As the busy pre-season reaches its conclusion, the Maple Leafs are finalizing their roster for opening night. Amid these preparations, a highlight reel moment unfolded between former captain John Tavares and new captain Auston Matthews.

In a display of tremendous skill to get around a Red Wings defender on Saturday, Matthews dropped one of the dirtiest dangles you’ll ever see and was able to find Tavares in the high slot for the scoring chance. Tavares’ patience paid off as he didn’t rip the puck until he had a clear shooting lane, as seen on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ official Instagram:

 

Matthews was named captain earlier this offseason, receiving full support from Tavares and his family. The transition from captain to assistant for Tavares was a necessary step to usher in a new era of Maple Leafs hockey, with the league’s top goal scorer at the helm. Tavares will continue to serve as an assistant captain.

Matthews is coming off an incredible 2023-24 season, during which he scored an astounding 69 goals and recorded 107 points, both career highs. Despite his exceptional performance, the Maple Leafs fell to the Boston Bruins in a seven-game first-round series yet again.

This season, Matthews will lead a new style of play under new head coach Craig Berube, aiming to inject fresh energy and a playoff-like intensity into the team. Matthews and his teammates are eager to start the season and showcase this revitalized Maple Leafs hockey.