The biggest news item to come out of the NHL this offseason is that on July 1
the Toronto Maple Leafs signed John Tavares to a seven-year, $77 million dollar
 contract. The center of the hockey universe was and is now the most talked
about franchise in the league as a result.

Given that it is Toronto, a city known for rampant and often unfounded media
speculation about the Leafs, it was no surprise when the Toronto media started
to create negative storylines around the Tavares signing, mainly regarding
Auston Matthews'; perceived but unproven unhappiness with the Leafs'; marquee
signing.Auston Matthews, William Nylander (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Now that Tavares has joined the Leafs would he be named the captain at
Matthews'; expense and would this upset Matthews or stifle his growth? Does
Matthews even want Tavares on the team? These are just some of the negative
questions the media decided to drum up, because, well, it';s Toronto. Here are
some facts instead:Tavares Will Lessen The Pressure On Matthews

Despite being one of the most talented and explosive players in the league,
Matthews is still just 20-years-old. If Tavares is eventually named the Maple
Leafs captain, maybe that would be a blessing in disguise for the still
developing Matthews.

Matthews will have the benefit of playing the next seven years (assuming
Tavares stays throughout his contract) without the pressure or scrutiny given
to team captains. Also, Matthews will have the opportunity to learn from
Tavares who was the Islanders'; captain for the past five seasons. The best
move would be to slap an A on Matthews'; sweater and let Tavares carry the
captain';s mantle.John Tavares (Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports)

In early July Bruins legend and Hall of Famer  Bobby Orr spoke to TSN while at
 the Staal Foundation Open in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Orr, who is the president
of the player agency that represents Matthews said, "That';s bull about
[Matthews] being upset about the captaincy. They';re a good team and they';re
going to be a very good team. John puts them closer to their goal. That';s what
 Auston is concerned about."

It';s a fair point, as Tavares'; signing does put the Leafs closer to a Cup, at
 least on paper, and like any player, that should be his primary concern.

Adding Tavares also reduces the pressure on Matthews to produce. Sure, he will
still be expected to produce 50 to 60 plus points in the upcoming season but
now Tavares, who notched 84 points last season, will lessen the load on
Matthews, Marner and Nylander. Tavares along with the depth the Leafs have
added at forward and center creates one of the most exciting forward cores the
Leafs have ever had.Matthews Spoke To Tavares Before His Decision

A few weeks ago at a reception for Mitch Marner';s charity All-Star
Invitational, Matthews was asked if he had spoken to Tavares prior to the
signing and, as shown below, Matthews played his small part in recruiting
Tavares.

Matthews said, "I just wanted to talk to him on the phone briefly and,
obviously, let him know we'd love to have him and that he'd be a great fit on
the team." The video also indicates that the young Leaf has no qualms over the
captaincy, stating that it';s not his decision to make.

Matthews, his teammates and the Leafs organization and fan base should be
nothing but ecstatic at Tavares joining the team. He puts the Leafs that much
closer to a Stanley Cup by arming them with arguably the most explosive offense
 in the league. Now all they need is a top-four defenceman (maybe the Blues';
Colton Parayko) and they';ll be unbeatable.

The post Matthews Played His Part in Tavares Signing appeared first on The
Hockey Writers.

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