When general manager Dale Tallon decided to buy out Ed Jovanovski, he left the Florida Panthers without a captain heading into next season. Team veterans Scottie Upshall and Brian Campbell served as the two alternate captains.
The team is now faced with the task of naming a new captain and it will be a decision that is made by newly-appointed head coach Gerard Gallant. There are three options that seem most viable at this time; Promote one of the current alternates and give the second A to a fresh face, give the captaincy to a young gun to let them grow with the responsibility of being a leader on and off the ice, or start the season with three alternates. That third option is no fun, so we take a look at some names that could be suitable replacements to proudly wear the C.
Candidates to be the next Florida Panthers Captain
Scottie Upshall
The 30-year-old left winger from Fort McMurray, Alberta gave his best showing with the Panthers last season, posting 15 goals in 76 games. While not the biggest name to pop out to you, Upshall provides excellent veteran leadership to the team and is a big voice inside the lockeroom. Although the team finished with a poor record and looked mediocre on a good night, Upshall managed to remain above the +/- category, showing the two-way side of his game. Undoubtedly the least likely to be named captain but Upshall should still be considered.
Brian Campbell
The second alternate captain of last year, Brian Campbell was a gem on the Panthers blue-line, despite his 35-year-old age tag. Campbell provided offense to a team that struggled to do just that, posting a 37-point campaign as part of Florida’s top defensive pairing. Almost like a fine wine, Campbell’s play at both ends of the ice are still top notch and he can pitch in at every facet of the game; Even-strength, powerplay and penalty kill. The major thing holding back this decision is the idea that he may leave after the final year of his contract is completed, which just so happens to be next season. Perhaps his time was when Jovanovski was named as captain and now Campbell’s window is closed.
Jonathan Huberdeau
Selected 3rd overall in the 2011 draft by the Panthers, Huberdeau made his presence in the NHL felt instantly, scoring his first NHL goal in his first career game, on his first shot during his second shift. He completed that game with a goal, two assists and the 1st star in a 5-1 win against the Carolina Hurricanes. His rookie campaign was spectacular, posting 31 points in the shortened 48-game season but the sophomore slump struck and saw Huberdeau struggle, much like the rest of the Panthers team. He is young, brings a fresh air to the Panthers lockeroom and has the trust of his former coach from Saint-John. Is it too early or is this the direction the Panthers need to take to revitalize their organization?
Erik Gudbranson
Another young gun in Florida, Gudbranson was once considered to be a disaster in his own end. Those claims were not unfounded as he did post a -41 in his first two seasons with the team. However, Gudbranson turned it around last year, taking an enormous chunk out of his ratio and finishing with a respectable -7. Gudbranson has made the necessary changes in his game to show he is on the verge of becoming a better all-around defenseman and at the age of 22, he still has a lot of time left before he hits his peak. Not a likely candidate but his name is one that could be involved in discussion.
Roberto Luongo
The team finally has their man to keep the net and provide solid goaltending over the course of an NHL season. Is he overpaid? Of course he is but there is no doubt the ability that Roberto Luongo provides to any team. Even with a line-up that has a young defensive core that is still learning as they go, Luongo can stand on his head and steal a game. Plus, Luongo already has experience as a captain, although it was unofficial with the Vancouver Canucks and he did wear it on his helmet. Still, how cool would it be to see Luongo lead the team out on opening night, with the C stitched to his jersey AND painted on his helmet? Imagine the fun he would have on Twitter too!
Dave Bolland
Because somehow, Dale Tallon needs to justify that 5-year, $27.5 million contract.
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