Toronto Maple Leafs: What Do You Think? – Captain Follow Up
Earlier this week, I asked you to give your take on who you believe should be the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
As always, you delivered.
So, without further adieu, here’s a collection of notable takes from you, our loyal readers. Enjoy.
Steve B
“I have never been a proponent of the best player wearing the C. If he happens to be the best leader, then I’m okay with that choice. Also, it isn’t about who’s the oldest or the longest-serving player. A captain should be a consensus of the players and management together.
How to make a choice such as that where all concerned have a say in who their leader should be. I personally would have each player write a small reason on who they would like to lead them. Then, submit an envelope or do it electronically. Choose their top 3 choices from 1 their first choice right through 3. The process should be personal and private so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings.
This is a simple and democratic way of the team having a say in their leader and not having someone forced on them. There could be a certain group chosen who the management could give the team to chose from. I don’t particularly like that choice, but I’ve heard of it working well that way.
If I had to chose a captain I would have to say Rielly would be my absolute choice hands down. He is one of the hardest workers on the team. I do not see him take a shift off not ever. He is just slightly older than the core. But, not by much. So, he can understand where they are coming from and can be an easy conduit to the management so nothing gets lost in the translation.
Also, over the last 2 to 3 years, I have noticed that the officials have respect for him. These are all important leader qualities.
Therefore I chose Rielly as the Leafs next captain also I think this way the best player can wear the A and be part of the leadership group without all the heavy lifting of being both the best player as well as captain. Cheers.”
Stan Smith
“I disagree with having your best player captain just because he is the best player. I personally think the Oilers may have made a mistake making McDavid their Captain. It wouldn’t bother me to see them go one more season without and see who steps forward. Especially in the playoffs.
I was hoping the Leafs would get a couple of rounds in this season, so we could get a better idea. But, their playoffs were too short, and no one really took control enough for me to say “there is the Captain”.”
R.P. Russell
“No Brainer. Auston Matthews is the future of this hockey team.
All players take their cues from the way he plays. If he comes out hot, the team follows. He is a generational type talent who will be a perennial all-star and should challenge league leaders in all scoring and offensive categories. He is also, at this young age, an accomplished back checker and plays well defensively.
Reilly’s future looks bright and he is well suited to wear an “A”. But, he does not lead the team on the ice. On the ice, the team is led by Matthews. And if he has an off game, the team looks to Marner (who should also wear an “A”).”
Ginja Ninja
“I see another leadership by committee season. Kadri, Rielly, Marleau and Matthews all don an A. Over the course of the year, management should be able to determine which of Rielly or Matthews is the leader of this group, and the season after we’ll have our captain.”
Kevin
“I disagree, Patrick Marleau would be the ideal captain for the Maple Leafs. He is accomplished, respected and is a proven leader. It was Marleau who stood up and helped right the ship when the Leafs started to flounder during the season.
As with Lamoriello, he would provide a stop gap and allow the young players of the team to mature prior to one potentially being named captain. Marleau, despite his age, contributes at a high level and since his contract is 35+, there is no potential relief (if demoted to Marlies) so he will continue to be a Maple Leaf for the duration of his contract.”
Ross Carmichael
“I’ve mentioned this before, my choice for captain on the Leafs would be Zach Hyman! Hold on, let me finish! What is a captain? He’s a leader. He leads by example and has the respect of his teammates. Watch Hyman. He’s a tireless worker. One of the few Leafs that has some physicality to his game. Doesn’t have to be the most talented on your team!
Think George Armstrong. He may not have been the most talented player on the team. But, the players respected him and he led with his actions.
Zach Hyman isn’t the most talented player on the team. But, it is a team game. There’s enough pressure on the best players! Why not help spread the pressure around a bit? Talk to the team and explain your reasons.
You still have three assistant captains to name which you could fill with some of your stars. Zach is also a local boy (not that this really matters) and a children’s book authour.”
Leaflegacy
“This topic has been so overdone. Move on to something relevant.”
Editorial Note: don’t tell me what to do.
Thanks for reading! Be sure to come back next week for a new segment of “What Do You Think?”