Dreger reported that this change began to grow after the Maple Leafs lost in the first round to the Boston Bruins. During the exit interviews, the first indications of a change in captaincy was broached to Tavares.
Over the past couple of months, discussions grew louder with Tavares working with general manager Brad Treliving on how this will transpire.
Tavares has been captain of the Maple Leafs for five seasons and during that time the Leafs have only won one playoff round with some playoff rounds being downright disastrous.
Many pundits across the league felt this change was coming well before the announcement was made as Leafs management explained that everything was on the table during their year end interview with the media.
Many people felt that a major trade was imminent with a player like Mitch Marner being moved in order to change the look of the Core Four. But with no trade on the horizon, it seems the Maple Leafs are satisfied with changing the captain while reconfiguring the defense core and goaltending.
With that being said, it remains to be seen on whether this change will be enough to give the Leafs a different look. The same playoff failures that have gone on over the last number of years still fall on the shoulders of the players that are still with the team.
Perhaps, a new voice with a new head coach maybe enough to change their fortunes and hope for a longer playoff run.
There will be a press conference set for Wednesday August 14th at 11:00am to announce the change.
