Yesterday, it was announced by the Winnipeg Jets that the coaching staff decided to strip Blake Wheeler of the captaincy and enter this coming season without an official “C”. Lots of speculation as to why, especially considering all the rumors of how bad the locker room dynamic has been over the past several seasons.
This isn’t an indictment on Blake Wheeler. Bowness wants other players to share a bigger leadership role. This is about group ownership and not having leadership fall entirely on the shoulders of one player.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) September 16, 2022
Of course, you have to be a good player to be named captain these days. Blake Wheeler can consider himself in good company as far as other previous captains who also lost the “C” and remained with the team. Here’s a quick, more recent history of others who are part of the stripped club.
Patrick Marleauwho was stripped of the C so….
Joe Thornton could be named Captain, only to be stripped of the C eventually as well.
Dustin Brownwho was replaced by Anze Kopitar
Roberto Luongowho gave up the captaincy himself (reportedly)
Mike Modanoprobably because of Mike Babcock
Trevor Lindenwho had it stripped in favor of Mark Messier in his short Canucks stint
Brett Hullwho feuded with his coach
Patrick Eliaswho was stripped and then offered it back but didn’t want it.
Joe Sakicwhen they were still the Nordiques, he went from the captain to an assistant the next year to being given back the C the year after that.
LINKS FROM THE BRANCHES
A fully healthy John Tavares could do wonders for the Leafs by TLN
Maple Leafs AGM Ryan Hardy on Nick Robertson’s big-club prospects this Fall: “He’s knocking on the doorstep a lot” | by MLHS
NHL media tour: Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly and 5 most interesting things they said by The Athletic
Big news for anyone who wants a more reliable way to watch SHL games.
I could have sworn this was already settled but hey it only took them several months after Kane already signed with a new team, lost in the playoffs, then signed a new contract with the new team again.
Well there’s a crossover I never expected to happen…
Have a great weekend everyone!