John Tavares is a class act for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Auston Matthews Era as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs is now official. John Tavares gracefully ceded the captaincy to Matthews, allowing the latter to become the 26th captain in team history. While many applaud the decision, there’s one thing that’s been overlooked: The class with which Tavares agreed to the transition.

Of course, things could have been worse. The Toronto Maple Leafs could have pushed Tavares out the door. They could have attempted to trade him or even threaten to bench him unless he agreed to a deal.

But none of that happened.

The transition went ahead without a war. That happened thanks to Tavares’ class. He is truly a gentleman who understood the dynamics involved in the hockey business. Tavares knew that if he didn’t peacefully surrender his leadership position, it would be taken from him.

If that had happened, Tavares would have been the subject of public embarrassment and isolation. With the way things ultimately went down, Tavares kept his dignity while being quite politely shown the door.

Now, we can’t blame the Leafs for doing what they did. Matthews is the team’s most marketable figure. The Toronto Maple Leafs are now Auston Matthews’ team.

In the end, Tavares’ was the captain during one of the longest periods of sustained competitive hockey in Toronto Maple Leafs History.

John Tavares is a class act for the Toronto Maple Leafs

Over the years, there were numerous instances in which Tavares’ apparent lack of leadership was questioned. Most commonly, critics slammed Tavares for his lack of outward character. Despite saying all the right things, acting the right way, and keeping his cool at all times, fans and the media didn’t let go.

The club brought in other veteran players to support Tavares in his leadership role. Players like Ryan O’Reilly, Nick Foligno, Patrick Marleau, and Jumbo Joe Thornton were all brought into help mould young players like Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander into the roles they were destined to play.

The writing was on the wall for Tavares. Personally, my perception was that the Leafs would let Tavares play his final year as captain and then allow him to ride off into the sunset.

However, the Toronto Maple Leafs get the sense of urgency that’s befallen on the team. Their out of time. They have to do something to appease the fan base.

But make no mistake about it. This move, while exciting and commercially profitable, will not move the needle in the least bit unless the Leafs tear up the league next season. If Matthews hits 70 goals, the club comfortably secures a playoff spot, and makes a solid postseason run, Leafs Nation will remind team management that, despite the changes, nothing has really changed.