Leafs reportedly set to name John Tavares as team's next captain

This just in, according to a second-hand, this-party report via former NHL executive turned media analyst Brian Burke the Toronto Maple Leafs will name John Tavares as the team’s next captain.

Burke reportedly claimed on Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver that based on “his information” Tavares will be named captain.

Check it out:

Burke's Sportsnet colleague Elliotte Friedman is also reporting that Tavares will be the team's next captain:

Burke reports that the decision was made “several days” ago because the news of Auston Matthews’ disorderly conduct charge was brought to light. 

Matthews is obviously a candidate for the captaincy, as is defenseman Morgan Rielly and forward Mitch Marner but… none of these players have the knowledge and experience that Tavares’ possesses. 

Tavares has “been there and done that” with respect to captaining an NHL team and he has proven that he’s up to the task. Should Tavares be named the Leafs’ next captain, you’d be hard presses to find a hockey fan who disagrees with the choice.