The way I see it...
Plekanec didn't get the captaincy because his time with the Habs isn't for long (sorry, I know not a popular opinion, but it's the truth, whether via trade or via his contract coming to an end after next season)
Markov didn't get the captaincy probably because he didn't want it or management feels that he doesn't have the temperament to handle all the off-ice stuff
Both Pacioretty & Subban are being groomed to be the next in line...I put my money on PK Subban but Pacioretty is right there
Or they're just giving more time to PK and Max to come around.
Could Plek be traded? Sure. MaxPac was also being heavily discussed in trade rumors last year, could he be traded?? If he's a no-show in the POs next year, his name is definitely going to be brought up. It already was this year.
And yet it seems they're grooming him as well as PK.
So ya, Plekanec can be traded, but I don't this has a thing to do with this decision.
In 8 years, PK is still going to be a Habs, and we possibly have him for another 5-6ish years after. Max has at least 5 more years here.
Makes complete sense to just wait an extra year for them to gain more maturity and then give one of them the C.
You don't just trade your most used center for the sake of it, and you definitely don't let him walk for nothing. To say Plek didn't get the C because he's not part of the longterm plan is far fetched imo.
Why can't people just assume the most obvious and logical answer?? Bergevin said there's a transfer of leadership and a movement towards younger players, so he clearly wanted to give it to one of his young guys. He has one of the best Dman and best LW in the NHL on his team, locked up for another 8 and 5 years. They're still young at 25, they're coming off two pretty good seasons, they went to ELC last year, one signed the richest contract in Habs history, let's just give those kids another season to gain maturity, see how they settle to increased expectations without the extra burden of captaincy.
And Therrien gave props to Plekanec.