BREAKING News : John Tavares Announces Departure from Toronto Maple Leafs due to…… READ MORE👇👇👇

TORONTO — The new captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs smiled and waved from the stage at the former captain’s young sons seated in the front row.

For the occasion of the torch passing — and to underscore that everyone is one big, happy family — Jace and Axton Tavares were decked out in mini Auston Matthews No. 34 replica sweaters, which can now be purchased with a “C” stitched above the heart.

“My one request today was for them to get a couple jerseys, have Auston sign them and add to their collection,” father John Tavares said Wednesday at Real Sports Bar & Grill, where the club’s 25th captaincy came to a close and the 26th kicked off in ceremony.

“That was pretty cool to see,” Matthews said, smiling.

Matthews, of course, is a deserving successor and ready for the responsibility.

In his eight NHL seasons, the No. 1 centre had already stacked his trophy case and become not only the face of the Maple Leafs but the face of USA Hockey and one of the sport’s most prominent and dominant personalities worldwide.