The Toronto Maple Leafs have a rich history of legendary captains leading the team to greatness. Wearing the ‘C’ on your chest for the Maple Leafs is a huge honour, and only a select few have had the privilege. With over 70 days until the start of the 2024-25 season, let’s take a look back at the last five captains of the Toronto Maple Leafs and rank them based on their impact on the team.
Starting at the bottom of the list is Dion Phaneuf, a solid defender who played seven seasons with the Maple Leafs, serving as captain for six of them. Phaneuf was acquired in a trade with the Calgary Flames in 2010, but he never quite lived up to the expectations set for him in Toronto. Despite his time as captain, the team struggled to find success in the playoffs, only making one appearance during Phaneuf’s tenure.
Phaneuf’s time in Toronto was marred by media attention and fan criticism, as he failed to replicate the success he had in Calgary. Eventually, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators before retiring as a Los Angeles King. While his time as captain may not have been the most successful, Phaneuf still left a lasting impact on the team.
On the other end of the spectrum is John Tavares, a key free-agent signing for the Maple Leafs. After nine years with the New York Islanders, Tavares made the decision to come home to Toronto and sign a seven-year deal worth $77 million. Despite the backlash from Islanders fans, Tavares has quickly become a fan favorite in Toronto, showcasing his leadership both on and off the ice.
Tavares’ best season with the Maple Leafs came in his first year with the team, where he scored 47 goals and 88 points. His ability to handle the pressure of playing for such a storied franchise is commendable, and he has risen to the challenge of being a leader for the team. Tavares’ defining moments with the Maple Leafs include scoring the series-clinching goal in the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning and reaching his 1,000th career point against his former team, the Islanders.
As we eagerly await the start of the 2024-25 season, it’s clear that the role of captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs is one that comes with great responsibility and expectations. Each player who wears the ‘C’ on their chest leaves their own unique mark on the team’s history, shaping the legacy of the franchise for years to come.
