Who was the Best Flames Captain of all time?

[chopper89]

Watching Mario Lemieux last night reminded me of what an amazing leader he is. In one game, he managed to unite a bunch of multi-millionaires into a team with a purpose.

It got me to thinking, which Captain of the Flames was able to do that the best here. I'm not necessarily talking about who was the best statistical player, or who fought the most, but who was the best leader, on and off the ice?

Here's a list..
Captains

For example, while I believe Iggy is probably the most talented Captain - I think this last playoff run showed he is becoming a true leader on the ice too. Coming to the defence of your teammates, working as hard as anyone else, becoming a face of the franchise, taking the rookies under your wing, heaping praise or kicking ass in the locker room when warranted...all stuff that should be used in your decision.

Personally, I think the top 3 captains I remember would be:

Lanny: Veteran leadership, commanded respect due to his abilities and accomplishments on the ice, great locker room guy and all around "nice guy" Maybe too nice to kick ass, but didn't need to due to players respect for him.

Iggy: Going to be the best after a couple more years. Does everything I indicated above..scores, hits, fights, charity, etc, etc. Add in all the hob-knobbing he's doing with the elite captains in the game today at World Cups, Olympics, All-Star games and he'll just get better.

Nieuwendyk: A classic soft-spoken, lead by example type like Joe Sakic and Marcus Naslund today. Unfortunately, he couldn't lead the team of all-stars to another Cup and then selfishly held-out until traded.

Let me know what you guys think...

[I-Hate-Hulse]

I think it's safe to say that Todd Simpson and Steve Smith WON'T win this contest. So let's just strike them from this list.

Never was a fan of that Alternating Captain guy either. Too soft. :P

[droopydrew19]

Phil Russel hands down

[calgaryred]

I would say Lanny McDonald. He was guy that gained respect from the league and his team. I truly believe if he stayed one more year the Flames would have won two cups in a row. Second without a doubt would be Iggy. If Iglina can be contistant year after year. This team will go far. He's always proven to be a leader guiding this team to the finals.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Two votes for Phil Russell!

[socalwingfan]

Brad Marsh - he had speed to burn!!!

[GoinAllTheWay]

I liked Connie having the "C"

Even though he left us, still like the guy. Typical Conroy interview after the game last night, I enjoyed watching it. Was wierd seeing him in a Jersery.

[the_only_turek_fan]

Lanny!!!

The inspirational leader of the Flames. A leader on and off the ice, lead by example and was great in the community.

The worst was not Simpson or Smith, in fact IMO it was Nieuwendyk.

He was around for playoff losses in 90,91,93,94, and 95.

The team still had loads of talent, and he could not be a leader and get them all together and move this team ahead.

The captaincy should have been given to MacInnis.

[calgaryred]

I second that Al Maciness was a worthy leader for those teams. Nieuwendyk couldn't get them on that playoff level that's necessary to go on.

[freakinsaprikin]

Originally posted by calgaryred@Sep 1 2004, 08:50 PM
I second that Al Maciness was a worthy leader for those teams. Nieuwendyk couldn't get them on that playoff level that's necessary to go on.

I think just because al wasn't wearing the "c" dosn't mean that he wasn't a leader of the team, and they still couldn't get out of the first round. I think those teams had a real lack of leadership and putting th "c" on al wouldn't of made much of a difference.

[chopper89]

I actually think one of the worst captains was Fleury. Obviously Marketing was behind making the most selfish player on the team the Captain.

He just didn't have the temperament and, according to rumors, was not loved by his teammates- specifically rookies whom he was said to be really hard on. Even Gary Roberts (who was a great Captaincy candidate) couldn't stand the Midget.

[chris lindberg]

Not Captains but Joel Otto was a good leader i thought, and Brian Skrudland, wish we would have protected him in the expansion draft.
Right now i would say Stephane Yelle?

[Bill Bumface]

Speaking of bad captains: Worst assistant captain? Val Bure

[Weiser Wonder]

Originally posted by chopper89@Sep 1 2004, 02:09 PM
I actually think one of the worst captains was Fleury. Obviously Marketing was behind making the most selfish player on the team the Captain.

He just didn't have the temperament and, according to rumors, was not loved by his teammates- specifically rookies whom he was said to be really hard on. Even Gary Roberts (who was a great Captaincy candidate) couldn't stand the Midget.

The worst by far was Nieuwendyk. All he cared about was scoring goals and getting his...Fleury wasn't good but Nieuwendyk was worse.

[McG]

Iggy.

I also think he will be the next Captain of Canada.

[Weiser Wonder]

Iginla is the best IMO. Lanny was good but the way Iginla carried the Flames on his back this playoffs was amazing.

[Looger]

if the criteria is losing a fight in every building (call it the kelly buchberger criteria), then todd simpson.

otherwise, got to go with lanny macdonald. guided team to first cup win.

[snowdude]

Steve Smith when he played for the Oilers

I think Iggy will be eventualy but its got to be Lanny right now

[JBR]

Did Mel Bridgeman ever wear the "A"? If so my quasi vote is for him. That dude was Magnum P.I. in a Klima special!!

[Eddie Bronze]

I used to think nothing would ever come close to what Lanny accomplished. And to see him top it off by scoring in his final game and the way it played out, that was just amazing. That image, the big moustache, it's so symbolically FLAME.
However, even when Lanny was captain and the Flames won the cup, he did not dominate the way Iginla did. If Iggy can somehow lead this team to it's 2nd cup, then I'd say they would both sit on the same level, but until there is a captain of another cup winner, Lanny shall remain on that podium by himself.