I would like to add my 2cents to this discussion... and I do think this is an excellent decision for the club.
The type of player Dion is exemplifies some of the previous captains - big, strong and physical.
Like Burke has said, you don't name a captain just for the sake of naming a captain. This is the Toronto Maple Leafs for crying out loud... a hockey club with 80 or so years of history. You don't just pick anyone or "rotating captain" like Columbus or Nashville. When Sundin moved on, there was NO one to be captain and even as Schenn was pinned as "a future leader" he was not ready.
When trade with Calgary was made, there were indication that he may fulfill the captaincy role but even then, no one was really sure. But with the games he played in the blue and white, Dion made others better - especially Luke Schenn.
Clark and Gilmour were the heart and soul of the 90s Leafs, they had put the team on their shoulders and carried them to the conference finals. Sundin made anyone he played with better (remember Hoglund?) and Sundin also carried the team to some memorable series. Phaneuf has made others better but the question is, can he put the team on his back and carry it to the promise land?
Only time will tell if Dion Phaneuf will live up to the expectations being a Toronto Maple Leafs captain.
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