JaegerDice
The mark of my dignity shall scar thy DNA
- Dec 26, 2014
- 25,161
- 9,414
If Team Canada had decided to go with Toews, they would have "cleared it" with Crosby, as well. Both guys are the two best leaders in the sport, as acknowledged by their peers, and both are major factors in the leadership group. But that was not a case of Team Canada asking Toews for "permission" or anything like that. The idea that the best player of his generation would have to ask the team's third line center if he could be the captain is just ridiculous to me. It was a sign of respect that I can guarantee you was Sid's idea, which speaks volumes about his character and leadership right there.
It's a little weird to call the C that received the most TOI on the team the 3rd line center, but ok.
The idea that they would have cleared it with Crosby if the situation were reversed is an interesting counter-factual that's unprovable one way or the other. Although given your certainty Team Canada had nothing to do with it, perhaps you're an insider that worked with Hockey Canada?
It may very well have been Crosby that led the charge on getting Toews ok for the C. Good for him. If that's the case, it certainly speaks to the regard Crosby holds Toews in, if nothing else.
Or it could have been a political move. Lord knows Crosby doesn't want to enter a room feeling like half the guys in there feel a different guy should be the one wearing the letter.
Either way, whether it was a Team Canada mandate, or something Crosby felt motivated to do by personal honor or political gain, it speaks to Toews' respect as a leader.
Ultimately, the way Luongo tells it, it didn't matter. Even with an A instead of a C, Toews was the guy taking charge of the room. Which makes sense. Putting a C on your chest doesn't magically make you a leader. Being a leader makes you the reasonable choice for receiving the C. Crosby was a natural leader before he received the C in Pittsburgh, likewise for Toews in Chicago. They didn't get the C and magically become capable of leading a room. A slice of fabric doesn't have that ability.
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