Who Will Captain The Leafs? Beauchemin, Kaberle, Schenn, Good Choices

Mark RitterJul 31, 2009

With the start of the 2009-10 NHL season just eight weeks away, I asked myself: who will lead the Toronto Maple Leafs next season? There are a few clear choices, but who should be the Leafs’ main man?

Last season, the Maple Leafs failed to employ a captain. The move was seen by some as very curious, but the Leafs managed to get by using the captain-by-committee theory.

For the most part, defenseman Thomas Kaberle was regarded as the Leafs Captain last season, but one would be hard pressed to suggest that Kaberle is “Captain material”.

Sure, Kaberle is a great player, and he does keep his nose clean on and off the ice, but, the reality is, Kaberle isn’t exactly media friendly, and while I have never set foot in the Leafs locker room, I don’t foresee Kabby as being a real “rah-rah” guy.

The Leafs are looking for a player that leads by example—someone who is willing to stand up for teammates, someone who has a voice...someone like sophomore defenseman Luke Schenn.

GM Brian Burke has said publicly that he envisions Schenn as the future captain of his franchise. The question is: is Schenn ready to step up and be “The man” this season?

I agree that Schenn has the makings of a great captain some day. Schenn exudes many of the qualities that a team lusts for in a captain. However, I feel he is too young to make that step just yet. I would give him the “A”, but the “C” ought to wait.

Before you all crucify me in the comment box, let’s be clear here. I, like Burke, see great things in Schenn’s future—including the captaincy of this team...I just think he needs a little bit of tutelage first.

Which brings us to our next contestant—newly signed defenseman Francois Beauchemin.

Beauchemin, who turned 29 on June 4th, is an experienced NHL defenseman that has been a regular since the 2005-2006 season when he played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Anaheim Ducks—netting 36 points in his rookie year.

Beauchemin will never be confused with an enforcer, but he is a strong competitor, and is not afraid to stand up for himself, or his teammates. At 6’0”, 215 pounds, Beauchemin is no small potato physically, and he is more than capable of handling what his opponents throw at him.

As a member of the Anaheim Ducks, Beauchemin had four goals and four assists in 20 games on his way to his first Stanley Cup championship in 2007. Beauchemin’s contributions in 2007 and throughout last year’s playoffs have been exemplary...he has shown an ability to “step up”, and he knows how to win.

Last but not least, Beauchemin has a good head on his shoulders. He is not known for taking bad penalties. He averages a paltry 50 PIM’s per season—which should serve as a good example to the many young players on Toronto’s up-and-coming roster.

Beauchemin's NHL experience, playoff savvy, maturity, solid defense, ability to stay out of the box, smart decision making, good size, and long-standing relationship with GM Brian Burke—as well as his ability to play in all situations—clearly puts him at the top of the list when considering who should captain the Maple Leafs.

Brain Burke has a tough decision to make. It is my hope that he recognizes Francois Beauchemin’s abilities and makes him Toronto’s captain in 2009-2010. Give him the “C” Mr. Burke...Francois Beauchemin’s time has come.

Until next time,