Opinion: No-Brainer, Auston Matthews should be the next Maple Leafs Captain

Gilmour. Clark. Sundin. Matthews.

Last offseason Maple Leafs head coach, Mike Babcock made a trip to Arizona to spend some time with Auston Matthews to discuss his expectations coming into the 2018/2019 season. This offseason Auston Matthews should make a trip North.

The American superstar with a global resume was in complete beast mode the entire 7 game series with the Bruins as he led the Leafs with 5 goals in 7 games. With the way Matthews carried himself on and off the ice during the postseason to go along with 3 excellent years in Toronto (205 points in 212 games), the Maple Leafs could not be happier. Add in the fact Matthews was full of candid quotes, factual information, and a level of accountability in the tone of his voice with the media and Kyle Dubas has a no-brainer on his hands, make Auston Matthews the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Maple Leafs have gone 5 of the last 11 years without a Captain, it’s time to give Matthews the reigns. Some would say it’s just a letter on the jersey while others would say it’s a huge honour and a privilege. You can debate to lead by example, or you can choose the side of being the vocal leader instead. Regardless of your leadership style preference, Auston Matthews trail blazed his own path to the league. He's become a massive name for the NHL, he's an all-star, he produces in the playoffs. What more are you looking for? Add in the fact the Maple Leafs management group and everyone single one of his teammates love him, starting sewing the C on now.

With rumblings of Patrick Marleau being on his way out of town, the Leafs are confident they can build a leadership core around Matthews, Marner, Tavares and Morgan Rielly. Leafs Nation would love if the same day Matthews answers questions about becoming the next Captain of the Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner is answering questions about how the ink is still wet from his signature on the dotted line of his brand-new extension.