Puck Prose
Fansided

Five NHL Teams That Need Captains

By Doug Praskach

Jan 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf (3) chases a puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Dion Phaneuf (3) chases a puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next
NHL Captains
Dion Phaneuf (3) chases a puck. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

NHL Captains Needed to Lead and Guide Five Teams

NHL captains aren’t just an afterthought. With the Winnipeg Jets naming Blake Wheeler as their leader, there are still five NHL teams with no one to guide them.  Some seem to be closer than others in getting that important job completed.

The five teams that don’t currently have a captain named are Nashville, Edmonton, Carolina, Florida, and Toronto.  One of those teams didn’t have a captain last season and one of them may not have one this year.

Unlike most professional sports where the biggest thing a captain does is go out for the coin toss or get to hold a trophy first, NHL captains hold a very important position.

From the NHL Rule Book, “Section 2, Rule 6.1 Captain – One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and he alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game.”

There is a full section there about what NHL captains can and cannot do in regards to talking to the referees.  Done incorrectly, he can receive a minor penalty or even a game misconduct.

It is a huge honor to wear the “C” on your sweater.  He is usually chosen by the coach or management but some teams have voted on a captain.  Some go without and have three alternate captains, one of whom is designated to talk to the referees.

A captain can be the face of the franchise; a leader both motivationally and as an example. They answer the tough questions with the media and can be a go-between among players and coaches.  It is not a position that is taken lightly by NHL players.

With all of that in mind, there are still five NHL teams without captains. There were seven before St. Louis named Alex Pietrangelo, replacing former captain David Backes just a few days ago. And as mentioned, yesterday Winnipeg named Blake Wheeler. Let’s take a look at where the rest stand.

Next: Will a Brother Step in?

Home/Editorials