A Case for Captaincy: Five Players who Could be the Next Captain of the Montreal Canadiens

Today in a press conference Montreal Canadiens GM Pierre Gauthier stated that the Canadiens will have a Captain this season.  However Gauthier did not say who the team was leaning towards just that numerous players are being evaluated for the position.  With that in mind here are five players on the Habs roster that could wear the C next season.

Andrei Markov:  Markov has spent nine seasons with the Canadiens and was an assistant captain last season.  Markov expects the best from his teammates and will let them know when he doesn’t approve of their effort (such as a verbal confrontation last season with Carey Price after a loss).  Markov could miss some time at the start of this season recovering from injury but he is still one of the most respected players in the Canadiens dressing room.  Markov quarterbacks the PP as good as anyone in the league and he chipped in offensively to the tune of 34 points in 45 games last season.  Markov is the longest serving member of the Canadiens currently on the roster which should give him an edge.

Josh Gorges:  Once considered a throw in as a part of the deal that sent Craig Rivet to San Jose Josh Gorges has become a true leader and shutdown defenseman in the NHL.  Gorges is another well respected voice in the Canadiens dressing room and along with Hall Gill was a part of blocking shots and stopping the oppositions top players during last seasons playoff run.  Gorges has been a leader at every level of hockey that he’s played in and could be the next Canadian captain of the Canadiens.

Hall Gill:  Hall Gill is a veteran with a Stanley Cup ring who knows what it takes to win in the playoffs.  Gill sacrifices his body on a night in night out basis and is a journeyman who commands respect from his teammates.  Although Gill has his shortcomings he gives 100% effort every night and could mentor the Canadiens youngsters quite well.  Gill also wore an A for the Canadiens last season.

Brian Gionta:  Don’t let his little frame fool you Brian Gionta is willing to go to the dirty areas to score goals.  Gionta was also an assistant captain for the Habs last season and he has a Stanley Cup ring from his time with the Devils.  Gionta is a veteran who is respected and gives 100% effort, he also is one of the Habs go to players and many Captains are who their teammates are looking for to make plays in crunch time. 

Mike Cammalleri:  Cammalleri similar to Gionta is a little guy who’s willing to sacrifice his body to score goals, and when his teammates see this they want to do the same.  Cammalleri was the Canadiens go to goal scorer in the playoffs last season and was seen mentoring the likes of Subban and Kostitsyn during games.  Cammalleri lifted the whole city of Montreal with his play reminding fans of Lafleur and Shutt.  Cammalleri is the Habs best player and commonly a team’s best player is their Captain since they are looked to for big goals.  As we saw during last seasons playoff run Cammalleri can score big goals.