Huge absence at Auston Matthews' captaincy ceremony shocks fans

Auston Matthews was joined by several current and former Maple Leafs on Wednesday when John Tavares graciously, but no doubt sadly as well, handed over the captaincy to him. Matthews and Tavares were also joined by Wendel Clark, Doug Gilmour, Mitch Marner and Morgan Rielly. There was one key absence though, and that was William Nylander.

Many feel that William Nylander deserves to be an alternate captain after having signed an eight-year deal with the team, and he is now on the longest term alongside Morgan Rielly. His absence was a shock to many, and now fans fear that he may not receive an "A" on his jersey.

Morgan Rielly will likely be an alternate captain next season and GM Brad Treliving confirmed John Tavares will too. Many have been wondering whether Mitch Marner will receive an "A", but due to his disappearing magical acts in the playoffs, he possibly doesn't have the leadership qualities needed to deserve that letter on his jersey. He also has an expiring contract and will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) next summer and the Leafs may not have the cap space to sign him.

NHL training camps are now just five weeks away, and fans may have to wait just a little while longer before we know if William Nylander will receive an "A". Many are worried that because the season is so close and the Leafs haven't figured out who their leaders are yet, it could cause problems. Many are also concerned that Nylander had no interest in returning to Toronto early to attend the ceremony to support his new captain Auston Matthews.

Others are arguing that William Nylander likely had a legitimate reason for not being able to make it. Only time will tell how the upper Leafs management feels about all this.

Source: Maple Leafs Daily
Major absence at Auston Matthews' captaincy presentation tells concerning story