Leaders are emerging

In Toronto, there has been a long list of great captains, not only during their championship seasons, but almost throughout their current 42 year Cup drought as well.

Names like Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour, Wendel Clark and Rick Vaive all conjure images of some of the best NHL players over that period of time.

Part of what made each of them great, was a fire, an intensity that burned within all of them.

Most recently, Mats Sundin was the standard-bearer with an unprecedented run as the perennial scoring leader during his tenure as Leaf Captain.

Leaf fans, for their part had to look at the current roster and wonder, who would be the next choice and how long can the captaincy be a vacant position on the club.

During, their current resurgence, we can identify a few players who may fit the bill.

As the Leafs were going through that awful 0-7-1 start, two defensive additions were under some criticism. Mike Komisarek was guilty of trying to do too much to show he was worthy of the big money the Leafs doled out to get him.

He was running around trying to hit everyone in his sights, jumping into situations that left the team in vulnerable spots. He even got hurt and missed a number of games. That may have been a blessing in disguise. Since his return he has looked every bit like one of the top defensive-minded blueliners in the league. He is regularly leading the team in hits and blocked shots, logging over 25 minutes per game in the process. Had he not signed on with the Leafs, he was in position to become the next captain in Montreal. He has quickly earned the respect of his current mates and is well-spoken, factors that are also relevant to the choice of a good captain.

Francois Beauchemin struggled as much as Komisarek, in those tough first couple of weeks. However, there is a real sense of character that has evolved from his willingness to step forward and demand the toughest assignment, in terms of ice time against the top players on opposing teams that has served notice that he wants the mantle of responsibility on this team. In the last three strong weeks for the club, Beauchemin has played in all situations, sparking the power play and keying the penalty kill unit, both of which are showing signs of life. He has a Stanley Cup ring, from his time with GM Brian Burke in Anaheim and knows what it takes to lead and to win. These are two excellent characteristics of a team leader as well.

After these defensive stalwarts, Phil Kessel has lit up the offense as a truly feared sniper, boosting the confidence and level of play for his linemates.

Even, veteran Jason Blake has earned praise from coach Ron Wilson, who dispenses complements like throwing around manhole covers.

Luke Schenn, who has sat out the last couple of games, due to some struggles that are typical of a sophomore jinx, is viewed as captain material. He showed a maturity beyond his years during an excellent rookie year and will return to that level, eventually.

These Leafs do have options to fill that Captain’s role. There’s no hurry though.

Tags: brian burke, francois beauchemin, Jason Blake, Luke Schenn, Mike Komisarek, Phil Kessel, Ron Wilson, Toronto Maple Leafs