Brad Treliving addresses Auston Matthews captaincy and Jani Hakanpää situation

For the first time in their history, the Toronto Maple Leafs have an American-born captain. Auston Matthews has officially succeeded John Tavares as the 26th captain in team history, signaling a major change in the leadership core of the team following their latest postseason disappointment. 

In the words of general manager Brad Treliving, this was a process that now-former captain John Tavares was involved in from the beginning. 

“This was part of a conversation that grew as the summer went along that John (Tavares) was very much a part of from beginning to end,” Treliving said. "We believe Auston's unique qualities as a hockey player and ability to inspire his teammates will drive our team's success moving forward."

Meanwhile, Treliving also addressed the ongoing contract saga with defenseman Jani Hakanpää, whom the team appeared to sign to a contract from the Dallas Stars but that has yet to be officially filed and announced. 

Adding to the drama surrounding the defenseman was the fact that he was seen wearing a Stars sweater during a recent golf tournament in Finland, which many took as a subtle hint that he wouldn't be joining the Leafs.

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