Edmonton Oilers: Who Should Be The Next Captain?

As a great leader of history once said, “A leader is a dealer in hope” Napoleon Bonaparte.

Every sports team needs a true leader to guide them through thick and thin. A successful leader is measured by his ability to inspire players to perform the best they possibly can.

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With all of those options considered it might be wise for the organization to starting thinking about who will wear the C next, especially if the current captain might not play as much.

I respect Ference’s character and the successful career he has had but I think it’s time the Oilers had a real captain at the helm.

To clarify, I’m talking about a player that dominates on the ice and maintains balance and stability in the dressing room. One that will be in Edmonton to lead this team for many years.

Today, NHL teams seem to be strapping the C on their best player. Whether it be 2015 Art Ross Trophy winning Jamie Benn of the Dallas Stars, captain serious Jonathan Toews and the dynasty-like Chicago Blackhawks, Sid The Kid and the Pittsburgh Penguins or Claude Giroux and the Philadelphia Flyers just to name a few. Most teams are partaking in the trend of naming their star player captain.

In my opinion the Oilers have not seen a “best player captain” since the days of Dougie Weight. Not only could he put up some serious point totals for the Oilers, but he was a terrific leader as well.

Do not get me wrong, the Oilers have had some great captains in recent years. The likes of Jason Smith, Ethan Moreau, Doug Weight, Shawn Horcoff, Smitty (for one magical night) and currently Ference, were all awesome players that led by example and demonstrated true grit and professionalism. They all proudly donned the C and wore their jerseys with honour.

Having said that there are a few candidates on the current Oilers roster that show potential to become captain.

Honourable mentions include Matt Hendricks and Mark Fayne. Although highly unlikely that one of these two players gets the C, they both demonstrate valuable leadership qualities, experience and maintain a solid veteran presence on and off the ice.

If only Darnell Nurse was a few years into his NHL career already. Then we would be talking about how he is a leading candidate for captaincy. This kid has Chris Pronger-reincarnated written all over him. He was born a leader. Nurse’ presence in Edmonton has exposed his very likeable, joyful personality and he has plenty of character to show as well.

The strength, athleticism and physique of Nurse is superb and miles ahead of everyone he is up against. Watching him in rookie camp proved to me how large and in charge he is out there. I can see that many players in the organization already have tons respect for him. if he can stick with the Oilers this season, he chances for the C will increase.

The main argument most people have been engaging in is whether or not the Oilers young, star players are ready to take over the team. If so, who will it be that gets the C?

A few years ago, if you ask me who the future captain of the Oilers will be, I would have said Taylor Hall hands down. His ability to be an electrifying game changer and his well spoken interviews had me perfectly convinced he was captain material. Clearly the Oilers are better when he’s in the lineup.

However, as time has passed my perception has changed and I don’t think Hall is the clearcut choice to don the C anymore.

I think Hall is still a little immature when it comes to handling himself on the ice. His emotions can sometimes get the best of him which can effect how he performs.

I’m sure that I am not the only one that notices when Hall complains to the refs and flops around the ice recklessly which is a main cause of his injuries. This can also create an image that he has a bit of an attitude.

I don’t believe that Hall is uncoachable. Accusations have flocked around him saying he’s not the best in the dressing room. Rumors are rumours. They will always stir the pot and force people to question a players character as a result of gossip, so I don’t read too much into them.

Hall can crack under pressure sometimes. When he is on his game, he is unstoppable, but when he’s off he is atrocious.

Ive played in some awful outcome games in my playing days so I defiantly understand how hard it is to gain any momentum when your team is losing all the time or being pumled on the scoreboard. But Hall can be a ghost from time to time in games where he needs to step up and lead.

There is no doubt in my mind that Hall is worthy of being an alternate captain for the Oilers. I’m just not convinced that he can handle the weight and responsibility of being the main leader.

Jordan Eberle is a very consistent top 6 forward. He can produce decent offensive numbers and hold his own defensively. His calm, well spoken demeanour and value to the franchise makes him a suitable leader for the Oilers.

Ebs in my opinion can be a great assistant captain. I think he isn’t quite dynamic enough to be the main leader. If he was the lone young star on this team, I’d say he’s the man for captaincy. Honestly, I think Eberle plays better when he’s under the radar and in the shadow of other great players.

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has established himself as an elite number 1 centerman in the NHL. An all-star game appearance last season solidified the title of elite for him. Without a doubt he is the most consistent two-way forward the Oilers have. Nuge is the perfect option for captaincy.

There’s something about Nuge that clicks. He’s a relatively quiet individual. Clearly he’s not rambunctious and rowdy like Matt Hendricks, but Nuge can lead by example.

He works hard every night. I notice that Nuge’s teammates follow his lead and they hold him in high regard in the dressing room. When Nuge speaks, everyone listens. The players respond well.

Nuge is a long serving Oiler as he is now entering his fifth season with the club. He has put in his time. If I was choosing a player from the current Oiler roster today, Nuge is my choice to become captain. He demonstrates strong, lead-by-example qualities and has the ability to make those around him better.

We have to take into consideration that a player like Connor McDavid, who will undoubtably be the new face of the franchise, needs to wear the C at some point.

A player of that calibre has to be in the mix no matter what. Since he has yet to play an NHL game, it’s a no brainer that he isn’t a realistic option for captain right now, but future plans and decisions must be based around him.

Give McDavid a season or two to earn his keep and prove himself as a leader. If necessary the Oilers can do what Pittsburgh did with Crosby when they named him captain of the team after only his first NHL season.

Maybe even do what the Colorado Avalanche did when they made history by naming Gabriel Landeskog the youngest NHL captain ever at 19 years old.

Regardless of the options to consider for future captaincy, Ference is still under contract for 2 more seasons. He will most likely be with the Oilers for at least one more full campaign, although there is a chance he could be traded at anytime.

Under these circumstances, it is smart to have him retain the captaincy for the 2015/2016 season. If he is traded by the deadline then obviously that opens up vacancy for a new leader to be crowned.

This upcoming season can be utilized as a competition tool to help choose the next captain of the Edmonton Oilers. Hall, Eberle, Nuge and McDavid should be closely monitored to see who can step up and become a true leader for the team. If Nurse makes the team and remains in Edmonton all year, he should be watched closely as well.

These four young men are all at least a short year or two away from being ready to don the C. One of them will be chosen. The time is now to begin prepping for that decision.

Next: A Case For Darnell Nurse

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