Will Auston Matthews be the 24th captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs?
It’s very possible, but the Toronto Maple Leafs have a big pool of players to choose from. However, it wouldn’t be odd to see the face of the organization be the next captain.
And even Auston Matthews knows that, “We’ve got a lot of good candidates,” Matthews tells The Athletic, “guys that have been in the League for a while, guys that have been captains before like John Tavares, and guys that have worn letters for quite some time.”
There are a ton of candidates to choose from, such as Tavares, like Matthews said, who was the captain of the New York Islanders for five years before coming to Toronto. There is also Morgan Rielly, who we all know has been here since the dark ages and would be a great captain.
And, this wouldn’t have been said last year, but it may be an unpopular opinion now. We could see Mitch Marner get the captaincy. However, I think that’s an unlikely option because he’s not really a leader, as much as he is a joker. And maybe, because of the whole contract negotiations debacle.
But, there is a dark horse in that locker room who people may not think would be the captain, yet I’d love to see it. He’s a quiet leader, and he’s definitely one who’s made a mark on the team. I think it would be interesting to see Frederik Andersen be the captain.
I know his contract will be up in two years, however to me, he’s a proven leader. He’s been the team’s saviour for years, he stands on his head in almost every game and I could guarantee you, he’s loved by every player in that dressing room.
Who Would You Like to See as Captain, Nick?
Well, I know everyone reading this cares about my opinion, so I’m going to say this:
To me, my first captain choice would be Rielly. He’s been here since the beginning and he’s been through all the ups and downs in the past seven years. He’s a proven leader and he’s not afraid to speak out to the media when needed.
Can’t think of a time he did that? I’ll give you one.
After another heartbreaking loss to the Boston Bruins in game seven, Jake Gardiner was a minus three. And, after another bad game, there was backlash for Gardiner. But, Rielly defended his friend and teammate saying; “Nobody cares what anyone says. He’s a ****ing really good player. We want him back next year, so that’s that.” Now if that’s not a leader, I don’t know what is.
Rielly knows what it’s like to be in front of the media after a bad loss, and how to get through it. He’s witnessed it and has done it. However, there are so many players in that dressing room that could take the “C”.
And even if it’s not Rielly, I know it’ll be someone who’s a proven leader in and out of that dressing room.