Montreal Canadiens: The Team Doesn’t Need A Captain

Nov 28, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Montreal Canadiens left wing Max Pacioretty (67) and linesman Scott Driscoll (68) talk about a call during the second period against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

 Montreal Canadiens: The Team Doesn’t Need A Captain

The Montreal Canadiens began the 2014-15 season with no captain. Having traded former captain Brian Gionta to the Buffalo Sabres before the season began, the Habs found themselves without the proverbial letter-wearing leadership.

Instead of hastily naming a captain and alternates, the team went with a quartet of alternates instead: Andrei Markov, Tomas Plekanec, and rotating alternates P.K. Subban and Max Pacioretty  (home and away games, respectively for the first part of the season, switching halfway through).

For the entire season, it worked well. In fact, when interviewed on the day of the announcement, Subban quoted his co-alternate and blue-line partner:

"“Markov said it best . . . it takes 22 leaders to be successful,” Subban said."

We saw it unfold. Games ran smoothly even with no captain at the helm. And when you think about it, what role does the captain play?

Captains in the NHL serve a specific purpose. As outlined in the NHL Rulebook, Rule 6.1 states:

"6.1 Captain – One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and he alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game."

Throughout the season, we saw each one of the letter-wearing Alternates in such a role. The rule states that with no captain in uniform (for whatever reason), the alternates can step into the role. And it worked smoothly.

However, now that summer has arrived for the Canadiens, the ubiquitous Captaincy Question has arisen again. This time, though, fans and even some pundits are throwing another name into the mix: Brendan Gallagher.

Gallagher has become a player to watch even more closely than ever. This season, he has become a sensation. His constant presence right in front of the opposing goalie has become his hallmark, his tenacious play has been rewarded with goals, and some of the more beautiful (read: near-impossible) goals come from Gallagher.

Though he has been with the team since the lockout year (2012-13) he was drafted in 2010 (in the 5th round, 147th overall, I might add!). He played the shortened year, and immediately became a fan favorite. Given his role on the team, it’s also clear the coaching staff trusts him.

Could Gallagher wear the “C”? It’s highly possible. Is it probable? With guys like Pacioretty and Subban ahead of him, not likely.  He’s young – just turned 23 – and has some calming to do. But he is a definite candidate for the not-too-distant future.

(Continued next page)