Choosing defenseman Dion Phaneuf as the new captain for the Toronto Maple Leafs was a no-brainer, according to coach Ron Wilson.  Right from picking up Phaneuf, Wilson said that he was already a potential captain.  He believes that the defenseman can lead the Maple Leafs after seeing how he was able to inspire others and bring a positive attitude to the team, be it in the practice facility or even the dressing room.  He's been very active and Phaneuf would be seen doing little things a captain would do. Following the announcements made regarding the new captain of the team, the Toronto coach believes that the 25-year old defenseman will inspire many young players and bring good influence into the team he's leading.  Since Mats Sudin left the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2008, the team hasn't had a captain until the arrival of Phaneuf, who joined the team just last January following a blockbuster deal with the Calgary Flames.  The new captain was able to accomplish 10 points after playing a total of 26 games with Toronto.  Hopefully, recent developments will give the NHL franchise a better fighting chance, after placing last during the last season of the Eastern Conference. Phaneuf's arrival to Toronto Apparently, Phaneuf isn't one to stay on the sidelines and keep his opinions to himself, traits the management viewed positively.  It's undeniable that the new captain made a great impact on the team, and not just in points.  Phaneuf  is seen dropping the gloves to fight and spending minutes on ice to give the team a fighting chance.  In the dressing room and even on ice, Phaneuf would voice out his concerns.  In fact, there was one instance when Phaneuf complained to the GM that they were being pushed around and that they needed bigger forwards.  And, he was right. The GM admitted that not too many guys stand up at him like that and bark at him the way Phaneuf  did, right from the dressing and into the weight room.  But the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs doesn't mind, seeing how Phaneuf cares about the team and their performance. According to GM Brian Burke of the Toronto Maple Leafs, before Phaneuf 's arrival to Toronto, no one would hear the Maple Leafs yelling during practice like they were in church.  The was a huge difference when the defenseman came.  The guys started talking and it made a lot of changes in how the team played and practiced.  He would bark on his teammates and cheer for them during practice or when they're on ice at the heat of the game. Following a great example The new captain wants to be the hardest working guy on ice and perhaps set a good example to his team.  Flames captain Jarome Iginla, a former teammate, has been a great inspiration to Phaneuf and he would like to follow how he leads a team.  He also looks up to Mark Messier, Scott Stevens, and Wendel Clark as former NHL captains.  He believes that being the captain doesn't mean that he has to be the loudest guy, but one who shows dedication and hard work, day in and day out. Phaneuf is the 22nd captain in Toronto franchise and 18th for the Maple Leafs.