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Should the Toronto Maple Leafs Consider Changing the Captain?

By Jeremiah Lee |
May 12, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) works out prior to game six of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) works out prior to game six of the first round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not found playoff success even before John Tavares was signed and became captain… But could a change help the team?

The Toronto Maple Leafs chose John Tavares as captain in October of 2019 and they found themselves inching ever so close to success every year… Despite naysayers commenting that nothing has changed.

In 2019 and 2022 they lost to the eventual Eastern Conference champions while they lost to the Cup Finalist Montreal Canadiens in 2021. Every time they lost was in heartbreaking fashion of a game 7.

As the Toronto Maple Leafs look to the 2022-23 season, and Kyle Dubas finishing his final touches on the roster, something has come to my mind: Could a captaincy change benefit the team?

Toronto Maple Leafs and the Ideas of  a New Captain

Back in 2013-14, the San Jose Sharks lost to the Los Angeles Kings despite leading the series 3-0. Their performance led to Joe Thornton being removed as captain and replaced by Joe Pavelski before the 2015-2016 season.

That same season, the Sharks made the Stanley Cup Finals and found constant playoff success until he left in free agency in 2019. The Sharks decided that they needed a new voice in the locker room, and that new voice led them to new heights.

In the NHL, many times the message of an individual runs stale with the team. This is why there are many coaching changes rather than team retools.

The leadership is responsible for keeping their team in check, making sure they work hard and strive to be as close to perfection as possible to become better hockey players. Could this be what the Toronto Maple Leafs need?

Yes, the Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealing with a juggernaut Atlantic division and they also have dealt with injuries. John Tavares has not lost the room and the work in the offseason displays his commitment to winning. But… Could a new voice be the difference? Sure, the example I showed was just one example, but could the Leafs add another moment a captaincy change led to new heights?

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I am not saying that they should, but rather this could be something to think about.

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