Look, Auston Matthews is most likely the next captain of the Leafs. Look around to other recent #1 overall picks in the league: John Tavares, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin and they’re all rocking the “C” on their respective teams. And while Morgan Rielly (and occasionally Nazem Kadri) have been most associated with potentially being the team’s next official leader, it’d be hard to really imagine a reality without the Leafs making their franchise face the one responsible for pregame ceremonies, talking to the refs and a few more press conferences than everyone else.
It’s been two-and-a-bit seasons now without a captain in Toronto, and it’s been, well, a pretty decent run. Two down-to-the-wire playoff series, a Calder Trophy from Matthews himself. 
So if we’re set on giving Matthews the C, would you do it now, while not much else is happening in the Leafs’ universe? Would you do it right before the draft? How about in September, once training camp opens? Would you consider holding it vacant for yet one more season? Or are we all obsessing over something that really doesn’t matter all that much, and do you see the “C” as just a piece of fabric stitched to another one?
Whatever your take, leave it in the comments below.

Look, Auston Matthews is most likely the next captain of the Leafs. Look around to other recent #1 overall picks in the league: John Tavares, Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Steven Stamkos, Alex Ovechkin and they’re all rocking the “C” on their respective teams. And while Morgan Rielly (and occasionally Nazem Kadri) have been most associated with potentially being the team’s next official leader, it’d be hard to really imagine a reality without the Leafs making their franchise face the one responsible for pregame ceremonies, talking to the refs and a few more press conferences than everyone else.

It’s been two-and-a-bit seasons now without a captain in Toronto, and it’s been, well, a pretty decent run. Two down-to-the-wire playoff series, a Calder Trophy from Matthews himself. 

So if we’re set on giving Matthews the C, would you do it now, while not much else is happening in the Leafs’ universe? Would you do it right before the draft? How about in September, once training camp opens? Would you consider holding it vacant for yet one more season? Or are we all obsessing over something that really doesn’t matter all that much, and do you see the “C” as just a piece of fabric stitched to another one?

Whatever your take, leave it in the comments below.

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