Instead, the club rolled out four alternate captains with Sean Monahan, Matthew Tkachuk, Mikael Backlund and Chris Tanev taking on the «A» duties this past season, and at times Johnny Gaudreau as well.
Monahan, Tkachuk and Gaudreau are not with the franchise anymore. It's time for a new leadership group to be formed.
Reports are confirming that major summer acquisition Jonathan Huberdeau could be the next captain of the Flames.
Huberdeau is a veteran who has quickly embraced his identity as a Calgary Flames player. Committed to Calgary for the next nine seasons after signing an $84-million extension. Huberdeau has made his intentions clear. He wants to be a leader on and off the ice. That decision was made quickly after he spent a week or so studying up on the team that made him feel so wanted.
His respect in choosing another number rather than asking Backlund for his No. 11 is more evidence of his character.
Although he doesn't correlate the contract to the expectations, he has for himself, he will use the coming weeks and months to get to know his teammates, become more comfortable and hope that ability and experience puts him in a position to lead.
Darryl Sutter did throw some fuel on the speculation today with his media comments.
POLL | ||
11 OCTOBRE | 159 ANSWERS Conflicting reports surface on who will be named Flames next captain Where will the Calgary Flames finish in 2022-2023? | ||
Champion of the Pacific division | 40 | 25.2 % |
Top Three in the Pacific division | 58 | 36.5 % |
Winning the Presidents' Trophy | 14 | 8.8 % |
In a Wild Card spot | 47 | 29.6 % |
List of polls |