Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews ready to take next step
Auston Matthews did not hold back when asked about potentially being the Toronto Maple Leafs captain one day and improving his game.
There have been many questions surrounding Auston Matthews, with the addition of John Tavares and whether he wants to be the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
It appears that we now we finally have some answers to those questions, after Matthews did a one-on-one interview with Jonas Siegal of the Athletic (subscription required).
Most of the discussion looked at a busy offseason for the 2016 first overall pick, as well as his expectations going into the season.
Considering how his season ended with a less than stellar performance in the playoffs against the Boston Bruins, it should come as no surprise that Matthews is focused on improving his game.
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He mentions that he would be ready if the front office came to him about being the next captain, but acknowledged Tavares might get consideration. At this point, the team have gone this long without a captain; it doesn’t seem to be a priority to name one.
What is important for the Leafs is the 20-year-old’s mindset going into this season, because there was some reported frustration which forced Mike Babcock to go and meet with him in Arizona.
"“It was just a discussion, you know?” Matthews told reporters about the meeting. “I think you [media] guys look too much into it. It probably would’ve been better if it wasn’t so out to the public. The conversation went well. You move on from it and you go forward. Obviously, both of us hope to be here for a long time.”"
Back in July, Matthews told Luke Fox of Sportsnet that he went on a trip to Mexico at the end of the season. It appears that it was exactly what he needed to clear his head.
Matthews also puts a lot of pressure on himself to be on the same level as Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid and he does enough to warrant similar praise. Now he has a player who has dealt with those expectations to learn from.
Tavares was a player granted exceptional status when he dominated the OHL, was a standout at the World Juniors for Team Canada and still managed to perform at a high level despite not having a strong supporting cast with the New York Islanders.
Former Leafs captain Doug Gilmour said at Smashfest that Matthews will benefit the most from Tavares.
"“One hundred percent it will,” Gilmour said of Tavares to reporters. “He’s old enough. He’s smart enough. He’s good enough. He was the captain of the New York Islanders. He’s a leader and can help shield some of the [attention] from Auston, who’s still only just 20.”"
While the Leafs have done a good job insulating the young core with veteran players like Patrick Marleau, and Ron Hainsey, it doesn’t hurt to add another player who will lead by example both on and off the ice.
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In just two seasons, Matthews has accomplished a lot but he knows that success in the postseason is a priority for the Leafs. At least now he doesn’t have to feel like it’s on him to do it all on his own.