[Rumour] Flames to name captain...eventually

[danny darko]

Backlund or Lindholm for sure. I think Huberdeau would make a great captain, and likely will be in the future, but I also have a hard time wrapping my head around naming him captain when he hasn't played a single second of meaningful Flames hockey.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by calgaryred

Captain Mikael Backlund come on down

Personally, if Backlund was ever in the conversation internally, I would assume that they would have gone that route long before now. If they are naming one, I am assuming it is not simply the longest serving Flame. I also doubt it is anyone who may have an expiring contract in the next 1-2 years.

I would put my money on Kadri, but it ultimately really doesn't matter. It's not like doing what they did last year again is going to cause any issues.

[Flames1217]

Originally Posted by Hot_Flatus

Personally, if Backlund was ever in the conversation internally, I would assume that they would have gone that route long before now. If they are naming one, I am assuming it is not simply the longest serving Flame. I also doubt it is anyone who may have an expiring contract in the next 1-2 years.

I would put my money on Kadri.

Backlund is a key leader in the room, bleeds the flames colours and is probably the biggest contributor to the community on the team. The guy has been through adversity and plays the right way and is mega competitive.

This isn't just about him being the longest serving Flame.

[Number 39]

IMO its either Huberdeau or Kadri.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by danny darko

Backlund or Lindholm for sure. I think Huberdeau would make a great captain, and likely will be in the future, but I also have a hard time wrapping my head around naming him captain when he hasn't played a single second of meaningful Flames hockey.

They gave him a buyout proof $84M max term contract before he played a game for the team so I don’t see how giving him a letter is tough to understand. He is the franchise player, the face of the team, and along with Weegar has the longest future with the team contractually.

The way he has talked in the media and carried himself also give the impression that he gets it and is a leader. I was a believer he was going to get the C and thought they would hold off until later in the year but perhaps they feel comfortable giving to him now. I thought Kadri had an outside chance of getting it but Huberdeau makes a ton of sense to me

[Duffalufagus]

Who is the last player in the league to be named captain before ever playing a game for the team? McDavid?

[Sainters7]

I also have reservations about thinking it's Backlund, but it's more to do with wondering how much time he has left here as a Flame, and them presumably wanting to give it to someone here the next several years. But we'll see...if they don't care about that factor, he's certainly the most logical choice for time served.

Otherwise it's one of Huberdeau, Kadri or Tanev.

[btimbit]

Do we know what time today's mystery announcement is?

[dammage79]

Apparently, it's. Huberdeau.

[Vinny01]

Originally Posted by Duffalufagus

Who is the last player in the league to be named captain before ever playing a game for the team? McDavid?

Chara was signed and named captain immediately but maybe there are others

[Fuzzy14]

I think the flames will look at longevity in the role as an important factor to creating and maintaining culture. With Backlund turning 34 during the season, he might have 3 or 4 effective playing years left. I think it will be one of the guys they just signed to 8 year deals, with my money being on Huberdeau.

[BlindMilwaukee]

I'm not at all opposed to anyone on the poll list.

Lindholm is my favourite player, Hubes makes a lot of sense with contract and star power.

Backlund makes sense for Flames tenure. Looch is obviously a leader on the team.

Coleman always gives 100%.

Tanev gets my pick based on being such a responsible player, the key piece on the back end, and a warrior.

[colbym72]

Originally Posted by Duffalufagus

Who is the last player in the league to be named captain before ever playing a game for the team? McDavid?

McDavid was named captain in his second year

[rohara66]

Hope its Backlund. Will be ok with Huby.


Dont think its Tanev or Kadri or Lucic (lol).

[joejoe3]

Originally Posted by Duffalufagus

Who is the last player in the league to be named captain before ever playing a game for the team? McDavid?

Andrew Ference?

[TrentCrimmIndependent]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

I don't care that much overall who it is.

But I will say I think it's odd to slap the C on a guy who has never played a single minute of regular season hockey for the Flames.

not nearly as bad as slapping the C on a kid right out of juniors because of draft pedigree

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Number 39

IMO its either Huberdeau or Kadri.

I think Kadri seems like the personality to be great in a leadership position. Personally I’m not big on it going to a new guy when there’s others in the room that shouldn’t get overlooked.

I’ve always felt Tanev fits the mould but I’ve shifted to Backlund based on his loyalty, maturity and he’s put in his time. There’s no need to slap him in the face and give it to someone who’s been here two weeks.

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by Flames1217

Backlund is a key leader in the room, bleeds the flames colours and is probably the biggest contributor to the community on the team. The guy has been through adversity and plays the right way and is mega competitive.

This isn't just about him being the longest serving Flame.

Okay, so why not name him Captain at some point in the last 1.5 years then?

I don't disagree with the choice, it just seems way off base to now suddenly determine it's Backlund. Even more so when it sets the team up to potentially have him leave or retire and be back at square one in 2 years.

[Fan in Exile]

Sutter trolls us all and names Trevor Lewis as captain.

[Buff]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

I think Kadri seems like the personality to be great in a leadership position. Personally I’m not big on it going to a new guy when there’s others in the room that shouldn’t get overlooked.

I’ve always felt Tanev fits the mould but I’ve shifted to Backlund based on his loyalty, maturity and he’s put in his time. There’s no need to slap him in the face and give it to someone who’s been here two weeks.

Sometimes tenure comes into play, but you don't ignore a viable option based on them being a fresh addition to the team. You make the best choice based on the leadership qualities they display.

I'm not sure why they waited a year to name captain but I'd guess that none of the players on last year's team had the confidence of the coaches and management to be the main leader.

Maybe Sutter wanted to take his time to pick the captain and he had a couple of options in mind but wanted to see how they lead the team last year. Maybe he didn't like them.

We do have a couple of new additions and from things I've read Huberdeau seems to be a natural leader. I don't think it should matter that he has yet to play a regular season game with the Flames. If the things he has said and done since being acquired and during training camp have lead the coaches to believe he is the guy to wear the C then he deserves it.