New captain Auston Matthews on his desire to remain in Toronto for the rest of his career: “That’s the goal — to be a Leaf for life and to win with my teammates for the city”

First off, thank you, Tre and Johnny.

I have chills, honestly. I am so honoured and humbled. Since being drafted eight years ago, you realize how special it is to play for the city of Toronto and wear the Maple Leaf on your chest every single night. It means the world to do that.

To have the support from Johnny, my teammates, staff, ownership, and my family means the world to me. I look forward to continuing our journey of getting to the top of the mountain, winning a Stanley Cup, and bringing it back to Toronto.