Maple Leafs fans react to Auston Matthews reportedly becoming captain
Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star centre, is set to become the franchise's 26th captain, according to reports.
"Expect the Toronto Maple Leafs to name Auston Matthews captain on Wednesday. This is part of the evolution of Matthews as a leader and current Maple Leafs captain John Tavares fully supports the change. Tavares has been heavily involved in the process with GM Brad Treliving," TSN's Darren Dreger wrote in a post on X.
Hockey fans gathered near Legends Row—where many former captains are honoured outside of Scotiabank Arena—and shared their opinions about Matthews with CTV News Toronto.
Perry Sheppard from Cox's Cove, N.L., said he thinks Matthews should have become captain "a long time ago."
"Because he was the franchise player when he was drafted," Sheppard said.
Since being drafted first overall by the Leafs eight years ago, Matthews, who hails from Scottsdale, Ariz., has won the Calder Trophy as Rookie of the Year, three Rocket Richard trophies as the NHL's top goal scorer, and the Heart Memorial Trophy as league MVP.
"I think it's just great. He's an awesome player and totally worth it," Uffe Samd, a lifelong Leafs fan visiting from Sweden, told CTV News Toronto.
The 26-year-old would be the first American-born captain in franchise history. Tavares, from Mississauga, has been in the role since 2019.
Some hockey fans across Canada don't think Matthews should take the lead.
"I think Tavares is the better choice than Matthews, actually," 15-year-old Rilan Drew from Winnipeg told CTV News Toronto.
"I think it's that leader in the dressing room that kind of gets you that captaincy in the NHL," Dominic Gallis from Edmonton said.
But, when asked if Matthews is that leader, Gallis said, "To me? No."
Former Leafs' player Dale McCourt's son Derek echoed Gallis' sentiments, adding that he prefers long-time Leafs player Morgan Reilly.
"I like Matthews, he's a terrific goal scorer. There's no question about it, but, I think it should be someone who stands up for the team and shows character in the dressing room and I think Reilly has that over Matthews," McCourt said.
Matthews has scored 368 goals, 281 assists, and 649 points since he started playing with the Leafs.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
U.S. presidential historian predicts results of November elections. Here's who he says will win
An American presidential historian is predicting a Kamala Harris presidency as the outcome of the upcoming U.S. elections in November.
7-Eleven ordered to pay B.C. woman $907K for pothole injury
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has ordered 7-Eleven Canada to pay a woman more than $900,000 in damages after she tripped on a pothole and broke her ankle in the parking lot of a convenience store.
NDP MPs embrace distance from 'radioactive' Trudeau brand, as Singh convenes caucus in Montreal
Just days after demolishing his deal with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is holding a three-day strategy session with his MPs in Montreal, where his MPs are embracing their new-found distance from what one called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'radioactive' brand.
Buyers say they lost life savings to a Saskatchewan company selling luxury vacation condos
In 2022, Tanya Frisk-Welburn and her husband bought what they hoped would be a dream home in Mexico.
Inquiry into U.K. hospital where a nurse killed 7 babies will not review evidence against her
An inquiry into an English hospital where a neonatal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill seven others began Tuesday as her supporters push to clear her name.
Viral Olympian Raygun ranked No. 1 breaker in the world by sport's governing body
Australian breaker Rachael Gunn, the Olympian widely known as B-Girl Raygun who went viral after her performance at the Paris Games, is now ranked the No. 1 breaker in the world.
Young camper diagnosed with life-threatening Powassan virus during northern Ont. trip
A nine-year-old boy contracted an often-deadly disease during a camping trip in July in northern Ontario.
Canadian fast food chains create value menus to win back customers
Canada’s restaurant industry is in a slump as money conscious consumers are eating out less and spending less when they do go out.
Judge reserves decision on Hoggard bail attempt as singer seeks SCOC leave to appeal
A justice with Ontario's Appeal Court has reserved her decision on whether Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard should get bail as he tries to appeal his sexual assault conviction at the country's top court.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
Montreal
-
Nearly half of Canadians want federal election after NDP-Liberal agreement ends, poll suggests
Following the announcement of the end of the NDP-Liberal confidence and supply agreement, a new national survey reveals that 47 per cent of Canadians would support calling a federal election to be called, while only 34 per cent would prefer not to.
-
CAQ still hasn't fulfilled promise to create 37,000 daycare spots
Francois Legault's government is far from its commitment to create 37,000 subsidized daycare spaces by March of next year.
