El Capitanos, Present and Future

I've some thoughts on current NHL team captains. I don't know any of these men, it is but a dream, but here's my opinions based on their play and how they portray themselves in public. I guess if I was coach of all 30 teams it would be different... but no GM is THAT stupid.

ANAHEIM
Current captain: Chris Pronger. I don't like him. I think he's an effective player, and a darn good one at that, but his career and reputation is being tainted by constant dirty play. I'm not just talking about stuff he's been suspended for (c'mon league, when Pronger's 6-foot whatever, how can McAmmond help but run into his elbow?!), but for the way he consistently plays the game: dirty. He's like the really smart kid in school who's found a way to cheat so he does, instead of using his talents the right way. But apparently he has some leadership skills I haven't seen - he was captain in St. Louis, as well as an assistant in Edmonton and Anaheim before being named Duck captain.
Future?: Well, I would have given the "C" to Robby Niedermeyer. He epitomizes work ethic and dedication. He goes about his business quietly and effectively. For the future, however, get ready for Getzlaf. With a couple more years of maturity, this guy is definite captain material, he's got all the goods, now it's just his attitude that needs to catch up. If he can focus that fiery, sometimes obnoxious temper of his, he'll be a gritty, Mark Messier-esque leader.

ATLANTA:
Currently no captain after Bobby Holik returned to greener pastures (and Martin Brodeur) in New Jersey. Slava Kozlov, Niklas Havelid, and Ilya Kovalchuk all served as alternates last year. I say give the "C" to Kovalchuk. His attitude still leaves much for wanting...but at least it's better than it was when he began. There's progress here, folks! There is no doubting that Kovalchuk is the heart and soul of the Thrashers, and all of their hopes of success rest on his talented, obnoxious, and cocky shoulders. That's why he should have the "C." Give it to him and let's see how he reacts. It may be just what the team needs. I don't know, I just can't see Kozlov, Havelid, or anyone leading this team to the playoffs.

BOSTON:
Current captain: Zdeno Chara. I don't have much to say about Chara (we'll leave that up to my brother, who whisper's Zdeno's name while sleeping). He's without a doubt one of the premier defensemen in the league and a good choice for captain. I don't see him rallying the troops with an emotional locker room address, but I do see him leading by an example that includes sticking up for his teammates. I love captains like that, who will do anything for any of their teammates, whether it's the star of the team or the new minor-league call up. Of course, Chara's 6'9. When he stands up, any other play just basks in his shadow.
Future captain(s): Patrice Bergeron. He'll be a Joe Sakic-type. After him, Milan Lucic. The kid's only 18 and has a ways to go, but man, can you just see this guy captaining a team like the Boston Bruins?! Not only is he fearless, but he's pretty darn talented as well. He's the perfect fit for a storied, legendary team like the Boston Bruins.

BUFFALO:
This one's tough after the toll free agency has taken on the Sabres. Last year, coach Lindy Ruff used a monthly, alternating captaincy much like the Minnesota Wild have done since their inception. Jochen Hecht served twice, and Toni Lydman, Jaroslav Spacek and Jason Pominville all did their time as well. The captains were picked by player vote, so it seems obvious that Hecht would be the player's choice for "C", but I can definitely see Pominville captaining the Sabres. I see in him the Chris Drury heart, even if he's still playing catch up in the talent department. If they're looking to the future, Pominville needs to be named captain.

CALGARY:
Current captain: Jarome Iginla. This guy is not only one of the league's best players, he's also one of the classiest acts and one of my favorite captains. He plays every single game like it's his last, and treats every teammate like his brother. He'll fight for them, he'll win games for them, he'll kill penalties, work the power play, call his players out when they're not performing, congratulate them when they're doing well, and he's been of huge service to the Calgary community. The players, management, and fans all love him. He's the type of franchise player team's spend years trying to find. His classy personality was epitomized after Calgary's final game against Vancouver last year. It was an emotional game for longtime Canuck legend Trevor Linden, who had all but confirmed it would be his last after a long, successful career that spanned almost two decades. After the game, while Linden was embracing his teammates on the ice, Iginla called his team back out to the ice, where they banged their sticks and embraced Linden as well. That's class folks. It's something that transcends the barrier of city and team. It's personal. Iginla has it.
Future captain: Who knows? Iginla just needs to play forever. Dion Phaneuf is the likely candidate. But he'll be around 30 by the time Iginla calls it quits. A lot could change by then.

We'll do more later.

Peace.