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Connor McDavid's praise for Auston Matthews as the new Toronto Maple Leafs captain has NHL fans talking. In August, Matthews took over as the 26th captain of the Maple Leafs from John Tavares. Despite their on-ice rivalry, Oilers captain McDavid sees Matthews as an excellent choice for the role.
At the NHL North American Media Tour in Las Vegas, McDavid praised Matthews.
"First and foremost, he's an amazing player, great player, but he's a great person, highly intelligent, loves the game, loves the Leafs," McDavid said. "I think he's a great captain."
McDavid also mentioned that Matthews' style is a good fit for Toronto.
"He's definitely got a little bit more style than maybe I do, and Toronto's a stylish city," McDavid added. "I think he represents the city great and the team."
Following this, NHL fans started reacting to the news on X.
"The last sentence…he’s basically saying AM is living his dream!!," one fan said.
"Nice words coming from Matthew’s future assistant captain," another fan said.
"Oilers fans won’t enjoy reading that. Those meatheads actually think either player cares what both fanbase say. Greatness acknowledges greatness," one X user said.
Take a look at some more reactions from fans on X.
"McDavid will look good with the A on his leafs sweater in 2027," a fan tweeted.
"McDavid has the PASSION," a fan said.
"I've seen Connor talk more now than the previous what 10+ years?," a fan commented.
Auston Matthews is entering his ninth season in the NHL and is at the top of his game.
John Tavares on Auston Matthews taking his place as Leafs captain
John Tavares stepped down as Toronto Maple Leafs captain for Auston Matthews to lead the charge. This year the Leafs made some big changes replacing their head coach Sheldon Keefe, and this move was part of the change.
Tavares was more than willing for the change.
"I thought the time was now for him to take charge and be the captain and be the leader of our club and how ready he was for it," Tavares said. "He's got my full support to continue what when I came here six years ago to do and wanting to bring the Stanley Cup back here to Toronto and finding a way to do that."
A good playoff run and a potential Stanley Cup win are necessary to keep the Leafs' core four together.
