Tavares family reacts surprisingly to Auston Matthews being named Leafs captain

After another year of disappointment, it was important to Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving to make significant changes this summer. Those changes primarily consist of the dismissal of Sheldon Keefe, the hiring of Craig Berube and a new coaching staff that includes Lane Lambert and Marc Savard, the acquisition and signing of Chris Tanev, and now, the captaincy change from Tavares to Matthews.

Speculation has been running wild since Darren Dreger revealed the news on Monday evening about what it all means for John Tavares and his future in Toronto. Well, actions speak louder than words, as they say.

Today, Tavares voluntarily passed the torch to Matthews, sharing a heartfelt statement about passing the captaincy to Matthews, making him the first U.S. born captain in Maple Leafs history.

Not only was Tavares extremely humble in addressing the transition, but his entire family was fully supportive of the captaincy change, attending the event on Wednesday. Tavares' 3 children were even spotted wearing Matthews jerseys, according to NHL.com's Dave McCarthy.

Not only was Tavares' entire family present for the event, but fellow Leafs Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly also attended the passing of the torch. In addition, new coach Craig Berube and Maple Leafs alumni Wendel Clark and Doug Gilmour -- two former Leafs captains -- were also present.

Now, with the captaincy being passed on, a new era in Toronto can begin with the team's franchise cornerstone and best player wearing the "C". I can't wait for Maple Leafs announcer Mike Ross to introduce Matthews as the new captain on opening night. It's going to be electric.