Choosing the next captain for the Montreal Canadiens will come down to the coaches, but also the players on the team.
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Many fans are keen to give young striker Nick Suzuki the ‘C’ but bets remain open following Thursday’s deal for Shea Weber’s contract. General manager Kent Hughes has already made it clear that while there will be a captain for the 2022-2023 season, team members will be consulted.
Recall that in October 2018 Weber was chosen over striker Brendan Gallagher to become the 30th captain in CH history. Almost four years later, however, Gallagher has slowed but is still linked with the team through the end of the 2026-2027 season.
In Suzuki’s case, he represents the future of the team, starting an eight-year contract at an average salary of $7.875 million per season. Last season, the forward from London, Ontario also dominated the Montreal club with a tally of 61 points in 82 games. However, Suzuki recorded the team’s worst differential at -29.
Another option to consider is defender Joel Edmundson, whose qualities as a leader are in line with his teammates. The idea of offering the captaincy to whoever is selected first in the next draft on July 7 is far-fetched.
The five youngest captains in the Canadiens
- Shea Weaver (2018-2022)
- Max Pacioretty (2015-2018)
- Brian Gionta (2010-2014)
- Saku Koivu (1999-2009)
- Vincent Damphousse (1996-1999)