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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 /
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NHL Captains
Florida Panthers defenseman Willie Mitchell (33) skates against the Calgary Flames. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Young Defenseman or Elder Statesman for Florida?

There may be a new era in Florida as the Panthers unveiled a new logo and may soon do the same with a new NHL Captain.  Defenseman Willie Mitchell, the Panthers’ captain for the past two seasons, is a UFA and still getting over his seventh concussion at 39 years old.  He is not expected back.

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    • With that in mind, there are lots of experienced players that the Florida team could look to including Jaromir Jagr and Derek MacKenzie who wore the “A” last season.  It is doubtful they would choose one of them as well as Roberto Luongo who broke tradition and the rules by serving as Vancouver’s Captain back in 2008.  Goaltenders are not supposed to be NHL captains.

    Another veteran that may get a harder look is Jussi Jokinen.  He was also an Alternate last season and still playing at a high level, he would have to get some consideration.  He is 33-years old and signed for this season and next currently.  Does that play in his favor or against him?  Do you want to name a captain that may only play on your team for two more seasons?

    Enter Aaron Ekblad, the 20-year old defenseman.  Although only in the league for two years, he has handled himself like a seasoned veteran both with reporters and on the ice.  He won the Calder Trophy as a rookie and was an All-Star as well last season. He is signed through 2025 and will be the cornerstone of this team for years to come.

    Gabriel Landeskog of the Colorado Avalanche, became the captain on September 4, 2012, at the age of 19-years old.  Connor McDavid is in the mix this season.  Is the NHL trending toward younger Captains?

    With that in mind, we give our nod to Aaron Ekblad to become the new captain and face of a franchise with a new face.

    Next: Another Defenseman?

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