As the 18th captain in Toronto Maple Leafs history, Dion Phaneuf has some pretty big skates to fill.
He is trying to follow six players who are in the top 10 of all time in points while on the Leafs, Stanley Cup winners, hometown heroes and a guy who scored 10 points in a single game.
He is one of only six defensemen to receive the honor of team captain, and the first one since 1991. He is a gritty player who knocks opposing skaters off their feet.
And yet, he is perfect.
Phaneuf is the perfect player to lead Toronto out of its rebuilding stage and back into relevance and everything they could hope for right now. Captaincy shouldn't be handed out to the best player on the team, but rather the most fitting one.
Phaneuf is a leader, the quintessential trait of a captain.
I believe that Phaneuf is the only player on Toronto's roster capable of holding the position, but where does he place among former greats?
Statistically, nowhere close.
However, hockey as well as leadership, is not measured merely by stats.
Phaneuf has the ability to rev up his team with a big check or ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Adam Davis
Dion Phaneuf: Where Does the Maple Leafs Chief Rank Among Former Captains?
October 22nd, 2011 by Adam Davis Leave a reply »
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