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Former Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive's thoughts on how Tavares truly feels about passing the torch

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Chris Gerics
August 24, 2024 (12:12)

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Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs

When John Tavares passed the captaincy to Auston Matthews, Tavares did this with modesty and grace; but one former Maple Leaf thinks it may not have been all rainbows.

While the change surprised many people, it's been clear for a long time that the team is Matthews' team. Tavares was pegged to be the captain until he left Toronto or retired but obviously that's not the case. In the mind of former Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive, Tavares may have not had much of a choice in the matter.

While speaking to Leafs Morning Take, Vaive told hosts Jay Rosehill and Nick Alberga that the transition of Tavares to Matthews as captain may not have been as originally reported.

"I think he's handled it very well, now was it his choice, you know nobody really knows -- and I know Johnny pretty good and he's a good person, he works his tail off, my son played with him for 3 years with the Marlies in the GTHL, so I know him very well -- was it his choice? Or was it kind of like 'what are you planning on next year? Do you wanna be back here and if you are...' You know, who knows? It's one of those things, but Johnny will be professional about it, there's no question."

Vaive's closeness to Tavares is intriguing, and knowing his relationship he could have a bit more insight than most. Could it have been a question of Tavares' ability as he gears down towards the end of his career, or if he would want to come back if he would be willing to relinquish the captaincy.

Although I feel that it's never good when you lose a position you've held for so long, Tavares is a true professional inside and out, and him giving up the captaincy is just another humbling gesture from the man who wears #91.

Previously on MapleLeafsLatest

One year later: Auston Matthews reaches the top of this incredible milestone

AHL Board of Governors announces significant change for this season

Maple Leafs fail and miss out on exciting goaltending rookie Askarov

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24 AOUT \| 73 ANSWERS Former Maple Leafs captain Rick Vaive's thoughts on how Tavares truly feels about passing the torch Do you think John Tavares did not want to give up the captaincy?
Yes	43	58.9 %
No	30	41.1 %
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