John Tavares served as Islanders captain during his final five seasons in New York. He wore the 'C' during five of his first six seasons in Toronto. So, this year will be an adjustment.

"It may be less front and centre, but a great challenge for me, great opportunity to adapt," the centre said. "There's definitely going to be certain responsibilities that Auston [Matthews] will take on and some of that is just naturally throughout the course of the year, especially I think either with you guys in the media or through the fan base and the messaging and communicating that way."

Tavares graciously passed the captaincy to Matthews during a news conference in August. His three kids sat in the front row wearing Matthews sweaters with the 'C' already on.

"Everything's been really natural," Tavares said. "I think me and Auston have a tremendous relationship, a great amount of respect for each other."

"Any of those two guys could be our leader," said forward William Nylander. "So I think it's a lot of fun for Auston to take on that role and it'll be nice for John to step away from that."

There's no question how much it meant for Tavares, a local product, to serve as captain. But he also just turned 34 and is looking to fend off Father time. As he takes a step back in terms of leadership, Tavares is determined to keep his foot on the gas when it comes to his game.

"I know it will be a little bit different, but I don't think it changes a lot of how I approach the game," he said.

The stakes are high for Tavares this year as he enters the final year of his contract with the Leafs. He's hoping to earn an extension and, with the 4 Nations Face-Off coming up in February, he's also hungry for another chance to play best-on-best hockey.

On the opening day of training camp, Tavares described himself as being "as driven as I've ever been." Known for leading by example, Tavares has actually seemed more vocal since the captaincy change.

"He's hungrier than I've ever seen him in my few years that I've been here," said linemate Bobby McMann. "Just how he talks. I think just verbally how he's communicating with guys, with every rep in practice, and wanting to push guys, but also wanting guys to push him. I know that in the summer he has guys up to his cottage and wants guys there to push him, wants the young guys there that got the work ethic to keep him sharp and keep him going."

Per usual, Tavares focused on his skating in the summer while working closely with former NHLer Patrick O'Sullivan, who is part of the Leafs player development staff.

"As you get older, obviously your ability to improve is different than when you're in your mid-20s, early 20s," he acknowledged.

Recovery is getting more and more important and, with that in mind, Tavares is embracing red-light therapy.

"Yeah, that's made it out a little bit, eh," Tavares said with a smile.

Pictures and a video of a topless Tavares bathed in a red glow were posted by Toronto........

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