PHOTOS: John Tavares Passes Maple Leafs' Captaincy Over to Auston Matthews
Tavares, Matthews, Rielly, Marner, Shanahan, Berube, and Treliving all spoke following the presentation.
Auston Matthews was unveiled as the 26th captain in Maple Leafs history inside a packed Real Sports Bar in Toronto.
It was a big moment for many, in and outside, the organization. Matthews' parents and the entire family of John Tavares were in attendance as the 33-year-old passed the captaincy over to the 26-year-old on Wednesday.
Other notable guests at the ceremony were former Maple Leafs captains Doug Gilmour and Wendel Clark, MLSE CEO Keith Pelley, MLSE Chair Larry Tanenbaum, Toronto President Brendan Shanahan, GM Brad Treliving, and head coach Craig Berube.
"This decision is the recognition of the maturation of a special person," Tavares said, in front of a full crowd inside Real Sports Bar, steps away from Scotiabank Arena.
Below are several photos of the presentation that saw Matthews as the next captain of the Maple Leafs.
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After presenting Matthews with the new honor, Treliving added that Tavares would remain an assistant captain with Toronto next season. Head coach Berube will determine the remainder of the assistant captains ahead of the upcoming season.
"I think that's the goal, to be a Leaf for life, to win here, with my teammates, for this city," Matthews said on Wednesday.
"I've loved every minute of being a Toronto Maple Leaf. Like I said, it's such a tremendous honor, and you can only take it one day at a time, but I hope that's the case."
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