Does Lou Lamoriello think Matthews is ready for the “C” in Toronto?

Toronto Maple Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello is happy with the Leafs progress this season, but knows there’s still much work to be done.

“We took a step forward this year…but it’s only a step” Lamoriello said, emphasising that Toronto can’t rest on their heels after such a successful season. “You have to be extremely careful after a year like this… Each and every one of our players has to do what’s necessary for them to be better next year”.

Lamoriello isn’t necessarily going to be looking to free agency or the trading block to improve the Leafs, “Getting better from within is more important right now”.

He’s not in any rush this offseason, citing the expansion draft for Las Vegas as being a major reason to stay patient.

 “A lot of things are going to change, prior to the expansion” Lamoriello said, referring to the availability of players, pending free agents, and what teams are going to be looking for come the opening of free agency.

But he knows he must find a way to improve the team because “once complacency sets in, you’re in trouble. You’re going a different direction”, and that’s the last thing they want in Toronto.

So with all this talk about improving from within, it was only a matter of time before the question was asked: is Austin Matthews going to be the next Captain of the Maple Leafs? The captaincy has been vacant since Dion Phaneuf was traded in the 2015-16 season.

Lamoriello was unusually quiet, brushing off the question by answering, “I don’t think that’s a discussion for today”.

Matthews led the Leafs in goals (40) and points (69) in his rookie season, and Lamoriello praised his drive, responsibility and coachability. The 19-year-old also led the Leafs in goals (4) and points (5, tied with Morgan Rielly) in their 6 Stanley Cup Playoffs games.

It might not be a good decision for today, but for discussion, it’s great Lou. Is Austin Matthews ready for the “C” in one of the biggest, most intense hockey markets? If not him, then whom?