Give Sami the "C"

By The Phanatic Magazine

With Peter Forsberg gone, the Flyers are in need of a new captain.

The Phanatic has spoken and Michael Rushton, Eric Redner and Steve Lienert all agree, for maybe the first time ever, that forward Sami Kapanen should be the next Flyer to have the captain's letter stitched on his jersey.

Kapanen, who just recently signed a two-year extension with the club, came to Philadelphia in 2003 in exchange for Pavel Brendl and Bruno St. Jacques. He has just seven goals and eight assists in 53 games so far this season.

In his career, Kapanen has 180 goals and 260 assists in 733 games with Philadelphia and Hartford/Carolina.

Redner: It would have to be Kapanen. It's possible that is what the team had in mind when they gave him a contract extension earlier in the week. You can ask the guy to do anything and while his numbers aren't high (the most points he ever scored was 69 in 2001-02 with Carolina) his work ethic can be a shining example to all the young players.

Lienert: The next captain should be Kapanen. The Flyers just signed him to an extension through what would qualify as "the rebuilding phase." He's a loyal veteran that can teach the youngsters, especially the No. 1 pick in the draft, about hustle and the Flyer way.

Rushton: When you look up and down Philadelphia's current roster, Kapanen gets the job by default. He is one of the longest tenured Flyers and seems rejuvenated this year despite the poor season. All this from a guy who nearly retired following the lockout. Kapanen is a good example for young Flyers to follow; a skater with hustle who excels on both special teams through talent and grit.

McManus: I have to go with Kapanen as well. His selfless approach to the game should be rewarded. The Flyers are going to want to target players that are wired exactly like this guy, so why not put the "C" on his chest to set the precedent.

As far as who else could be named captain.

Redner: There is also the argument that Mike Richards should be made captain. Before this nightmare of a season started, there were rumors swirling around that he would be named the captain before Forsberg got the "C". There are two reasons this is a bad idea. First, Richards really hasn't proven anything yet. His numbers are down this year, but to be fair no Flyers are having a good season, and he did miss 16 games with an abdominal injury. Yet, I can't think of a single game where he put the team on his back and tried to win the game. Second, he is only 22 years old, which is way too young. Yes, Steve Yzerman was named captain of the Red Wings at the age of 21, but Richards is no Stevie Y.

Rushton: In addition to Richards, Forsberg's former linemates, Simon Gagne and Mike Knuble could each warrant consideration for the captain's role. However, both players fit the mold of speak softly and carry a big stick. Gagne and Knuble are goal scorers, but that is the only way they are going to make a statement. Granted, that's the best way to do it, but momentum is a funny thing. Also, production should drop off for the two with the departure of Forsberg. Kapanen brings energy to the table. Gagne and Knuble do not.

**Photo courtesy of TSN.ca**