Tabarouette
ben kin
my 2$ has been on Gorges for a long time, he'll be the perfect transition between Gionta and Galchenyuk
I wouldn't give C to Markov at this point with what I've seen from him in the last 10-15 games. He obviously has slowed down significantly, and sure he can likely play for a bit in a smaller role. I wouldn't have much of a problem keeping him around as a PP specialist being our #4-6D on 5v5, I think he's still valuable this way.
But if he comes back as Captain, then there will be pressure to play him more, for him to produce, etc. that I don't think we should add to him or to the coach right now. Do you seriously think Gionta would be playing this much if he wasn't Captain? He's been as bad as Cole if not worse, yet he's been given every possible opportunity to shine, being sent in the SO twice, in 4v3 PP in a crucial situation (I still have a hard time with this one...), on most PPs, he's never been retrograded to the 3rd-4th line (although you could argue that he's on the 3rd line right now with Bourque out).
I think it's very hard to have your Captain being a fringe/role player (unless he was Captain of the team for a good 5+ years before in a dominant role), and I really think Markov is going there in the next years, his legs just can't hold.
I'd be fine with Gorges as C for the moment until a younger guy grows into the role in some years. For the moment he seems like the guy that should gets it, I don't see anyone else that would be a perfect fit, captaincy experience lacking aside.
But most of all, I REALLY want Gio gone this Summer. I can see how you wouldn't trade your C in the middle of the season, but I would definitely do it in the off-season, it's also easier for Bergevin/Therrien because he wasn't their guy. The team DOES need to get bigger, but the only sucky small player we have is Gionta, Desharnais and Gallagher are actually producing and still improving.
I don't think that Gorges can be captain: he never was one in juniors.
That's a good point, I'd like a captain with some captaining experience.
Agree 100%. Gorges has never, I repeat NEVER, been a captain.
Photoshop
Way too many pixels on the C. Disgustingly fake.
lou4gehrig said:I say no. Not too many great teams have their 10th best player as captain. My guess is they make a bold choice (as many other of Bergevin's decisions) and make a MaxPac and eventually Galchenyuk captain.
Hearing Josh speak, don't think he's the smartest tool around, nor do i think he has a leader-type personality. He sure does seem to try, but i doubt many people really listen to what he has to say. i catch myself roll my eyes when he starts talking, and im sure there are a few teammates of his who feel the same.
That said, we need D that play like Josh and teams needs him.
Gorges is perfect.
I say no. Not too many great teams have their 10th best player as captain. My guess is they make a bold choice (as many other of Bergevin's decisions) and make a MaxPac and eventually Galchenyuk captain.
I disagree on Markov having slowed down in terms of overall performance. He still is solid defensively, still takes good decisions with the puck and makes terrific breakout passes, and he can still set up the PP well.
Did you expect him to keep up a ppg scoring ratio? Let's not forget he is coming back from major injuries.
But I would be playing him less. There's no reason to have him play on average 24min a game when we have guys like PK and Gorges who could be given the tougher minutes. I'd have him average around 21-22, still as our #1 D.
In any event, Markov will always be a top 3-4 player. He still is a #1 for more years ahead, and at the end part of his career, he'll remain a top 4 at the very least. He'll never drop to being a bottom pairing guy. His commitment to the game is irreproachable however and his leadership is evident. He's been a long time Hab, has agreed to somewhat of a discount price before his injuries, loves the city, even got his citizenship.
No question, Markov and it's not even close.