With Bryce Salvador retiring as captain earlier this week, who will be named the next C for the New Jersey Devils. Here are five choices.
By Patrick Comia
Unfortunately, series of injuries had left the 39-year old defenseman with little choice, but to walk away from the game he had been playing the past 14 seasons.
In an interview with Northjersey.com, Salvador explained his decision to step aside from the NHL:
I just think there were a lot of factors over the last two seasons…I could just see that the body wasn’t responding as it used to and it was just getting more and more difficult to stay healthy. And the position that I was in, being the captain, this last season it was really tough to be the team leader and not be present. So I just kind of realized that even though I can play, I feel I can play and come back, I just didn’t know if I’d be able to make it a full season…Knowing that, I just kind of really said, ‘Does it make sense to put myself in that situation when the mind is still there and I feel good, but maybe the body is telling me it’s time?’
For the Devils, the question of who will be the next captain might be weighing on their mind. Of course, there are other issues besides naming a Salvador’s successor for general manager Ray Shero and company to deal with.
However, it could be a good influence for the team, especially the up and coming Devils prospects. The naming of a captain would send a message to the Devils fans, and those outside of New Jersey, that the team is prepared to move forward and players are ready to assume the leadership responsibilities.
Here are our top five candidates to assume the mantel of the 12th captaincy for the Devils.
Patrik Elias
This has to be the most logical choice.
Elias is the longest standing Devils player, having played close to 20 years in the organization. He has played his entire career in New Jersey, being a home-grown talent from his selection by the team in 1994.
He has served as captain previously in the 2005-2006 season. He became the seventh player to hold the distinction, taking over from legendary Devils captain Scott Stevens.
However, Elias would be later stripped of the captaincy by former coach Brent Sutter before the start of the 2007-2008 season. How the “C” was taken away from the veteran remains a sore spot for Elias.
In an interview with Rich Chere of NJ.com back in 2011, Elias expressed his apprehensiveness of a second go-around as captain:
I didn’t like the way the situation was handled, so if it was offered to me I’d have to talk it over with them…I’d rather not be put in that position again
However, it’s a different time now. New faces, new situation with management. Elias has been in plenty of time as a Devil, and holds many of the franchise’s all-time offensive records.
He has earned the title, and what better way to pay tribute to his legacy than to name him the 12th captain in Devils history. Perhaps, it would be icing on the cake and show Elias that the organization was wrong in taking away the “C’ before.
However, that would depend on Elias, if offered. And from reports, Ray Shero is undecided about naming a team captain for the upcoming season.
Travis Zajac
Another candidate could be this centerman. Drafted by the Devils in the first round of the 2004 NHL Draft, Zajac has remained with the team the past eight seasons.
He has served as alternate captain at home games, so he is certainly no stranger to having a letter put on his jersey.
Zajac has played in 625 games for the Devils, registering 348 points (217 goals, 221 assists). Last season, he was over 50% on faceoffs, both at home and away.
If not named to the captaincy, he will most likely stay as one of the team’s alternate captains. Zajac’s present contract has him signed through the 2021 season.
Andy Greene
A player that may get the nod is Bryce Salvador’s former teammate on the Devils blueline.
Greene has been with the organization since 2006, and has remained a constant on the Devils backend. His career started with the Devils after a injury forced then-Devils defenseman Johnny Oduya from the lineup.
After a successful campaign, Greene eventually remained with the team and was named alternate captain for away games.
He has played in all 82 games the past two seasons, avoiding the injury bug. Though his stats are not one to blink an eye at, he has been providing solid defensive play that young players like Adam Larsson may learn from.
And with him re-signed for the next four seasons, Greene should remain a constant presence that teams will need to maneuver around.
Mike Cammalleri
This may not happen, but I think you could consider him a person of interest for the Devils captaincy. Of course, there are longer-standing Devils on the team. However, Cammalleri is a 13-year veteran with experience and is a proven player on the ice.
You have to feel a little sympathy for the guy. He’s been a good player, with bad timing. He’s been on the Los Angeles Kings before their success, two stints with the Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, and now the Devils.
His first year with the team resulted in 42 points through 68 games played, including 27 goals and 15 assists. That was good to lead the team.
Cammallerri is signed through 2019. If not the captaincy, perhaps an alternate captain could be in the works for the veteran.
Adam Larsson
Ok, we are reaching here, but let’s consider this for a moment.
Larsson is the main bright spot for the Devils future. Selected fourth overall in the NHL Draft Class of 2011, his selection by the team was one of rebuilding.
The 6’3 Swedish defenseman has drawn comparisons to fellow countryman, and Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom. Also, he became the first 18-year old player to make the Devils roster, since another Devils defenseman did it in 1991, who was Scott Niedermayer.
Though his play has not been brilliant for the Devils, he is an imposing figure for the team. He’s tall in stature and can throw his weight around. And with his new six-year deal, the team is showing commitment to the young man and their willingness to form the nucleus of the team around him.
Larsson’s future appears to be secured and is able to finally play with piece of mind, that he is not going to be moved anytime soon.
He has the potential to be the next defensive captain for the Devils.
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