I last saw the potential C in McT last year. I’m not really sure anybody’s seen it this year. Given that Cronin is supposedly a “hold them responsible” type of coach, I’m baffled that McT’s potential for leadership seems to have done a 180 in the wrong direction. That worries me more than the overall lack of production the whole team has shown.
I think Mac playing through injuries is one of the qualities Verbeek is looking for in a captain, especially recently after seeing him in a walking boot and then play a few days later. That reflects how he hurt his back earlier in the season, played on it some, then then couldn't go anymore and had to be sat out. Not being 100% means you're probably going to induce more penalties because your body doesn't respond equally to your mind. The throwdown against Chicago also helps Mac's cause to be a potential captain.
Mac was mostly healthy all season long last year, having played 80 games. This year, he's played 56 out of 66 games and you can see there's a difference in his play when he's not healthy. Mac carried Vatrano and Strome when he was healthy. Mac can't really carry any line right now, but I know Lundy and Silf carried Mac to become more productive.
Mac might be trying to do too much while not being 100% in his second season. Last year, he was more of a deferring player when it came to scoring goals. This year, he got 17 goals in his 48th game whereas last year he hit 17 goals in his 80th game of the season. He also vastly improved his FO% from 42.3% to 52.6%. There is growth between the two seasons.
I don't see captain material out of any of the youths right now, which should often be the case. They're all still trying to adapt to the NHL and it might take years. Getz didn't assume captaincy until age 25. Mac recently turned 21 years old, Z is 22, Carlsson is 18, and Minty is 20. Fowler should have been named captain under normal succession, but Verbeek doesn't do normal. Terry would have been the second choice since he's signed for 7 years, but is Terry too old for Verbeek's choice?