NHL Playoffs 2021: 3 reasons Maple Leafs will win the Stanley Cup
1. Leadership
In recent years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have lacked leadership in the locker room. They didn’t have enough leaders to step up during the tough times. This something general manager Kyle Dubas clearly noticed and he’s addressed it.
Tavares was the captain of the New York Islanders and has done a good job as the captain of the Leafs. But his leadership style isn’t a very vocal one. Tavares is more of a “lead by example” player. Which is fine! But this year, Tavares has some help.
TJ Brodie was an alternate captain for the Calgary Flames. Nick Foligno was the captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets for several years before being traded to the Maple Leafs. Joe Thornton served as the captain of the San Jose Sharks for nearly a decade and also served as an alternate captain at times. Wayne Simmonds is a recipient of the Mark Messier Award and has served as an alternate captain before. Jason Spezza has been a captain.
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The Leafs are filled with leaders. Even Matthews has stepped up his leadership game this season, along with his outstanding game on the ice.