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Vegas Golden Knights Are in Full Swing. The Franchise Has a Location, An Arena, and a Name. Now, All There is Left is the Team Roster. Once the Roster is Selected the Franchise Gets a New Huge Decision to Make. Who Will Be the Franchise’s First Captain?
With last month’s’ unveiling, the 31st NHL franchise is starting to take shape. The Vegas Golden Knights (trademark approval pending) are preparing for the June expansion draft and while there won’t be any true franchise players available, one of their most important decisions will take place after the draft. This big moment will be naming the franchise’s first captain.
A franchise puts a great deal of thought into selecting a team captain. Every team wants a captain who is as good as a leader as he is in the rink. They look for a player who is passionate, inspirational and who will always be there for their team.
The NHL has seen hundreds of captains through the years, some better than others, and every team does their best to pick the right captain. A franchise’s first captain will go down in history, so the Vegas Golden Knights will put a great deal of thought into their first captain.
Because of the unique responsibilities an NHL captain has we thought we’d look at five potential captains for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Let’s Take a Look At Potential Vegas Golden Knights Captains
Next: The Man With the 'C' in Buffalo
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
RW- Brian Gionta, Buffalo Sabres
The current captain of the Buffalo Sabres, Brian Gionta fits all the qualities of an expansion captain. He’s a veteran leader who should be available come the expansion draft this June.
This season, the 37-year-old forward is posting six goals and five assists in his 27 games played. If Gionta keeps up this pace he has a shot at beating his last season stats of 12 goals and 21 assists.
While his production has been trending down for a few seasons, the leadership he provides could be invaluable for a young team. Having a veteran who could offer valuable leadership and guidance to a younger team is exactly what Vegas should be looking for.
Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
D- Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets
As a veteran top-4 defenseman, Jack Johnson has a proven track record of logging big minutes and providing (mostly) steady play throughout his eleven-year career.
This season Johnson is posting one goal and six assists in 26 games. The defenseman currently has a plus/minus of +13 which places him 10th in the NHL in terms of plus/minus, or fifth if you include ties.
The 29-year-old has been performing for the Blue Jackets and is a solid defenseman. He would make for a good leader over in Vegas.
Columbus has some decisions to make regarding who to protect and who to leave available for the expansion draft. If they decide to protect only three defensemen, it’s safe to assume two of those will be Seth Jones and Ryan Murray. And with the way David Savard has played this year, he would likely be the third protected. That would leave Johnson for the Golden Knights.
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
C- Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild
Another veteran who has worn the ‘C’ on his jersey before, Eric Staal may be exactly what the Golden Knights need. Staal is having a bounce-back year with the Minnesota Wild and plays a premium position. There won’t be many bonafide #1 or #2 centers available in the expansion draft, so Staal may be their best option.
Currently, Staal is posting six goals, 13 assists and a faceoff percentage of about 52% in 27 games this season. Staal is on the road to beat his performance last season (13 G, 26 A, 39 P) and, consequently,has been putting forward very different, and improved, play.
Staal was a solid captain with the Carolina Hurricanes and has always been a leader to his team despite the jersey he was wearing. He would provide scoring, experience, and excellent leadership for Vegas.
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
D- Marc Methot, Ottawa Senators
A somewhat mundane selection, Marc Methot has averaged over 20 minutes per game five times during his 13-year career. He plays a sound, steady, stay-at-home game that would be crucial to an expansion team. He has also displayed strong leadership qualities throughout his time in Ottawa.
Currently, Methot has just three assists and a plus/minus of +6 in 25 games. The solid defenseman is a strong body by the blue line and his stay-at-home defense style will make him a staple for the team.
The 31-year-old could offer the young Vegas franchise guidance, experience and strong leadership abilities. Methot will be as reliable for his team as he is on the ice, therefore his presence could be a great position of leadership for Vegas.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
RW- Matt Moulson, Buffalo Sabres
Our second Sabre on the list, Matt Moulson is a proven, veteran scoring winger on the decline. On pace for his fourth 20-goal season, Moulson may have more left in the tank than Gionta. Having your captain also be your top scorer is sometimes the way to go.
This season the 33-year-old is posting seven goals and three assists in 27 games. Moulson is already one goal away from beating the eight goals he posted last season.
Moulson is a solid and reliable forward who would provide the same kind of support for his team. Therefore, he would be a great asset to the young Vegas team by providing experience, leadership and reliability.
What do you think of these potential captain picks? Who would you choose to captain the Vegas Golden Knights? Let us know!
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