It wasn’t major news, but a headline nonetheless. Ron Wilson informed the media on Tuesday that defencemen Mike Komisarek and Francois Beauchemin would be assistant captains this season, leaving Tomas Kaberle letter-less.
Kaberle has been an assistant for a few years now, and is the longest serving Maple Leaf on the current roster. But a few questions spring up when you think about Wilson’s decision: is Kaberle really a leader? And, how was this whole thing handled?
To answer the first, Kaberle doesn’t seem like the most vocal type of player and seems to have a calm, cool demeanor. That’s not a knock on him by any means, but even Nicklas Lidstrom, another relatively low-key personality has more intensity and apparent leadership than our buddy Tomas. And as for the way this whole situation was handled, I’m sure it was discussed openly with Kaberle and the rest of the team. At least I hope it was.
Basically what it came down to for me, upon reading this news, is that I’d be more surprised if Komisarek or Beauchemin were left without a letter. After Dion Phaneuf was named the Leafs captain, the team narrowed their amount of “A’s” down to two. It makes the most sense to give those letters to Komisarek and Beauchemin, as they both seem to exhibit greater leadership qualities than Kabbs.
If anything, this move may be a blessing for Kaberle. Being seen as a go-to guy when it comes to bridging the gap between players, referees and coaches doesn’t seem like it was his forte, and now he can simply focus on his game.
The best way for Kaberle to lead is by exhibiting his elite skill-set and letting others on the team pick up on the way he can operate and maneuver with the puck. As for being vocal and communicative in the dressing room and with the coaches, leave that to the guys who do it best.
Again, I know Ron Wilson will be under fire for a move like this, but let’s not blow it out of proportion. Like I said, even though I hadn’t really thought about it up until this point, for Beauchemin and Komisarek to be left without letters would have been even more of a shock.
All we can hope for as fans is that this was dealt with in the most professional manner, and I have no doubt that it was. It shouldn’t diminish the play of Kaberle, and if anything, could help elevate his game. It’s a thumbs up for me on this one.
Email ryanfancey@gmail.com
Twitter /maplestirup
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Original Story:
http://maplestirup.com/2010/10/no-a-f...
Fair to say also that speculation is that this is Kaberle's final season in Toronto regardless and he won't be back next year or any other year; so better to prepare for the obvious sooner, rather than later.