The Maple Leafs formally announced their new captain this morning. Even though John Tavares is still in the area, Auston Matthews will now wear the C.
The group is essentially discussing a “transition” while keeping an eye on the future. Tavares claims he was the one who brought up the suggestion, and that before speaking with Matthews, he discussed it with Brad Treliving.
We all agree that Tavares wasn’t going to claim he was coerced into doing it, true or not, so that’s the official narrative, at least.
Nevertheless, some individuals believe that there might be more involved in this shift. While appearing on Sportsnet 590 The FAN, James Mirtle, the Leafs’ reporter for The Athletic, brought up one such possibility:
If John Tavares dropped the C, it might be to extend his contract. – James Mirtle
We know that Tavares, whose contract expires at the end of the coming season, will almost certainly see his salary reduced on his next pact. It’s unlikely that any team will offer him $11 million a year, after all.
And if he wants to stay in Toronto, which is looking to cut salary, there’s no way he’s going to make that kind of annual salary.
On the other hand, if Tavares ever wants to stay in Toronto, letting Matthews be captain increases his chances of staying. Presumably, Matthews would have become captain at the end of Tavares’ deal, and getting rid of him could have been an easy way to make the transition.
Suddenly, however, it’s much easier to come to an agreement with Tavares on the terms of a less expensive contract to keep him in town. He may no longer be a superstar, but he can still help the Leafs.
And if Tavares, who has just given up his C, also agrees to a pay cut in a year’s time to stay in town, he’ll climb in the estimation of Toronto fans. Perhaps it’s a calculated decision on his part to save his legacy as a member of the Maple Leafs, a legacy that’s mostly associated with six years of disappointment at the moment.
