Assuming there is a season, it is about time Florida head coach Kevin Dineen named a team captain going forward. Last year the team ran with assistant captains that included Tomas Kopecky, Stephen Weiss, Brian Campbell, and Ed Jovanovski. Such a committee approach was just what the doctor ordered for a team that was looking for its first playoff berth in 12 years and a roster that was completely overhauled by GM Dale Tallon last summer.

But with the most of the roster returning for another hopefully successful campaign, a team captain would be the next logical step in the growth of this franchise.

Stephen Weiss would be the likely choice, as he begins his 11th season with the Panthers, the only team for which he has played. On many an occasion over the years he has been involved in trade rumors, as well as given an out by Tallon upon his arrival to seek greener pastures if he desired. But Weiss is unquestionably the most loyal player to this organization in its 19 year history. He is the face of the franchise, and it would only make sense for him to be donned with the "C." Does he want it?

With us media he is a straight shooter. Relatively monotone and not much for humor and smiles (however we never saw him so happy after clinching the playoffs last season for the first time in his career). He doesn't show a ton of emotion, although we were told he gave the team some heartfelt speeches down the stretch last year about how much it meant to him and staying focused.

Does he have the complete makeup to be a team leader to be a ball-buster at times or would he just be one of those lead-by-example captains? With all the youth coming up in this organization one would hope he'd be willing to get in a youngsters face if needed, but it's hard to tell if he could be that guy.

Brian Campbell is an interesting option as well. First, his name is on the Stanley Cup, and he is in the unquestionable leader of the defense both on and off the ice. Jason Garrison should be eternally grateful that he played with such a presence on the power play, which lead to G-52's huge contract in Vancouver after just one good offensive season.

Campbell tends to be more open and has a great sense of humor. His career numbers as an "undersized" defenseman speak for themself. After a win he carries himself as if it was expected. After a loss, especially a tough one, he might be sitting at his locker for 30 minutes in full gear staring into space, seemingly trying to let the pain subside.

Any true fan would rather have players that hate to lose more than love to win. Campbell is certainly a "hate to lose" player. He takes it personally. It's unacceptable. It's a welcomed change in a locker room that was known for being overly soft for over a decade.

Ed Jovanovski would be the sentimental choice and a wonderful bookend to a successful career that began and will likely end as a Florida Panther. Jovo remarkably begins his 17th season in the NHL and every bit of it showed in his gray/white playoff beard last season.

He played his first four pro seasons with the Panthers before moving on to Vancouver for seven seasons and Phoenix for five before coming full circle. He is now in the second of a four year deal, but it will be interesting to see if he lasts that long. Signs of age were present often last season, and the injury bug was not kind to him.

However, he has certainly been through the wars and would be a very worthy captain for a season or two before Weiss or Campbell would take over. Such an honor would be a nice send off for a player that has contributed so much to the league.

One slight issue is Weiss is about to begin the last season of his current contract, so it would make sense to be named captain at the time of his extension. Maybe Tallon and Co. are happy with the status quo of multiple assistants since it worked well last year. But one would think a team captain has to be named in the very near future. All the successful teams in the league have one, and there needs to be that go to guy in the room that provides the motivation and insight to keep the team moving in a positive direction.

So what say you? Who do you think should get the "C"?

Twitter @DanSpiegel

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