• For users coming over from tmlfans.ca your username will remain the same but you will need to use the password reset feature (check your spam folder) on the login page in order to set your password. If you encounter issues, email Rick couchmanrick@gmail.com

Who will wear the "C"

Let's see how the offseason shakes out first, as there are still moves to be made.
Can't go crowning the captaincy (and all those expectations) on a player before they even lace up for us, now can we?
 
that is the quandary, it can't be Phanuef and no one else has been around long enough to consider, outside of Lupul. Would they give it to a new guy? 
 
It'll be Phaneuf until he gets dealt, then it'll be whoever proves himself. They're not tearing the C off Phaneuf's jersey.
 
It's Phaneuf until proven otherwise.  If the trade deadline rumours of Babcock wanting Phaneuf were true I don't see any reason to believe that a change is made until either Phaneuf is moved or a more deserving candidate comes up. 

As stated above, Rielly is a decent candidate but is too young.  If Kadri got his head on straight and progressed he might be a candidate down the road but certainly not now, especially with the suspensions for off-ice behaviours. 
 
Phaneuf is fine as the Captain. This city was just as hard on Sundin during most of his time on team. They wanted to strip the captaincy off of him and give it to Gary Roberts. Meanwhile off the ice Mats always showed the demeanor of a true leader and I believe Dion is doing the same job. Young players coming onto the team rave how Dion invites them to work out with him in the offsets on. 
 
If it's not Phaneuf (either through trade or him being stripped of the C) then it shouldn't be anybody. Run with 3 A's. There's too much pressure on whoever the captain is to throw it on somebody who isn't prepared for it. Not having one is the best way to go for a team in a position that we are. It'll also probably take some of the attention away from the players and put it a little more on Babcock, which I think also benefits the team.
 
Joe S. said:
I'm firmly in the who the hell cares camp.

Me too. It's largely a meaningless thing in terms of who the actual leadership in the dressing room is. You don't need a letter to be a leader. All the letter means is you talk to the officials and take ceremonial faceoffs and such.
 
CTB makes sense, no way in hell do I think we will see Dion with the C this year. And if he isnt traded he has to be moved to #3 D-Man and take less minutes.
 
Highlander said:
CTB makes sense, no way in hell do I think we will see Dion with the C this year. And if he isnt traded he has to be moved to #3 D-Man and take less minutes.

Because there are 2 defenceman on this team that are clearly better than Phaneuf?
 
CarltonTheBear said:
If it's not Phaneuf (either through trade or him being stripped of the C) then it shouldn't be anybody. Run with 3 A's. There's too much pressure on whoever the captain is to throw it on somebody who isn't prepared for it. Not having one is the best way to go for a team in a position that we are. It'll also probably take some of the attention away from the players and put it a little more on Babcock, which I think also benefits the team.

I agree.  And though I'm not a fan of his play, I think Phaneuf's been largely OK as captain, except for a couple of times where others have stepped up to talk to the media after embarrassing losses and he didn't. 

I bet Winnik gets an A.
 
3 A's works for me as well.  In talking about Phanuef and his limitations, he needs to play a few less minutes per game than the time he has been hauling this last few years. If that moves him to #3 it is only because he was clearly not up to the time he was on ice last year.
We need to have younger faster guys whom don't get beat constantly by the speed rush (no I will not refer to him a P_l_n)
 
Highlander said:
CTB makes sense, no way in hell do I think we will see Dion with the C this year. And if he isnt traded he has to be moved to #3 D-Man and take less minutes.

I have a feeling you're really not prepared for what the next couple of years are going to be like.
 
Bullfrog said:
Highlander said:
CTB makes sense, no way in hell do I think we will see Dion with the C this year. And if he isnt traded he has to be moved to #3 D-Man and take less minutes.

I have a feeling you're really not prepared for what the next couple of years are going to be like.

That sounds quite ominous. :)
 
I say Nathan Horton, I can't recall even one on ice mistake since he was traded to the Leafs. ;)

If Dion is traded go with 3 A's until a Captain emerges. If he is still here leave it on and save the drama removing the C would create. I have to believe the vibe in the dressing will be somewhat different going into this season than it was last year.

Who knows Dion may even take a step forward.
 

About Us

This website is NOT associated with the Toronto Maple Leafs or the NHL.


It is operated by Rick Couchman and Jeff Lewis.
Back
Top