Toronto Maple Leafs: No rush to name team captain

With the signing of John Tavares, speculation has continued regarding who will be the next Toronto Maple Leafs captain, but the reality is there is no need to rush into such a decision.

Throughout the majority of last season, the overriding sentiment was that Auston Matthews would eventually be named as the next captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. But that was before John Tavares entered the fray.

With his signing, there is a growing belief Tavares will now be picked to take over as team captain. In fact, several members of the media have speculated as much.

If and when this were to happen, there are some concerns about how Matthews will react. This follows rumors — unsubstantiated by the way — that he complained to coach Mike Babcock about not seeing enough time on the ice.

First up, if Tavares is to become the next captain of the Leafs, Matthews has to be smart enough to accept such a decision. After all, he’s only 20-years-old and he still has a lot to learn. (Although we do acknowledge Tavares was given the same honor at a similarly young age — 23 — with the New York Islanders.)

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Second — and more importantly — the Leafs can forgo any potential unrest by avoiding naming a captain full stop. The reality is there is no real need for such a role anymore, with it being more an honor than anything else.

Essentially, it is a figurehead position to be named as captain in this day and age of the NHL. You don’t need a ‘C’ on your jersey, for your teammates to know if you’re a leader.

Besides, the Leafs have done pretty well these past two seasons without having an official captain. In fact, they’ve made the playoffs on both occasions.

In addition, it’s not as if this is an unprecedented approach by the Leafs. They’ve played without a captain on two previous occasions, between 1986-89 and 2008-10.

Ultimately though, if the Buds do decide to name a team captain. There really is no rush at this stage, with the new season still three months away.

In any event, we would select Patrick Marleau as the next captain anyway. With his experience, leadership skills and ability to command respect, the 38-year-old is the ideal candidate for the role.

Next: Leafs reportedly looking to trade Josh Leivo

Who would you select as the next Toronto Maple Leafs captain, and why? Or do you believe the concept of picking an official team captain is no longer necessary/relevant? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.