As captain Jordan Staal has signed a four year contract extension that will assuredly mean he retires a Carolina Hurricane, the question now shifts from who will be awarded the “C” if he retires from the Canes to who will be wearing the letter when Staal retires from the Canes.
Staal’s leadership, on the ice, has been solid. His experience invaluable.
The Captain isn't going anywhere 😤
— Carolina Hurricanes (@Canes) June 25, 2023
The #Canes have re-signed Jordan Staal to a 4-year contract. https://t.co/EKSENimU4V
Because it matters so much, my first vote falls to Sebastian Aho. While he’s goal tally has slowed ever so slightly, his point total has consistently increased in numbers and frequency, through assists. This passing mentality has dished to the benefit of Jesperi Kotkaniemi, Jesper Fast, and definitely Martin Necas.
Quarterbacking a powerplay that sprang back to life during the playoffs has helped Aho’s case..
I see the shift that started last year with Aho to continue as he makes his way to Captain when Staal hangs up the skates in a year maybe two.
My dark horse for Captain is actually Jaccob Slavin.
This would solidify the shift in Carolina’s mindset from the defensive mentality to one of a “shoot first and ask questions later.” Brent Burns has helped this transition, but his lack of experience with the team would be a solid reason NOT to name him captain. Slavin has the time in the lockerroom and the leadership abilities needed.
Reasonably Andrei Svechnikov is the realistic second choice should Aho not answer to “Captain My Captain.”
Carolina missed Svechnikov’s heaviness and leadership after his injury. The case for Svech’s absence being the downfall of the Hurricanes in their playoff run was made repeatedly on the national broadcasts during the Playoffs, though we as Hurricanes fans understood the abilities of those playing deep in the charts.
Captain Jordan Staal is not, however, out the door. With the four year extension of his deal, he will not be leaving for at least one more season.
Judging by his comments after the deal was signed, he has one more year of all out effort and two or three more at 90%. Maybe more. We can never tell.
If Staal remains healthy it could be several years before anyone else is realistically vying for the captain’s “C.” Let’s hope that is the case, but if not there is a wealth of leadership to fill the void left. Aho, Svech, and yes even Jaccob Slavin would all be good options to take over for Staal when it finally comes to retiring.