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OK, I'm gonna post the captains that have won a Stanley Cup since the 1999-2000 season.
2000: Scott Stevens (New Jersey Devils)- Guy was one of the best New Jersey defenseman of all time. 2001: Joe Sakic (Colorado Avalanche)- Over a point-per-game player, captain from 1995-2009 (probably earlier with Quebec), won two cups. 2002: Steve Yzerman (Detroit Red Wings)- Arguably the 2nd best, if not the best, Red Wing of all time. Led his team to three cups. Another point producer. 2003: Scott Stevens (New Jersey Devils)- See above 2004: Dave Andreychuk (Tampa Bay Lightning)- A guy who by this time was getting old, Andreychuk had the veteran leadership, a guy who had been there, done that. 2005: No cup 2006: Rod Brind'Amour (Carolina Hurricanes)- Point-producer, nuisance on the ice. Another been there, done that guy who was enjoying a resurgence after the lockout. 2007: Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)- High-scoring defensman, and a been there, done that guy. 2008: Nicholas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings)- High-scoring defensman, who even at age 40, still racks up points and could win another Norris Trophy (seven?) 2009: Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)- Point-producer, youngest captain to win, crybaby, etc. 2010: Johnathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)- Point-producer, 2nd youngest captain to win (I think), a lead by example type.
What does this tell us? Other than maybe Andreychuk, none of these guys were 3rd or 4th line role players. By this, it shows me guys that score on the ice are the guys leading the team.
Because of this, I want no part of Gaustad being my team's captain. Don't get me wrong, I like Gaustad, but my theory is this. If your captain can't score you big goals when you need him to, how is the team going to follow his example and try to the same? You have to find the best combination of hard work and talent, and I think Vanek gives you the greatest combination of both. He's got not only the talent and the hard work, but he also has the clutchness factor. I'm pretty positive that no one on this team has more game winning goals than Vanek since the lockout. To me, with all this information in front of me, it's an easy decision.
_________________ Girgensons for captain. Team Keep Nick DesLauriers forever. @TJLuckman550
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