The Toronto Maple Leafs unveiled Auston Matthews as the 26th captain in franchise history on Wednesday, a move that was fully supported by a number of people, including veteran Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly.
Rielly, the longest-tenured Maple Leaf, attended the press conference along with fellow teammate Mitch Marner, and spoke to the media after John Tavares passed the torch to Matthews, in a move that has the Leafs’ blueliner’s full support:
“I think he (Matthews) brings a lot to the table obviously when it comes to leadership and character, and obviously he’s an outstanding player, we all know that. As a person and a teammate, we have had the opportunity to watch him grow, watch him mature over the last eight or nine years, whatever it’s been”, said Reilly.
“So you know, I think he’s extremely excited and I think he’s prepared this role, this next chapter, I think it’s a great oppourtunity for our team to move forward. So we’re all very excited for him.”
While Matthews has certainly come a long way since his opening act in Ottawa in 2016-17, the most impressive thing about this whole ordeal was how much class and professionalism Tavares exemplified throughout the entire process. Especially throughout Matthews’ big day on Wednesday, where Tavares had his kids show up in Matthews jerseys and said all the right things about being excited for Matthews and the team moving forward. Certainly a gesture that Rielly isn’t surprised by based on Tavares’ character.
“I think it speaks volumes about who John is as a person and where his priorities lie. I think for him, the only thing that really matters is our team and the results we’re able to get during the season and what’s best for our group”, said Reilly on his former captain.
“I think when this came about there were some challenges for him, but, I think he’s handled everything like the class act that he is. I had a chance to speak with him, and the first thing that I felt was, how well he’s handling it. His view on things, as this has kinda come about, he’s been outstanding, but that’s no surprise to anyone.”
Tavares was captain of the Maple Leafs for the past five seasons and as expected, handled the duties like a true professional, day in and day out. It’s a role that Tavares took very seriously and with a touch of grace and he’s certainly made any transition, especially over to Matthews, as seamless as possible.
Matthews and Tavares have a very strong relationship, on and off the ice. They both look up to each other in different ways, and Rielly thinks their relationship being so strong is what makes this transition as easy and seamless as possible for everyone involved.
“I think Auston’s fortunate to have that relationship with John. As a team, we’re extremely fortunate the two of them working together the way they have.”
While Tavares’ sweater will look a little bit different next season, Rielly doesn’t see his role changing that much moving forward, “I don’t think it’s going to change much. I think it’s obviously challenging to deal with this change, in what you wear on your jersey, but he’s going to come in and be a leader. He’s an outstanding player, and we have no questions about who he is, or how he can play. So, I think the hope would be we’re going to make it a smooth transition and keep growing as a team.”
The Maple Leafs are ready for their next chapter, the Auston Matthews-Era. It’s essentially a dream scenario being able to have Tavares on board and to have Matthews there waiting in the wings for his chance to take the franchise back to the top.
Does Rielly think Matthews is the perfect choice, even though some felt Rielly could be in the running if this change was coming?
“We’re very lucky to have him (Matthews) in there. He is that guy. You look at the best players in the world, he’s right there. He’d be right there with the best teammates in the world, as well. He cares about everybody, he treats everybody with respect and that’s a contagious part of his personality.”
Sounds like the Maple Leafs are in good hands.
