The Next Toronto Maple Leafs Captain

                                                                                         

With Mats Sundin possibly retiring from the NHL or playing for another team next year, The Maple Leafs are facing the possibility of having to name a new captain. Here is an analysis of the possible choices.

The first choice, and perhaps the most likely at this point, is Pavel Kubina. Recently, Toronto Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has announced he is giving strong consideration to this possibility. Kubina established himself with a solid defensive season last year, and along with Thomas Kaberle, he will be the only veteran leadership for a young defensive lineup.

In my opinion, the next most likely choice for Leafs captain is Thomas Kaberle. If Bryan McCabe accepts a trade, Kaberle will be the only remaining "alternate captain" who will be playing with the Maple Leafs this season. This already gives him some leadership experience, and makes him a good candidate for the job. While he is not as good defensively as Pavel Kubina, he is certainly capable of leading by example on the offensive front. He scored 53 points last season, and is the Leafs best puck-moving blue liner. His consistency also gives the younger Leaf players something to look up to.

Another player getting some consideration is Matt Stajan, although he is probably the Maple Leafs least likely choice for captain. While he did step up last year in the absence of Mats Sundin, he is probably too young and inexperienced to be the captain full time. Though I can see Stajan as a future Leafs captain, right now its not likely to happen.

Leafs To Rotate Captaincy?

Maple Leafs GM Cliff Fletcher has also stated that he is considering rotating the position of captain from month to month. While this may seem a bit of a strange idea, it may actually be a good move. It could give each player on the roster the chance to show their leadership capabilities. Since there is not a clear cut choice for the position of Maple Leafs captain right now, this may be the best solution. Perhaps after a few months, a clear leader might emerge once a few players have had their chance at the job. It could give the coaching staff the picture they need to establish who is the best leader in the Leafs lineup.

Unless of course, Mats Sundin returns. Then none of this will matter.

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From The Toronto Maple Leafs News Ticket

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