Babcock praises the “leadership” of one of his player, and it's not Auston Matthews.

From the moment that the Toronto Maple Leafs were awarded the first overall pick in the 2016 National Hockey League Entry Draft it seemed like a forgone conclusion that forward Auston Matthews would one day become captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact it seems highly likely that it is in fact a forgone conclusion but there does seem to be another contender rising up the ranks in the eyes of many around the NHL.

Another Toronto Maple Leafs first round draft pick, 24 year old defenseman Morgan Rielly, has also been making a strong case as a player on the Leafs that would make a legitimate candidate for captain. Rielly has not only shown the intangibles of a locker room leader during his career in Toronto but his start to the 2018 - 2019 National Hockey League regular season has also distinguished him as a leader out on the ice as well. Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock was quick to praise Rielly after another strong performance on Friday night but the focus of his praise was on how Rielly conducts himself both on and off the ice.

"There's no one who likes being a Leafs more on our team than Morgan & he provides leadership that way," said Babcock. "He's got unbelievable enthusiasm every day & a zest for life & he shares that with the guys."

The comments from Babcock prompted Maple Leafs reporter Terry Koshan to state flat out that if it was not for Matthews' presence on the team that Rielly would be a shoe in for the Maple Leafs' captaincy. 

"The next captain if not for No. 34," said Koshan.

TSN insider Darren Dreger went one step further however, seemingly suggesting that Rielly should still be considered in spite of the fact that Matthews would appear to be the clear favorite for the vacant position.

"Rielly should get more attention as a captain candidate," said Dreger.

There's no question that Rielly has been outstanding this season, and in fact you could make an argument that he has shown himself to be one of the NHL's truly elite defensemen thus far. With 6 goals and 12 assists for a total of 18 points through just 14 games as a defenseman it's certainly hard to argue that his play on the ice doesn't make him a legitimate contender for the position. What it will come down to is who the Leafs feel better represents their team and better fits the role of a leader off the ice.

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