Yesterday when the Carolina Hurricanes announced Rod Brind’Amour as the team’s next head coach, one of the first questions he answered was if the team would continue to employ two “co-captains” in 2018-19. The Hurricanes allowed Jordan Staal and Justin Faulk to share the duties this season, while Jeff Skinner was named an alternate.
Brind’Amour made it clear that there will be just one, and that he already has an idea who will be his team’s captain, but will talk to the leadership group before making that decision public. He should have a pretty good idea of the dynamic inside the dressing room, after serving as an assistant coach for the last seven seasons.
Staal and Faulk remain the obvious candidates, but it’s not a guarantee that Brind’Amour will give it to one of them. Justin Williams is the elder statesman on the club and was brought in for his steady performance and experience in the playoffs. Williams has won three Stanley Cups in his career, including Carolina’s only championship in 2006.
Jaccob Slavin though only 24 years old, logged the most ice time on the team each of the past two years and is signed longer than anyone else on the team. He’ll start into his seven-year extension next year, and is a steadying presence on the blue line.
Skinner himself is an option, though there are rumors of a potential exit from Carolina this summer if a trade can be found. The 25-year old sniper is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019, and has garnered plenty of interest from around the league.
Who should be named captain for the team? Is there a chance that the eventual captain isn’t even on the roster yet? Cast your vote below and make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments.
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ryan2k18
C: Williams
A1: Staal
A2: Slavin
A3 (In the event of an absence of C-A2): McGinn
mikedickinson
Ryan, you obviously watch the Canes. McGinn and Staal get the A and Williams gets the C if I’m giving out the letters.
ThePriceWasRight
give it to staal.
Williams makes no sense. while yes he has captain material, this team has a new owner, coach and GM and should be looking to the future. Williams is likely to retire in 2 years or so and then you do this all over. Staal has played with Sid, his brother has been captain for the franchise and is generally regarded as a knowledgeable and well respected player and teammate
rowdelicious
Tavares