-
NDP MPs embrace distance from 'radioactive' Trudeau brand, as Singh convenes caucus in Montreal
Just days after demolishing his deal with Justin Trudeau’s Liberals, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is holding a three-day strategy session with his MPs in Montreal, where his MPs are embracing their new-found distance from what one called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's 'radioactive' brand.
Ottawa
-
Lawsuit alleges Ottawa police wiretapped, surveilled five Black officers of Somali descent
A $2.5 million lawsuit alleges Ottawa police wiretapped and surveilled five of its own Black, Somali officers, hasn't told them why and accuses the service of being an institution "rife with racism and discrimination that over-polices the racialized communities it has pledged to protect."
-
'A lot closer than we were': Senators owner provides update on talks for new arena at LeBreton Flats
Ottawa Senators owner Michael Andlauer admits there's been "more hurdles than meets the eyes" in talks to build a new arena at LeBreton Flats, with the clock ticking towards the deadline to finalize a deal.
-
O-Train service resumes after 'technical issue with cameras'
The O-Train was out of service for more than an hour Tuesday morning "due to a technical issue with cameras on the trains," according to OC Transpo. Full train service resumed just after 8 a.m.
Northern Ontario
-
Video shows tornado moving ashore in northern Ontario
A beautiful Labour Day weekend at the lake was interrupted by some extreme weather when a tornado touched down in northern Ontario.
-
Young camper diagnosed with life-threatening Powassan virus during northern Ont. trip
A nine-year-old boy contracted an often-deadly disease during a camping trip in July in northern Ontario.
-
Hunt widens for man who allegedly threw scalding coffee on baby
A man wanted for allegedly throwing scalding coffee on a baby in an unprovoked attack at a park in the northern Australian state of Queensland is now the subject of an international manhunt.
Kitchener
-
Several Cambridge crosswalks without crossing guards amid shortage
Several crosswalks throughout the city do not have a crossing guard as the city searches for more people to take up the responsibility.
-
Truck rollover on Highway 401 causes traffic backup through Puslinch
Clean-up crews are currently at the scene of a truck rollover on Highway 401.
-
Thousands expected at Canada’s Outdoor Farm Show in Woodstock, Ont.
Ontario’s largest outdoor farm show is expecting to welcome thousands of visitors over the next few days.
London
-
Sarnia dump truck driver charged following crash
Officers responded to the area of Scott Road and St. Andrew Street after a dump truck ended up in a ditch.
-
Roads around Western University remain closed amid support staff strike
The school asks that motorists who do not have a specific reason to be on or around main campus, to avoid the area. About 330 members are on strike after two days of talks with an external mediator came to an end just before Labour Day.
-
TVDSB names interim director of education
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) has named an interim Director of Education. The Board of Trustees has named Bill Tucker to the position, effective immediately, following the news that Mark Fisher would be taking a leave.
Windsor
-
5-year-old girl drowns in backyard pool
Windsor police are investigating the tragic drowning death of a 5-year-old girl in a backyard pool.
-
Arrests increase 38% in Glengarry neighbourhood
Windsor police say violent crime is down in the Glengarry neighbourhood after launching a police initiative last month.
-
'More stable' fall 2024 real estate market predicted: WECAR
The Windsor-Essex County Association of Realtors says the fall outlook is positive amid economic growth and interest rate reductions.
Barrie
-
Bears in schoolyard force students and staff into 2nd hold and secure this week
A Huntsville elementary school is locked down for the second time this week because of some bears roaming the schoolyard.
-
Highway 11 collision causes significant damage to guardrail: OPP
Traffic heading south along Highway 11 in Orillia early Tuesday afternoon was slowed following a two-vehicle collision that damaged the guardrail.
-
One person dies in multi-vehicle collision in Bolton
Emergency crews responded to a multi-vehicle collision in Bolton Tuesday morning that claimed the life of one person.
Winnipeg
-
As warming threatens polar bear tourism, a Canadian town adapts and thrives
Change has broken, remade and continues to reshape this remote town where tundra meets forest on the shore of Hudson Bay.
-
City's forecasted budget deficit nearly cut in half: report
Winnipeg's financial picture looks a bit rosier in a new budgetary forecast.
-
‘It’s a mistake’: Downtown housing complex slated for demolition
Winnipeg's Centre Village social housing complex will face the wrecking ball less than 15 years after it was built.
Atlantic
-
Frost Advisories issued in New Brunswick; Tropical Storm Francine update
Some parts of New Brunswick have Frost Advisories in effect.
-
Elsipogtog First Nation man dead after N.B. RCMP shooting, SiRT investigating
An investigation is underway after a man was shot and killed by RCMP in Elsipogtog First Nation, N.B.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador monitoring rise in whooping cough cases: medical officer
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
N.L.
