Maple Leafs' $60 Million Veteran Sounds Off on Team Captains

Toronto Maple Leafs $60-million veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly spoke about the team’s decision to name Auston Matthews as their new captain, succeeding John Tavares, at the event held by the organization on August 14.

Rielly, as captured by bardown on TikTok , acknowledged the challenges that Tavares faced in stepping down from the captaincy, a role he held with dignity since 2019.

"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," Rielly said. "I had a chance to speak with him, and the first thing that I felt was, how well he's handling it.

"[Tavares'] view on things, as this has kinda come about--he's been outstanding, but that's no surprise to anyone. 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."

Turning to Matthews, Rielly expressed his excitement and confidence in the new captain’s ability to lead the Leafs.

"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," Rielly said. "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 opportunity for our team to move forward. So, we're all very excited for him."

The trio comprised of Rielly, Matthews, and Tavares, is under contract for only one more season together as Tavares will become a free agent in July 2025.

Other than the former captain, however, Rielly is the top-paid defenseman of the Leafs and is under contract through June 2028. Matthews has the top-valued salary all across Toronto's roster through the same summer.

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