I think the Flames as a whole will have enough leadership moving forward if Iginla moves. There are still guys like Gio to lead by example. Not sure who is and isn't vocal in the room, but from my understanding the Flames have a 'really great room'.
As for the prospects - lots of guys have had letters while in Junior. As they progress, so will their leadership abilities. Young men are not only developing their bodies and their skills in the AHL, but also their minds. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Was Todd Simpson a terrible captain? Well, he was really young, and he wasn't one of the best players on the ice, but I think he was fine as a captain (remember that fight with Domi?).
Ramage, Wotherspoon, Kulak, Culkin, Reinhart, Bouma, Granlund and probably more (sure I am missing some) I think have all either had letters or have been outright captains at some point in their young careers.
I think IF the Flames make some trades at the deadline unloading some vets for prospects and picks (and seemingly more likely this year), it will just add to that mix.
Also, the Flames seem to be about 2 things in terms of prospects:
1) High Hockey-IQ players - 'thinkers'
2) Seem high on Ward and how he tries to make a player better both professionally and personally. Seems like a developmental philosophy the Flames are very high on.
If the Flames keep molding their direction in this nature, I think it will be very positive long-term. Leadership will just fall into place. It doesn't matter if your leader is a skilled player, a grunt, or somewhere in-between. As long as your leader leads, then who he is is of little consequence.
|