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Kessel an Assistant Captain?

Goonface2k14

Goonface2k14

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Saw this photo on tsn.ca today:

philkessel_2883-430x298.jpg


Not sure when Kessel ever wore an "A"? Perhaps some random preseason game? A game when a regular assistant captain was hurt?

Is this a sign of things to come?
Click to read more...
 

mikebel111*

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phil does get to wear the A on occasion. young silent leader. not captain material but he IMO is quiet leader
 
Neil Hamburger

Neil Hamburger

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Phil's developed into something of a quiet leader. He's a good player for a flashy kid like Kadri to watch; he's always looking to create offense, but he knows when to pick his spots so as to not hurt the team.

I think in 5 years or so he might be a full-time assistant, but for now all he needs to worry about is putting the puck in the net. We have a lot of guys like Lupul, McClement, Bolland, Clarkson, and in my eyes Rielly in a few years who would make ideal "A's" so it might not happen.
 
The Podium

The Podium

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Wore it in the preseason I believe and last season when Komisarek and MacArthur were injured/scratched
 
gtforepro

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BobloblawLeaf said:
Phil's developed into something of a quiet leader. He's a good player for a flashy kid like Kadri to watch; he's always looking to create offense, but he knows when to pick his spots so as to not hurt the team.

I think in 5 years or so he might be a full-time assistant, but for now all he needs to worry about is putting the puck in the net. We have a lot of guys like Lupul, McClement, Bolland, Clarkson, and in my eyes Rielly in a few years who would make ideal "A's" so it might not happen.
Click to expand...

* ALTERNATE, not assistant (pet peeve)
 
Vexed

Vexed

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He's typically the first guy to get the A if one of the current captains is out of the lineup
 
My Sweet Shadow

My Sweet Shadow

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I imagine he's pretty comfortable not being an assistant. He's the straw that stirs the drink when it comes to our offense, but that doesn't automatically make him leadership material. Leave that to the more vocal and extroverted players like Phaneuf, Lupul, etc. Kessel doesn't need a letter on his jersey to inspire his teammates with his skill and determination.
 
Frelimo

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Joey Hoser said:
I'm pretty sure he wore it last year while Lupul was out, no? Wasn't it him and McClement with the A's?
Click to expand...

When healthy (and not scratched) it was Lupul and MacArthur. McClement wore it when one of those guys weren't in the lineup. After that I think it was Kessel.

I don't think Kessel would care to wear the 'A'. He'd obviously say yes if asked, I prefer to let him focus on scoring.

Bolland wore it this year when Lupul was out, for those with short memories.
 
bringthecuphome

bringthecuphome

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I'd be comfortable with him having an 'A' but I doubt he really wants it. He's the leader of our offense but has no interest in the extra spotlight/stage time. Maybe later in his career.
 
Goonface2k14

Goonface2k14

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I see... thanks guys.

Makes sense that it was because of a few injuries - I can see him taking an "A" after a few more years and maturing. I expect he'll open up a little more as he gets into his late-20's and 30's.

Regardless, its just a formality, and if someone wants to be vocal in the dressing room they will be - doesn't matter if there's a letter on their sweater or not.
 
Community

Community

44 is Rielly good
Oct 30, 2010
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Before last year he was usually the 3rd or 4th person in line for the A.

1. Armstrong
2. Komisarek
3/4. Lupul/Kessel

Sad thing is how the 2 regular alternates were horrible players for us and Kessel/Lupul were awesome for us.

BTW, I have a Kessel jersey with the 'A' on it.
 
rojac

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BobloblawLeaf said:
When I played as a kid, it was assistant, so for me, it will always be assistant.
Click to expand...

Maybe so, but we are discussing the NHL not the league you played in as a kid and the term in the NHL rule book is "alternate captain".

Also, does "Assistant Captain" even make any sense? It's not like their help the captain do his job, but rather they can do that job (talking to the refs, etc.) when the captain isn't there. They're an alternate.
 
Neil Hamburger

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rojac said:
Maybe so, but we are discussing the NHL not the league you played in as a kid and the term in the NHL rule book is "alternate captain".

Also, does "Assistant Captain" even make any sense? It's not like their help the captain do his job, but rather they can do that job (talking to the refs, etc.) when the captain isn't there. They're an alternate.
Click to expand...

Most team's have leadership groups, for us that would be Phanuef, Lupul, McClement, Bolland, and Clarkson. The captain isn't the only leader on the team, I think it makes perfect sense.
 
Mystifo

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Goonface2k14 said:
Saw this photo on tsn.ca today:

philkessel_2883-430x298.jpg


Not sure when Kessel ever wore an "A"? Perhaps some random preseason game? A game when a regular assistant captain was hurt?

Is this a sign of things to come?
Click to expand...

Every now and then Lupul will be like "Hey Phil you deserve a gold star but sadly I am out gold stars.... So please accept this "A" instead. But FYI I need it back by Saturday."
 
leafsfuture

leafsfuture

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First, he pretty much gets an A a few times every year during pre-season.

Second, two seasons ago he was 2nd in line to wear an 'A' if a regular was out. At the time, as pointed out, Komisarek and Armstrong were the regular 'A's, and Grabovski was the next guy. Of course, due to poor play and injury, both spent much time out of the lineup and I would say Kessel wore the 'A' that season at least 20 times.

Last year, Carlyle selected new 'A', with McClement, Macarthur and Lupul, and since Mac has left, Bolland now takes the games when one of the regulars is out
 
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