Just a short blog to start the long weekend for those celebrating Family day on Monday, and a regular weekend for those who are not, but I felt it would be an interesting topic given the latest conversations with respect to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
If you have somehow missed Toronto’s...err...announcement..., they have publicly stated that MLSE has given Shanahan and his “lieutenants” permission to tear this team apart and start a proper and full rebuild. With that, it was added that Phil Kessel and more importantly their captain Dion Phaneuf were not part of the team’s plans moving forward.
For those who missed it, here are the comments released by Cathal Kelly of the Globe & Mail -
Mr. Shanahan and his lieutenants have now finally received a broad mandate from ownership to scorch as much earth as they see fit in order to return the Leafs to contention, according to two sources familiar with that meeting. It will mean a new philosophy on building slowly through the draft and long-term projects, rather than quick fixes via trades for established players. It will mean at least three more years of pain for fans, and as many as five….
And Sportsnet added -
This season has allowed management to identify a new core of players it wants to keep – Morgan Rielly, Jake Gardiner, Jonathan Bernier, William Nylander. Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk are still considered valuable because of their youth. There are some favourites, but no one – not even a budding star such as Mr. Rielly – is untouchable.
It won’t happen until summer, but Mr. Phaneuf and Mr. Kessel are not in the plan. The goal now is extracting as much value as possible for them. That translates either to young players who are high-ceiling projects and draft picks.
Most fans were excited for a portion of this news as many have been crying for the removal of their captain, whether that meant via trade or a demotion of sorts.
And with that, it should only stand to reason that we discuss when if the team decides to remove the C from Dion Phaneuf’s sweater given said announcement. I brought up the idea over Twitter a few nights ago and received mixed feelings. Some felt that we shouldn’t “embarrass” Phaneuf anymore or create additional distractions, while others feel it should have been done yesterday.
The issue I have is that the organization has already essentially stated their intentions and indirectly offered that they no longer stand behind Dion as choice to lead this group any longer. The man has taken a lot of criticism and I don’t think you’ll find too many fans who don’t agree that he needs a change of scenery and to be offered a chance to be a #2 or #3 guy on a team with actual defensive depth.
Phaneuf was simply not the top pairing, captain material defenseman who they thought they signed long term and the organization now has to try and undo a rather large misjudgment and move on.
With all that being said, I ask you – Should the organization now remove the C from his sweater, and if so, when?
When considering the question ask yourself this – Will the players continue to look at him with the same level of respect that they once had for their captain, or does it perhaps make things awkward knowing that his days or limited?
Moreover, does Phaneuf (want) to continue to attempt to lead this team, or has the public statement released him of his duties, emotionally?
What do you think?
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