SickKids Foundation reached out to Auston Matthews this week with a touching message after the Maple Leafs made him the 26th captain in franchise history.

Auston Matthews was named captain on Wednesday, when the torch was handed to him by former captain John Tavares. Known for his leadership on the ice, Matthews had an exceptional 2023-24 season, scoring 69 goals and accumulating 107 points.

Matthews also demonstrated his tremendous defensive skills and two-way play this season, earning a nomination for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defensive forward, and for the Ted Lindsay Award, an award given to the most outstanding player of the season, as voted on by his NHL peers.

The Leafs’ franchise cornerstone is not only recognized for his remarkable hockey abilities but also for his dedication to the community. The Arizona product has really embraced the community in Toronto, getting involved with several charities, including SickKids.

SickKids Foundation shared the following message with their followers this week, celebrating Matthews’ thrilling new opportunity and great honour in Toronto.

While being the best player on a team doesn’t always mean you should be the captain, Auston Matthews is the exception, as he exemplifies both leadership and exceptional skill.

Maple Leafs fans are hopeful that this change in leadership will propel the team toward playoff success, which has eluded Toronto for almost two decades.