In a summer full of speculation about Auston Matthews and who else the ELafs would draft and sign, a small piece of news was missed here at PPP.

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Dominic Toninato was named captain of the University of Minnesota-Duluth in June for the upcoming 2016/2017 season.

From the release:

The senior center has been entrusted with that responsibility for the 73rd edition of Bulldog hockey, following in the footsteps of another Duluth East High School alumnus, defenseman Andy Welinski, who captained UMD to a second consecutive NCAA Tournament berth this past March. Senior defensemen Brenden Kotyk and Carson Soucy, along with junior right winger Karson Kuhlman, will serve as assistant team captains with the 2016-17 Bulldogs.

"This is a huge honor and one that is particularly special for me being from Duluth and growing up a devout Bulldog fan," said Toninato. "I'm extremely excited for the upcoming season and can't wait to get it started."

Last season with UMD Toninato scored 15 goals and added six assists for 21 point sin 40 games as a junior in the program, and the teams leading scorer.

This is great news for Toninato, and hopefully a sign he can lead the team to another NCAA playoff berth and follow fellow 15/16 Bulldog Kasimir Kaskisuo to the Maple Leafs organization.

Maple Leafs Prospects