The voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs believes the team needs a captain.
In a tweet Wednesday night, Leafs radio play-by-play announcer Joe Bowen said "Sometimes a 'C' on a jersey doesn’t mean much. But the Maple Leafs recent play, I think shows this team needs a captain. After this week's on-ice and off-ice activity, that “C” should be put on Morgan Rielly's #44 jersey, right now, in my opinion."
Some times a “C” on a jersey doesn’t mean much. But the @MapleLeafs recent play I think shows this team needs a captain. After this weeks on ice and off ice activity that “C” should be put on @mriles4 #44 jersey right now in my opinion
— Joe Bowen (@BonsieTweets) March 14, 2019
The Leafs have struggled on the ice this week, dropping back-to-back homes games against Tampa Bay and Chicago. There was also an NHL investigation surrounding an alleged homophobic slur centred around Rielly from Monday's game against the Lightning. The league investigation ultimately found that Rielly did not direct a homophobic slur at a referee.
Rielly is in his sixth season with Toronto, having played 458 games in the blue-and-white. The 25-year-old defenceman currently has 19 goals and 67 points in 70 games.
While the Leafs do not have a captain this season, Rielly, John Tavares and Patrick Marleau share the leadership duties, with each wearing an 'A' on their jersey as assistant captains.
Toronto is one of six clubs currently without a team captain. The Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Ottawa Senators, Vancouver Canucks and Vegas Golden Knights are also without a captain this season.
The Maple Leafs have not had a captain since the team traded Dion Phaneuf in February of 2016.