Photo credit: Jesse Blake – Sportsnet
Mats Sundin knows a thing or two about being Maple Leafs captain, and the franchise icon made sure to praise Auston Matthews for his ability to lead the team.
Always respectful, gracious and humble, Sundin is one of the most beloved players ever, and is no question one of the greatest captains in Maple Leafs history.
Though he’s far and away from his time with the team, he’s been in the spotlight recently due to Auston Matthews’ quest to break Sundin’s all-time scoring record.
Mats Sundin praises Auston Matthews’ composure as Maple Leafs captain
But Sundin was sure to give Matthews his flowers and also commend him not only on his offensive prowess but the fact he can handle himself so well given the expectations placed on him:
It is a lot of added pressure and there’s a lot more dealing with the media and fan base… It’s a little bit tougher than playing in a market like Florida… so the way he handles that, I’m very impressed.
While some may criticize Matthews for his lack of emotion or quiet nature when it comes to media interviews, there’s no denying that not only is he the leader of the team; but he very well might be back.
Auston Matthews can break a ton more records (if he stays healthy)
Since the holiday break, Matthews has been on an absolute tear. Since Dec. 27 he has 11 points (7 goals, 4 assists), a plus-3, and 29 shots while showcasing much more of that deadly shot we’ve come to know and admire for a decade.
Matthews now sits alone at the top of the Maple Leafs leaderboard when it comes to goals, and only sits eight points away from passing another legend on the all-time points list — Borje Salming.
Sundin was part of the Maple Leafs for 13 years, playing in 981 games and registering 987 points (420 goals, 567 assists) and was captain of the team from 1997-98 until 2007-2008. He ranks first in points, second in goals, second in assists, sixth in games played and first in power-play goals.
Leave it to Sundin to be as humble as ever when passing the torch to Matthews, and knowing how much pressure there is as captain; it seems like #34 has certainly made #13 very, very proud.
Previously on Hockey Patrol