With the Calgary Flames roster pretty much ready for opening night (with room for one or two more additions), there doesn’t seem to be much more to do when it comes to off-season duties for the Flames franchise. Finally, after the roller coaster of an off-season, the team can catch their breath and relax… right? Well, maybe not right away, because there is still a very important decision to be made.
Only seven of the NHL’s 32 teams are without a captain. The Flames are currently one of seven. Since Mark Giordano was drafted by the Seattle Kraken in 2021, the Flames haven’t had a captain on their roster. Instead, they appointed three alternates to share the work. Last year, it seemed like many thought Matthew Tkachuk was the obvious choice for the next captain. However, well…we all know how this story ended.
With key players replaced by incredibly talented new additions, who should be the Flames’ next captain? We asked, you answered.
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Choice of big name flames
Every team that Darryl Sutter has coached has had a captain. At least that was the case until last year. From the names of Mikael Backlund, Jonathan Huberdeau, Chris Tanev and even a few others, it’s very clear that the Flames have no shortage of leaders in the locker room. However, if they must appoint a captain, only one can be chosen.
Let’s take a look and see who our readers think should be the next Calgary Flames captain.
Mikael Backlund
With 41% of the vote, Mikael Backlund is the favorite to represent the C. After all, it makes a lot of sense. Backlund is the oldest Flame on the roster, and he’s been a key part of this roster for quite some time. Backlund has also been an alternate captain since 2018.
If you choose your captain based on who has shown the most long-term commitment to this franchise, Backlund is the easy choice. Backlund played his first game in a Flames jersey in the 2008-09 season. 14 years later, Backlund is still a key member of that team.
Backlund has been through the team’s highest highs, as well as some of the lowest moments. I have no doubt in my mind that Backlund would make an amazing captain as it’s clear he’s highly respected not just by his teammates but by the franchise as a whole. Why not give it to the King of Sweden?
Chris Tanev
About 8% voted for Chris Tanev. Tanev is the classic definition of putting your body on the line every night for the benefit of the team. Since leaving Vancouver, Tanev has arguably been the toughest flame on the ice. Additionally, Tanev has been one of the best defensive defensemen in the league since joining Calgary.
Chris Tanev elevates his teammates’ game every year. We saw him with Quinn Hughes in Vancouver, then with Noah Hanifin, and last season we saw him with Oliver Kylington. The positive effect Tanev has on his teammates cannot be debated. It’s exactly what you expect from a captain, someone who is able to bring out the best play in his teammates. Can Tanev be that guy?
Jonathan Huberdeau
Now, that would be a very interesting story. 18.6% voted for Jonathan Huberdeau as the next captain. Although he has yet to play a game for the Flames, let’s explore that. First, Huberdeau has just demonstrated a massive commitment to the Flames by signing for eight years. By signing this contract, Huberdeau made it clear to the world that he considered Calgary a winning franchise, and he also showed a commitment not only to the team, but also to the city. He did it in the same summer that two of the biggest names in the Flames at the time packed their bags and never looked back.
Huberdeau also served as an alternate captain for the Florida Panther from 2018-2022. He has leadership experience and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the team name him captain. Especially after he just signed the richest contract in Flames franchise history.
Three more alternates
Surprisingly, this option was the second most popular choice. While naming a captain would be ideal, being without a captain certainly didn’t stop the Flames from finishing atop the Pacific Division. If the team was successful last year, who says they can’t do that and more next year?
After going a season without a captain last year, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them do it again this year. It makes sense, especially after the departure of two members of their management team, Matthew Tkachuk and Sean Monahan. The Flames may not want to rush to name a captain next season and get a feel for the team’s performance and their chemistry first.
Who gets on the ice, who pushes the team to do their best? With new faces and a shared desire to win, exercising a little patience and waiting for the right person to take the reins can pay off.
Calgary’s next captain will define the franchise
It’s easy to look at the names listed and rejoice at the possibility that they’ll all be named captains. There’s a lot of leadership in the Flame’s locker room, and whether they decide to name a captain or be led by a committee like last year, the team is sure to be a Stanley Cup contender. . Although there are plenty of options, I think it’s a safe bet that a captain will be named.
The Flames are ushering in a new era, and moving in the new direction starts with having a captain. Calgary will look completely different when it hits the ice in October (or even September). Committing to appointing a captain sets the tone for the entire season and beyond.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
