4 players who could become next Maple Leafs captain

With the Toronto Maple Leafs trading captain Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators in a nine-player deal on Tuesday, the opportunity has arisen for someone new to take his place wearing the "C" for the historic franchise going forward.

Although general manager Lou Lamoriello said the Maple Leafs won't have a captain the rest of this season, there are a number of suitable candidates in the current Maple Leafs locker room - as well as another potentially on the horizon - who could take over the role next year.

Here are four players who could become the 19th captain in the franchise's history:

James van Riemsdyk

One of the most productive players on the team since being acquired from the Philadelphia Flyers for Luke Schenn in 2012, Van Riemsdyk brings the tireless effort, competitive drive, and energetic spirit that a captain should portray.

He's currently one of the longest-tenured players in Toronto's locker room, and is signed through the 2017-18 season.

Nazem Kadri

The 25-year-old has never played for another franchise during his six-year career, and has won over head coach Mike Babcock for being "a way better player" than he expected.

Kadri's also a local product: He was born in nearby London, Ontario, and played his junior hockey with the Kitchener Rangers and London Knights. Given his age, Kadri still has the potential and ability to be one of the Maple Leafs' top forwards.

Morgan Rielly

The 21-year-old Rielly may be young, but his decision-making skills and calm demeanor both on and off the ice show a maturity most young men his age fail to possess.

These attributes - which will only develop further as he spends more time in the pros - scream captain. If the Maple Leafs continue to envision him as a key member of the franchise's future, why not show him some extra faith by handing him the "C?"

Steven Stamkos

The biggest unrestricted free agent of the offseason is widely expected to be a major target of the Maple Leafs come July 1. With the team now in a good position to potentially rope the 26-year-old sniper into coming back to his hometown, buttering their offer up by adding the extra incentive of being captain only makes sense.

No one addition could change a franchise more than Stamkos this offseason, and if the Maple Leafs intend to land the two-time 50-goal scorer, offering him the role - which he's held with the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2014 - almost seems like a must.