Who gets the C? - Updated
Posted 3:08 PM ET | Comments 5
While it's been agreed that the Flyers indeed need to have an outstanding offseason as far as free agent signings go, they also need to address the vacancy of a team captain. Here in Philadelphia, finding the perfect, long-term, healthy captain has been about as easy as getting Coatsey to make a comment without rambling for 5 hours. Since Lindros took over the role, there hasn't been a captain here that could be the face of the franchise. Primeau was damn close to being the perfect captain, until the dreaded concussion saga.
Who gets the "C" next year? Many people believe Mike Richards is the future captain of the team, but they also believe he isn't ready yet. So my question is, do you give it to a guy like Gagne, who seems ready for the honor, that will wear it for the rest of his career? Or do you give it to a Knuble, Kapanen, or Hatcher, who will only keep it to buy time until Richards is ready?
I don't think the Flyers want to keep playing hot potatoe with the captaincy of the team for years to come. If they think Richards is the guy, then give it to an aging veteran to babysit it until he's ready. If Richards isn't the guy, then let Gagne have a crack at it.
What do you think?
***EDIT***
Who would your alternates be??
Who gets the "C" next year? Many people believe Mike Richards is the future captain of the team, but they also believe he isn't ready yet. So my question is, do you give it to a guy like Gagne, who seems ready for the honor, that will wear it for the rest of his career? Or do you give it to a Knuble, Kapanen, or Hatcher, who will only keep it to buy time until Richards is ready?
I don't think the Flyers want to keep playing hot potatoe with the captaincy of the team for years to come. If they think Richards is the guy, then give it to an aging veteran to babysit it until he's ready. If Richards isn't the guy, then let Gagne have a crack at it.
What do you think?
***EDIT***
Who would your alternates be??
The future captain has got to want it. Gagne played like a captain the last half, but he also scored almost 20% of the teams goals this year. Why weigh him down unless he really burns for it? Give it to either Kapanen or Knuble. My preference is Kappy, he's publicly stated he'd be honored.
To me Obi-won Knuble seems to have evrything that a good captain should have: leadership, works his tail off and never takes a game off, is good in the room and with the press, is itelligent, has the respect of all.If Gagne were to receive it, I would not a problem what so ever with that; he seems to have grown into the role and has the qualities also.If Knoob gets the 'C' I let Gags and Hatch keep their 'A' with Kappy wearing one if any of the above are out of the line up.If Gags gets the 'C' the alts would be Hatch and Knub with Kappy in reserve.Any combo of those four would be good fits for a letter... If you can give out 3 'A's, I would do so.Richards may be a good future captain, but he would have to mature and prove it before he can be considered, IMHO.
I agree...either Kapanen or Knuble. Gagne and the either Kapanen or Knuble (whoever doesn't get the C) should get the A's...
i would agree that either kapanen or knuble would make great captains, with my nod going to kapanen. i think richards still has something to prove. gagne did play with drive, heart, and leadership in the last half of the season, i just -for some reason- don't see gags in the captains roll.
I agree that they have to give the captaincy to someone that will keep it for many years and give the team some stability. Having a different captain every few years has a negative effect on the team. This only leaves two real options --- Gagne or Richards. I don't think Gagne really wants it, but feels obligated and pressured to take it. Richards is still too young, but then again there have been successful young captains before (i.e. Steve Yzerman). Tough call. Alternates - Hatcher, Knuble, Kapanen. Where's Dave Poulin when you need him?