The best/worst thing that could have ever happened to this franchise is Messier.
There's not been one captain that has measured up to Messier and truth be told, there never will.
But that is more to do with that fact that THOSE types of players/leaders do not exist in todays game.
Vocal leader? What does that even mean? It's not something that we are going to see...if done right.
Anyway, in my opinion, "leaders" are guys that bring the room together under a common goal. He's someone that can help assist other guys set aside their own agendas for the full and complete betterment of the team.
You don't need some RAH RAH kind of guy to get that done. You need someone that is just like a coach in that he knows how to push the right buttons to get everyone pulling in the same direction.
For this team this year and beyond, we need to make sure that we select a member of the team that is going to be here and be part of the team for the next 3-5 seasons so that they can all grow together.
If Lias is the guy to be the next in line, then he needs to be groomed for that role.
Maybe Fast is not the guy, but I'd rather he than Zuccs who is gone sooner rather than later. Rather Fast than Kreider who has a tendency to disappear for stretches at a time. Rather Fast over Shattenkirk as he is also someone I see being moved before his contract expires.
I don't need RAH RAH as much as I need/require effectiveness.