I would like to see Huberdeau being left do his thing for at least the first couple of seasons without having to worry about the responsibilities of being a captain. I'm concerned that naming him the captain of a team in a city that he's barely set foot in might put him in an awkward spot, especially when he's unfamiliar with the locker room dynamics. Also Backlund has already built a relationship with the city and is more connected to the community, and I think it will take time for Huberdeau to do the same.
I think there is a decent chance Backlund plays the rest of his career here. Even if he doesn't, worst-case is that he would be a fine transitional captain for the next guy (like Conroy was for Iginla), especially if can do some of the things that he did for Sweden. Huberdeau would be able to see where the team needs improvement during that time.
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