Auston Matthews named Leafs captain [Video]

Next time the Toronto Maple Leafs play a hockey game, star centre Auston Matthews will have a ‘C’ on his jersey.

Matthews, 26, was named the team’s new captain in a press conference on Wednesday. He takes over from John Tavares, who had held the captaincy since 2019.

• Download our app to get alerts on your device
• Get the latest local updates right to your inbox

“I got chills, honestly. I’m so honoured and humbled,” Matthews said at a press conference announcing his captaincy. “Since being drafted here eight years ago, you realize how special it is to play for the city of Toronto, to wear the Maple Leaf on your chest every night.

“It just means the world.”

Matthews signed a four-year, US$53 million contract extension last August that kicks in for the upcoming season. Tavares, meanwhile, is scheduled to hit free agency next summer.

Tavares was present at the news conference and said he supported the decision.

The 33-year-old said he called Matthews in late July to inform him of the …