Quality Candidates for Next Habs Captain

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T. Tadi
August 20, 2021 (7:48 PM)

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Some worthy candidates:

GALLAGHER, BRENDAN

Heart and soul is a term overused nowadays, yet it fits Gallagher well. He doesn't sleep. He doesn't even take breaks. A fantastic example and mentor, he plays injured, isn't afraid of the public, does things with the team (see Habs videos). Some supporters have mentioned his strained ties with officials. Talking to officials is now a minor part of being a captain. Gally excels in her job as a team player. He also extended his contract.

JEFF PETRY

Petry has been the team's "A." He's got a team-friendly contract deal and will be the team's top defenseman without Weber. He is a personal buddy of Weber and Carey Price.

PAUL BYRON

Byron is the second hardest worker on this Habs team, after Gallagher. An overpaid player on a cap-strapped team? Byron has been placed on waivers several times to save the Canadiens money. Just having him as captain might be problematic.

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ARTTURI LEHKONEN

Lehky has worn the «A» on occasion. He's a quiet man who has raised Jesperi Kotkaniemi from the start. But, like Byron, he's been a healthy scratch and his future is uncertain. The Canadiens are unlikely to make him captain.

JONATHAN DROUIN

Many people reading this (and many more not reading it) may scoff at this, but those in the dressing room will tell you that Jo is a different player now. He works considerably harder and wants to lead this team. I would be astonished if they put a «C» on his jersey, but not if they put a «A» on it.

JOSH ANDERSON

In his first season, the rookie has already assumed team leadership. He embraced the city, the fans, and the Canadiens identity. He's a Gallagher with speed. While he showed outstanding leadership, I believe he needs more time to properly grasp the significance of a letter on the Habs' jersey.

NICK SUZUKI

He's the team's future and is studying under Weber and co. I don't believe in overburdening a young man. This is a tough enough league to learn without adding undue pressure. He might be the team's captain one day. I don't think it's happened yet.

The Habs' next captain will likely be Brendan Gallagher, if I had to wager. However, none has greater heart than the Canadiens' 11th player. During the playoffs, Gallagher was famously photographed in blood. Fans, media, and even players in the locker room. Everybody else... except Weber, of course.