Don Cherry calls out the Toronto Maple Leafs for controversial captaincy change
After years as captain of the Maple Leafs, John Tavares was removed as team captain, in favor of Auston Matthews, much to Don Cherry's dismay.
Since 2019, John Tavares was the captain for his teammates. Although the team has not enjoyed much success during his years in the role, he had gained much respect in his position, both throughout the league and in his team. One of those figures is former NHL player, coach and television host Don Cherry.
A Bruins player from 1954 to 1972, and the coach from 1974 to 1979, as well as a short run as the Colorado Rockies coach, he has found success on the television program "Hockey Night In Canada". He has since started his own podcast, called "Don Cherry's Grapevine Podcast", where he spoke on the ongoing situation between the Leafs and their now ex-captain.
He said:
He was also clear that he felt the Leafs weren't trying to agitate or insult their longtime captain, addressing his upcoming free agency next summer.
Cherry believes this will be an effort to smooth things over with the player, and show that they simply want to move in a different direction, and shake things up with the team. Timothy Liljegren, another long serving player for the Maple Leafs, may too be part of the rosters' changes, as rumors say the team may be looking to trade the defenseman . Such a move would forsure show their fans and the rest of the hockey world they're ready to make serious changes, and not stop at giving the captaincy to Auston Matthews. Micheal Bunting, a former Maple Leaf who was part of those changes and traded last year, also found himself in trouble with Simon Benoit, for what he considered a lack of respect from the player. Sometimes, changes are for the better.
Regardless, this does show the trust and hope the organization has put into Matthews, as they hope the star can bring them the success they've been searching for so long.
Will these changes prove to help the Maple Leafs, and eventually bring them their first Stanley Cup win since 1967?
