The word from the Maple Leafs organization these days is that they won’t be handing out the captain’s “C” to anyone this season, despite what many feel is an obvious choice. Auston Matthews is a generation talent, one destined to be the face of the franchise for a long time with the club. The logic would seem to be, if it looks like it’s inevitable that he ends up with the heavy letter — and it probably is — why not just go ahead and give it to him now?



Well, I can think of a number of reasons. I think the Leafs are doing the right thing here.



Let’s start with the true purpose of the captaincy. From an internal standpoint the “face of the franchise” isn’t much of a factor in deciding your team’s designated leader. Generally, in looking for the ideal captain, team’s are looking for:



Someone who has good, even personal relationships with the coaching staff. That person is the liaison...