-
Newfoundland and Labrador monitoring rise in whooping cough cases: medical officer
Newfoundland and Labrador's chief medical officer is monitoring the rise of whooping cough infections across the province as cases of the highly contagious disease continue to grow across Canada.
-
Dispute over unrecognized Inuit group halts major conference for Canadian North
A 16-year-old biennial event aimed at fostering business in the country's eastern Arctic and northern regions has been cancelled indefinitely as a dispute unfolds between Inuit in Canada and a Labrador group claiming to share their heritage.
-
Cow cuddling: Why a Newfoundland farm is offering quality time with these 'gentle creatures'
Jim Lester’s farm hopped on the cow-cuddling trend in early August, and his time slots have been pretty well sold out ever since.
Edmonton
-
Edmonton LRT train involved in crash after vehicle drives onto tracks: ETS
No injuries were reported after a collision between an LRT and a vehicle on Tuesday morning.
-
Free events taking place in Edmonton for Canadian Country Music Week
The Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMA) will be presented in Edmonton on Saturday, so the city has declared this week Canadian Country Music Week in Edmonton.
-
Oilers, Canucks alumni to play charity game in Fort McMurray
Former Edmonton Oiler Craig MacTavish will be returning to the ice for a charity game against Vancouver Canucks alumni in Fort McMurray in October.
Calgary
-
Calgary eatery named among best new restaurants in Canada
A Calgary restaurant has been nominated as one of the best new dining spots in Canada.
-
Bret Hart makes return to WWE Raw at the Saddledome
Wrestling legend Bret 'Hitman' Hart made a special appearance at WWE's Monday Night Raw at Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome.
-
165 hectares of trees will be cut down in Banff National Park
Parks Canada says work is expected to begin later this fall on two projects aimed at mitigating wildfire risk in Banff National Park.
Regina
-
Here's how many tornadoes touched down in Sask. in 2024
With the arrival of September and more fall-like weather patterns – the likelihood of Saskatchewan seeing any more tornadoes this year is next to nothing.
-
Drug toxicity deaths in Sask. seemingly on course to match record set in 2023
Saskatchewan's overdose crisis is tragically on par with last year's record breaking total, with more than 200 people having lost their lives to accidental overdoses in the first seven months of the year.
-
Buyers say they lost life savings to a Saskatchewan company selling luxury vacation condos
In 2022, Tanya Frisk-Welburn and her husband bought what they hoped would be a dream home in Mexico.
Saskatoon
-
Buyers say they lost life savings to a Saskatchewan company selling luxury vacation condos
In 2022, Tanya Frisk-Welburn and her husband bought what they hoped would be a dream home in Mexico.
-
Here's how many tornadoes touched down in Sask. in 2024
With the arrival of September and more fall-like weather patterns – the likelihood of Saskatchewan seeing any more tornadoes this year is next to nothing.
-
Sask. education minister responds to incident of student being lit on fire
Saskatchewan's Education minister says the incident at a Saskatoon school where a student was set on fire is "horrible," but could have been worse.
Vancouver
-
7-Eleven ordered to pay B.C. woman $907K for pothole injury
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has ordered 7-Eleven Canada to pay a woman more than $900,000 in damages after she tripped on a pothole and broke her ankle in the parking lot of a convenience store.
-
22-year-old suffered life-threatening injuries in Surrey park assault, RCMP say
Police in Surrey are investigating after an assault in a park sent two young men to hospital – one of them with life-threatening injuries – over the weekend.
-
Weather aids B.C. fire fight amid evacuation order, alerts in southeast
The BC Wildfire Service says rain, light winds and cooler temperatures are expected to decrease fire behaviour in the province this week, just as a newly discovered blaze in the East Kootenays prompts an evacuation order and alerts for more than 50 properties.
Vancouver Island
-
7-Eleven ordered to pay B.C. woman $907K for pothole injury
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has ordered 7-Eleven Canada to pay a woman more than $900,000 in damages after she tripped on a pothole and broke her ankle in the parking lot of a convenience store.
-
Weather aids B.C. fire fight amid evacuation order, alerts in southeast
The BC Wildfire Service says rain, light winds and cooler temperatures are expected to decrease fire behaviour in the province this week, just as a newly discovered blaze in the East Kootenays prompts an evacuation order and alerts for more than 50 properties.
-
2 hospitalized, suspects sought after 'extreme case of road rage' in B.C.: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are searching for two people allegedly responsible for a road rage incident that sent a couple to hospital with serious injuries, saying the suspects could be in another province.
