For now, according to its head coach, things will remain that way.
Mike Babcock told reporters on Thursday at the team’s media day that the Leafs will go another season without a captain, quelling any speculation Toronto would bestow the letter on any roster player for the 2017-18 season.
Last year, Tyler Bozak, Matt Hunwick, Leo Komarov and Morgan Rielly were each alternate captains. Hunwick left the team in free agency this offseason, but the other three skaters are still listed as alternates on the Maple Leafs roster page.
MAPLE LEAFS PREVIEW: Pressure mounts for Auston Matthews and the kids
Many speculated if 19-year-old Auston Matthews, who turns 20 Sept. 17, would be installed as the Leafs’ full-time captain. Bozak and Komarov each have one year left on their respective contracts, while Rielly is signed through 2022. Toronto also signed veteran Patrick Malreau this offseason, who was the San Jose Sharks captain from 2004 to 2009. Matthews won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie in his first season, scoring 40 goals, and leading Toronto in points.
