Matthew Sekeres
From Saturday's Globe and Mail Published on Friday, Sep. 19, 2008 10:31PM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 8:45PM EDT
Kevin Bieksa, D
At 27, and entering the first year of a three-year, $11.25-million (U.S.) deal, Bieksa would represent a break with the past and launch a new era under new GM Mike Gillis. On the other hand, Bieksa has had just one productive NHL season and is the only top-four defenceman without a no-trade clause.
Ryan Kesler, C
He's a dark-horse candidate. Just 24 and entering his fifth NHL season, he has been a third-line centre — and younger captains are generally franchise centrepieces. Kesler is a big part of the Canucks' future, but might not have the presence and clout to assume a leadership role right now.
Willie Mitchell, D
The 31-year-old wore the 'C' for a brief time with the Minnesota Wild. He is front-and-centre in local coverage of the team, thus is already identified as a face and voice of the franchise. But Mitchell butted heads with head coach Alain Vigneault last year, and the coach will have a say in the selection.
Mattias Ohlund, D
He is entering his 11th season in Vancouver and is the longest-serving current Canuck. Ohlund, 32, has learned from former captains Markus Naslund, Mark Messier and Trevor Linden. The team says contract status won't be a factor in the selection, but Ohlund can become a free agent next summer.
Henrik Sedin, C, and Daniel Sedin, RW
The Sedins, who only trail Ohlund in tenure, are entering the final years of their contracts and may not be back in 2009-10. Though the team's best offensive forwards, how do you pick just one to be captain? Or do you have co-captains?
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