First of all, a shout out to LeRoi Moore of the Dave Matthews Band, who passed away Tuesday from complications stemming from an ATV accident he was in. The music in heaven just got better with him there. A man to be missed, and a life to be celebrated.
Back to hockey captains.
LOS ANGELES KINGS
Current captain: None. The team named Rob Blake captain upon his return last year. A good move, except he bolted for San Jose during this offseason. Four words: Who. Can. Blame. Him? Last year was yet another dismal season for the Kings, who are up to their necks in rebuilding. There is a light at the end of the tunnel with youngsters like Anze Kopitar, Jack Johnson, Dustin Brown and co. A couple more seasons, and the hiring of a competent coach, should reap rewards for the young Kings. The team is too young to really decide on a captain right now. They might want to think about giving the "C" to one of their younger guys, say Kopitar or Brown. If they want to go with a little experience, they might want to think about Scott Thornton. In any case, the Kings lack a leader now that Blake's gone. If no one steps up, they'll be in big trouble.
MINNESOTA WILD
Current Captain: Ever since the Wild entered the league, they have gone with a rotating, month to month captaincy. Before this offseason I would have begged the Wild to scrap this system and just name Brian Rolston permanent captain... but then he left for the Devils during the offseason. The rotating system works, and coach Jacques Lemaire does a pretty good job of mixing it up and letting the young guys take their turn with the "C" (i.e. Brent Burns). Marian Gaborik held the "C" throughout the playoffs, but it seemed to be more of a burden to him than anything, and maybe he'd be better off without the extra responsibility. Youngster Brent Burns seemed to respond pretty well to his time as captain, as did Mikko Koivu, whose older brother Saku is a longtime Canadiens captain. I like Mikko as captain. If Lemaire did decide to name a permanent captain, I think Koivu would be the choice.
MONTREAL CANADIENS
Speaking of Koivus, who about Saku? The guy has been captain of the Canadiens for the past decade, and no one seems to be in the running to take it away from him. Although he's not the superstar that he used to be, Koivu is a quiet leader who leads by example, giving 100% every game. He has never let his size limit him, and just the fact that a FINN has stayed captain of a team that is very pro-French Canadien in a city that doesn't particularly like foreigners is a testament to his greatness.
Future captain: Tough to say. Chris Higgins would be my choice. He's a hard worker who's really rounded himself out into a leader over the past season or so. I think he's got the right personality to lead this team.
NASHVILLE PREDATORS
Current captain: Jason Arnott. If the Preds were looking for championship experience, they certainly found it in Arnott. They guy has won Stanley Cups with both Dallas and New Jersey, and has been part of some incredible teams and lines. He's getting a little long in the tooth, and size has slowed him down in the new NHL, but he's still a great leader. He's just what the young Predators need, and the type of guy a city like Nashville can lock onto. In places where hockey isn't the norm, like Nashville, Atlanta, and Columbus, the team captain is one of the most important players. He needs to be someone who can go out and get involved in the community. He needs to be that team hero that everyone recognizes. We didn't see a whole lot from that from Arnott last year, but it was his first season as a captain in the NHL. I think we'll see him grow into the role nicely, and be a good buffer for the young guys who will take the reins after Arnott hangs 'em up.
Future captain: Steve Sullivan is a good choice, but injuries and age might prevent him ever taking the "C". I think the Preds talented group of young defensemen is the place to look for their future captain. Ryan Suter and Shea Weber are both home-bread from the Nashville system, have begun their careers here, and have that aura about them. Either one, though I'm leaning towards Suter, would be a good captain.
NEW JERSEY DEVILS
Current captain: The Devils got it right in naming Jamie Langenbrunner captain. You will not find a harder worker than Langenbrunner on any team in the NHL. He's one championships, he's scored a heckuva lot of goals, and he's not afraid to take a beating. He's suited for the "C", and a good example for the youngsters.
Future captain: I like Zach Parise and can see him leading this team. Paul Martin also wore an "A" for a lot of last season, and could turn into a Scott Niedermayer type leader. We'll see what the pipeline brings.
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