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As the dog days of summer wind down and Labor Day approaches, you can always count on a couple of things… Football sucking up all the oxygen, Predator players increasing in numbers at their informal skates, plenty of NHL previews all over the internets and for the first time in six seasons… a discussion in Nashville on who gets the C.
Ahhh, the captain question. The earth shaking trade of Shea Weber to Montreal opened up the captaincy for the Nashville Predators, and opened up a discussion on who should be the next captain of the team. Let’s break down a couple of options, some obvious, some… well, not so much.
Mike Fisher – Entering his seventh season with the Predators, Fisher is one of the unquestioned leader of this team, an embodiment of “you don’t need the "C" to lead,” Mike Fisher has worn an “A” for most of his time in Music City. Fisher is entering the last year of his contract with Nashville, but his level of play has not dropped in his mid-30’s despite last season’s scoring drop. Utilizing him in his natural role may extend his career and being awarded the “C” could potentially involve a one year extension in Nashville, at best Fisher would be a “transitional” captain, a year or two in the role before his inevitable retirement.
Roman Josi – A model of consistency, Roman Josi has become a top defenseman in the NHL. He wore the “A” well last season, not afraid to make his points to on-ice officials or teammates. Signed for the next four seasons, he would be a connection to previous leadership. The Swiss native just turned 26 years old and has certainly matured into a leader on this hockey team. Josi is a bit more vocal, which could be a refreshing change.
James Neal - Neal may be a surprising choice for captain… but should it be? Entering his third season with Nashville, Neal came to Music City has a reputation for playing on the edge and occasionally over it, something he has not shown over his first two seasons. The 2 time NHL All-Star plays with fire and isn’t afraid to mix it up. Neal is signed for two more seasons and at the age of 28, has matured into a leader on this team both on and off the ice.
Ryan Johansen - If Neal would be surprising, Johansen may be shocking as a choice for captain. Still maturing at the age of 24, you could make a case by giving Johansen the leadership role… making the team his team... could really accelerate the process of turning potential into performance. You could also make a case that it would be a risky move for this player. I don’t see it happening at this time, but RyJo could be a contender for the role down the line.
P.K. Subban - It would be a shocking move to put Subban into the captaincy right away. He has the maturity, leadership ability and talent to be successful in the role. You may have seen a couple of hot takes on this, good points made by all… This is one move that would signal a complete sea change in the DNA of this franchise. Could be fun!
After all is said and done, I expect either Mike Fisher or Roman Josi to be selected as the sixth captain of the Nashville Predators.
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Random Notes
- For those coming with us on the SlapShot Radio road trip… be on the lookout for an email, we may be taking a side trip to Tuscon to see do a AHL/NHL doubleheader… checking out the Tucson Roadrunners and Ontario Reign on Friday night before we see the Preds take on Arizona on Saturday.
- So the Prodigal Pred is sounding more mature in his first press availability in Montreal… OK… he said a lot of the same things when he returned a few years back… just don’t let him jump on Max Pachoretti…
- Speaking on Montreal, Carey Price is back to 100%... good news for Hab fans.
- PTO’s are being extended… Brandon Prust is going to camp in Toronto and Paul Bissonnette will attend camp in Los Angeles.
- Many outlets saying that the Las Vegas NHL franchise has selected a name that is being vetted, the backup apparently is the much maligned “NightHawks” name.
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