Philadelphia Flyers: Top 10 Controversial Captains

8. Keith Primeau (2001-06)

Keith Primeau had some pretty big skates to fill, having been traded to the Flyers in exchange for Rod Brind’Amour, who was a fan favorite, penalty killing specialist, and all around great guy. Primeau took the challenge and ran with it.

He endeared himself to Philadelphia quickly, scoring the game-winning goal in the now famous record longest game against the Penguins in the 2000 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. Primeau was named  Captain the following season when Eric Desjardins, who was given the “C” that had been stripped from Eric Lindros, resigned from the position.

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Keith would have his own controversy as Captain. Many feel that Primeau calling out then head coach Bill Barber was the final straw that got Barber fired in 2002.  Barber’s wife had recently died, and the firing was viewed as a harsh, heartless move.

Primeau never backed down, making it known that he had to do what was best for his team. Primeau would lead the team to a seven-game Semi-Finals losing effort. The Flyers lost that series to the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Tampa Bay Lightning. Ironically, Bill Barber was on the coaching staff of that Lightning team that won.

Primeau’s career was cut short by a concussion in 2006. He officially retired on September 14, 2006.