something Matthews can learn from.

Who do you think should captain the @MapleLeafs: @AM34 or @91Tavares? #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/iendcIuNDp

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 14, 2018

There are two thoughts against Tavares being named captain, one of which is legitimate, while the other is just a narrative.

The first, is how you can name someone a captain of a team when he has never played a game for them.

For all his success on Long Island, that impact hasn’t been felt in Toronto. Morgan Rielly and Nazem Kadri were there when things were rough for the Leafs. Mitch Marner, William Nylander and Auston Matthews have been there for the past two seasons, making key contributions to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Does it send the right message to give the ‘C’ to someone who hasn’t been there, done that?

The other, and less justifiable, theory, is that naming him the Leafs captain would make Matthews mad, thus driving a wedge between the franchise and their superstar.

By all accounts, Matthews played a part in bringing Tavares aboard. And if conversations like this happened between Matthews and Tavares, they likely happened between Matthews and the team.

Told that Auston Matthews is absolutely ecstatic about the Tavares news; Matthews reached out to Tavares during the process encouraging him to join the Leafs.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2018

The Case for and against Matthews as the Leafs Captain

In leading the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the dark ages, Matthews has become the face of the franchise.

Matthews exploded onto the scene with four goals against the Ottawa Senators in his NHL debut and never slowed down. He’s racked up 132 points in 144 games. His 74 goals are sixth-most in that span. After one playoff appearance in 11 seasons for the Leafs, Matthews has got them there in back-to-back years.

Teams have also been less afraid of dolling out the captaincy to young players lately, so long as they’re franchise definers.

Connor McDavid was officially named captain of the @EdmontonOilers today becoming the youngest captain in NHL history. pic.twitter.com/ZgRlRd3CJR

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 5, 2016

Since 2008, the mark for ‘youngest captain in NHL history’ has been re-established three times. On May 31st, 2007 Sidney Crosby was named captain of the Penguins at 19 years, 297 days. Then Gabe Landeskog was named captain of the Avalanche, followed by Connor McDavid with Edmonton.

Auston Matthews may be the best player the Leafs have, and he may fall in line with young stars taking on a leadership role. But he also has to want it.

Consider what former Leafs’ captain Mats Sundin told TSN 1050:

It’s easy to say Auston Matthews, he should be the captain. But saying that, it has to be a player and a person that also wants to carry that responsibility and actually plays better wearing the C.

He also has the chance to lean on and learn from someone who knows what he’s doing before being ‘the guy’. Leafs brass may think that’s equally important, as around the time Tavares’ contract expires, Matthews will just be entering his prime.

Final Thoughts

With both staring at seemingly lengthy futures in Toronto, Tavares is the good initial bet. Matthews can lean on him, share the spotlight, and there’s nothing saying he can’t take over partway through, or after, Tavares’ tenure.

There’s also the mystery surrounding the front of Tavares’ jersey:

https://twitter.com/gregbradyTO/status/1014114443041517569

The Leafs could decide to go captain-less for a third-straight season. Even if they do, expect the ‘C’ to land with Tavares first, even if it’s to buy a little time for Matthews.