Dion Phaneuf is Captain!

Yesterday, Ron Wilson named Dion Phaneuf the 17th captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs (22nd in the history of the franchise). Since the news broke, I, personally, have been scowering various sports websites to see different inputs on the new captain. The responses have been on either ends of the fence.

Some people speculate that this move was done in perfect time just after the cup, but just before the draft (where the Leafs won't be drafting until the 3rd round) and therefore this is done as a distraction to forget about the Kessel trade. This is partially true, there has been very little, if any, talk about the Leafs lack of a pick in the first two rounds.The timing of the announcement is a good PR move in terms of "distracting" fans, however to say the whole Phaneuf captaincy is based on that distraction is about as doubtful as Vesa Toskala having a .900 save percentage.

Listening to 102.1 The Edge, Wade Belak was a guest, talking about the Phaneuf captaincy, he said he thinks it's either about justifying the trade to get Phaneuf, or Phaneuf is a kiss-ass. If any trade needs to be justified with a captaincy, make Kessel the captain (although I was for that trade, just not for giving away two first rounders), that is the more controversial trade. I don't think many people had an issue with trading floaters like Stajan and Mayers away (too bad Whitey and Hagman had to go though). About Phaneuf being a kiss-ass: if it makes the team better, then who cares? Ever since the Phaneuf trade the Leafs have had more of a jump in their strides.

Another criticism is the short time Phaneuf has been with the Leafs. Phaneuf has only played 26 games with the Leafs having 2 goals and 8 assists in that span. It doesn't matter how few games you have played with a club, if you're a leader, then you deserve the 'C'.

The bottom line is: there is no one else on this team right now that I would consider a leader. Players like Beauchemin and Komisarek can help guide Phaneuf along the way. I feel Phaneuf will make a great captain and will be with the Leafs for many years to come. The pieces are beginning to fall into place in Burke's plan, now we just have to wait and see how well these pieces will fit together.