Toronto Maple Leafs Considering Stripping Former Islanders Captain John Tavares Of The 'C'

When New York Islanders captain John Tavares left Long Island in the summer of 2018 to join his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, it seemed inevitable that he'd be named the captain at some point over his seven-year deal.

Related: Source: Islanders Have Inquired About Long-Island Native & Ottawa Senators Forward Shane Pinto

A year later, ahead of the 2019-20 season, the "C" was his after he donned an "A" for a captain-less Toronto squad in his first season.

But after being the captain for the last five seasons, with the Maple Leafs making it past the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs just once, it sounds like a leadership change could be in the cards.

On Monday, Sprotsnet's Nick Kypreos shared on his podcast, " Real Kyper And Bourne ", that the Leafs are considering taking the 'C' away from Tavares.

"From what I’m hearing, the Leafs are contemplating taking the captaincy away from him and giving it to Auston (Matthews). They will talk about it. I’m not saying it’s going to happen, but it’s real,” Kypreos said.

Tavares, who scored 29 goals with 36 assists for 65 points before a goal and assists in seven playoff games, has one year remaining on his contract worth $11 million.

TOP STORIES

Related: Clutterbuck Goes After Tavares Following Islanders Win Against The Maple Leafs

Related: Former Islanders Captain John Tavares In Dispute With Canadian Tax Agency

Related: John Tavares Will Be In Fans Crosshairs, But Islanders Have To Focus On Themselves