Who do you want to be Captain?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Looks like Weegar donated his winnings from a charity golf event to help with pet evacuations from the Wildfire.

Both Weegar and Huberdeau seem better acclimated to the city now both mentioned they bought houses and feel settled.

Hard to pick between them but I think Weegar seems more vocal and has the ability to speak up. Wasn't shy in saying he felt Sutter had to go. You need that honesty and player to speak up for the room.

[musth]

^ just about to post this. A lot of players say the right thing but the more and more I hear and read about the guy, on top of those great on ice abilities, I'm really liking the cut of this guys jib.

https://twitter.com/user/status/1692938890234204555


I'm sold. Make it so.

[getbak]

I don't know if he'll have time to be captain while also supervising the construction of the new building.

[sonq]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Yeah that's fair. I'm just, like... I dunno. I mean, what's with the mass exodus? We have the most likeable GM on the planet, we got rid of Sutter and promoted a guy to replace him that all the players like... Yet Toffoli still wanted out, Hannifin still wants out, Backlund still wants out, Lindholm still wants... I'm not sure, actually.

Not that it makes any difference here, but Toffoli wanted to stay and was even willing to take less money, but Conroy didn't want to give him the term he was asking (reportedly around 5 years if I remember correctly)

[mile]

Friedman interview with Andersson in Stockholm on 32 Thoughts:
- Told Backlund last year that he was the captain, and that the room saw him as the captain. Backlund said he kind of knew, but said that because he didn't have the 'C', he couldn't do all of the things he wanted to.
- Captaincy is something no player would ever turn down, and would love to be the captain. Feels there is a lot of good leaders on the team and mentioned himself, Weegar, Backlund, and Huberdeau as candidates. Knows that Huska, Conroy, and ownership will make the right call.
- Talks about how the team should embrace the chaos that comes with playing in a Canadian market, have a chip on their shoulders, play with swagger, and have fun at the rink (and not just within the group)
- Says the team can't play like they are scared to lose, especially late in the game

[CroFlames]

In the NHL, who ultimately makes that call? The manager or the coach?

[dissentowner]

I have now changed my mind and would pick Weegar. For me it is only Huberdeau or Weegar that makes sense because we need a leader who has not been part of the past mediocrity that is the Calgary Flames. I wouldn't pick Kadri, he doesn't scream C to me and I would rather he focus on being a prick on the ice. Andersson is a fine leader but he has been part of that leadership group for a while now that has accomplished nothing.

[bax]

Listening to Ras on the 32 Thoughts podcast. I think he’s definitely a contender to be captain.

[edslunch]

Originally Posted by mile

Friedman interview with Andersson in Stockholm on 32 Thoughts:
- Told Backlund last year that he was the captain, and that the room saw him as the captain. Backlund said he kind of knew, but said that because he didn't have the 'C', he couldn't do all of the things he wanted to.
- Captaincy is something no player would ever turn down, and would love to be the captain. Feels there is a lot of good leaders on the team and mentioned himself, Weegar, Backlund, and Huberdeau as candidates. Knows that Huska, Conroy, and ownership will make the right call.
- Talks about how the team should embrace the chaos that comes with playing in a Canadian market, have a chip on their shoulders, play with swagger, and have fun at the rink (and not just within the group)
- Says the team can't play like they are scared to lose, especially late in the game

It's infuriating that Sutter didn't name a captain last year. What a snub to Backlund. Even picking someone else would have been better than no one IMO, instead they all get snubbed as 'not worthy'.

[kipperiggy]

I’m surprised how many are picking Weegar over homegrown Andersson. Why?

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by kipperiggy

I’m surprised how many are picking Weegar over homegrown Andersson. Why?

I think its how vocally honest weegar has been about things, on top of his demonstration of character.

The locker room, arena, and Sutter too.

You need a leader that can get down to the brass tacks when it's needed. And especially so on a team that's been markedly mediocre for years that could use a little self honesty on its state of affairs

[Locke]

Which Ritchie is still here?

If its going to be a clown-show...don't half-ass it!

[CF84]

From what I've heard in interviews, it's a toss up between Weegar and Andersson. I went with Andersson based on his relationship with Huska.


I could see any player on this list minus Coleman and Lindholm being a great captain for the Flames...even Kadri. That may actually be the perfect role for him.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by CF84

From what I've heard in interviews, it's a toss up between Weegar and Andersson. I went with Andersson based on his relationship with Huska.


I could see any player on this list minus Coleman and Lindholm being a great captain for the Flames...even Kadri. That may actually be the perfect role for him.

Honestly, Andersson or Kadri would be okay by me.

This team needs a little ass-kicking bite, Chucky might have been too much, but either of those guys? I think they have it.

As much as I love Backlund, he's too old, he's gone soon and he just doesnt drag his teammates into the fight. Same with Lindholm. Too passive.

[Sandman]

I want Weegs to be Captain, but only if Backlund is leaving (or has left). Backs is my first choice.

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by Sandman

I want Weegs to be Captain, but only if Backlund is leaving (or has left). Backs is my first choice.

I agree with this

For me, order of preference is

Backlund (if staying)
Weegar
Andersson
Huberdeau

[CroFlames]

If old man Backlund isn't gone this summer, he's gone at TDL.

Give it to Weegs, Andersson or Huberdeau.

[GioforPM]

Signed long term: Weegar, Huberdeau, Rasmus, Kadri
Played well last year: Weegar, Backlund, Rasmus
Best player and in his prime: Weegar

[SportsJunky]

The Athletic had an article earlier this week making a case for Rasmus Andersson as the next captain. https://theathletic.com/4813199/2023...lames-captain/

Andersson, who has the benefit of being a veteran with a locker-room presence while being younger than other candidates and having no visible concerns about his immediate future with the team.

When called upon, Andersson makes himself available to the media for the good and the bad. Andersson was among the players who spoke to the media at different points in 2022-23 while trying to provide answers for the team’s play. Andersson is signed through 2026 at a $4.55 million cap hit. He still has his best years as a defenceman ahead of him. Even if the Flames are forced to go through a retool or rebuild, Andersson could serve as a constant as the team transitions.

Rasmus isn't my first choice for captain but I see why some would want him in that role. Solid guy.

[lazypucker]

I think Backlund is still useful for a few more years with lower cap hit. The Flames should absolutely present him with an extension right now for say 3.5m x 3. This will be a better use of money then getting a different Ritchie every year for like $2.5m.

If Backlund signs the extension, make him captain. If he rejects, trade him right away to get something back.