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When the Maple Leafs often rabid fan base clamoured for change over the summer after an eighth straight early exit from the Stanley Cup playoffs, the organization looked around at what it might do differently.
A new coach in Craig Berube and a handful of free-agent signings in the likes of Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson represent tangible change.
Then they found they could also change an intangible — the captaincy.
The lead-by-example but stoic John Tavares agreed to cede the C to Auston Matthews, another with a last-off-the-ice vibe, but one whose words and actions might come off as more of a rallying cry in tough moments.
He’s got an emotional, rah-rah side.
“He’s not always rah-rah during the game, but he has that in his personality,” said defenceman Morgan Rielly. “It does come out during the game, but it also comes out when we’re playing video games, when we’re doing stuff on the road. He has that for sure.”
It hasn’t yet changed the vibe in the room — at least not noticeably. Tavares remains a presence and a valued voice.
But now there’s the recognition — especially among the younger players — that this is Matthews’ team.
“He’s been a leader since I’ve been here,” teammate Matthew Knies said of Matthews. “It was always kind of his team. He was always leading the charge, not just in like producing and points and goals, but in the locker room as an example, how much time he spends here, taking care of himself, making sure he’s healthy.
“The little things like that young guys like me can pick up on. I talk to him on the bench a lot and he helps me a lot when it comes to systems and making sure I’m prepared. It’s always being there, being vocal, getting the guys going and stuff like that is what he helps with.”
Matthews is the 26th captain in Leafs history and the first American to wear the C. He said the letter won’t change him.
“I’ve been put in this role and this situation because of who I am,” said Matthews. “It’s the continual evolution of myself as a person and as a player. So I don’t think there’s really something I need to go in and just completely change. It’s just continue to try to be a better version of myself and take steps in different areas as a player and continue to learn.”
While fans might like to see the captain’s emotional side, some personality, some fun, that’s not necessarily what’s most important in the room.
“Great leaders lead by example,” said former captain Mats Sundin. “I don’t think it’s the big rah-rah speech that makes a difference. It’s the day-in and day-out. Get the respect from your teammates and lead by example. That’s the only way to lead.”
Matthews, like Tavares before him, has that reputation with his teammates as well.
“They both lead by example,” said teammate Nick Robertson. “A lot of guys can talk in the locker room. J.T. (Tavares) and Auston have that same trait of just going out there and doing what needs to be done.
“As we go on seeing Auston with the C, you kind of get a feel for how he is. It’s exciting and challenging for him as well. You’re happy to see him with it.”
The Maple Leafs — an organization that dates back to 1917 — have never had a player quite like Matthews.
He can take over a game, score at will, using a variety of different shots or approaches — in close, dangle, one-timer. He’s the only Leaf to win the Rocket Richard Trophy, and he’s done so three times. He’s the only Leaf to win the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player as chosen by his peers. And he has a Hart (most valuable to his team) and a Calder (rookie of the year).
“I’ve noticed a lot of changes in him over the years,” Rielly said of Matthews. “He’s more conscious of the impact that he has when he walks into a room. And I can see he’s more thoughtful when he spends time with every player in this room, whether it’s after practice or in the gym.
“He spends a lot of time, whether it’s just chatting or trying to get to know them. He realizes more now the impact his presence has than he did when he was younger.”
If Matthews isn’t already the greatest player in team history, he’s certainly on his way. Matthews is 53 goals away from passing Sundin as the team’s all-time leading goal-scorer, with the captaincy now playing a pivotal role in his growth.
“The Toronto Maple Leafs (are) the biggest market franchise in the world,” said Sundin. “So many great players have been captain, and it is a huge honour and responsibility.
“But Auston is the top guy on the team. He is a leader and he deserves it. So I think it’s something that is going to make him even a better player.”
Whether this intangible change in the captaincy makes a difference come playoff time remains to be seen.
“Little things like that get the juice up a little bit,” said Knies. “It shows that we’re going to try to do anything to get over the hump and win.”