Poll of the Week - April 5

[BigTed3]

With Brian Gionta's contract coming to an end, the question is whether he should be re-signed or whether the Habs should move on and instate someone new as captain. Should Gio be kept as captain? Should it be a veteran here like Plekanec, Gorges, or Markov? Or should a young star like Subban or Pacioretty get the call?

[31Careyprice]

My top 3 choices are:

1. Max Pacioretty

2. Brandon Prust

3. Josh Gorges

I think Max is ready to be a habs captain, he took a discount to be here, loves playing here and is a leader on the ice. Prust or Gorges are safe bets that they could be a good captain.

[THEBIGGESTHABSFAN123]

I voted Gio. I want to resign him for another year or two. After he leaves I want it to be Patches. Came back from a terrible broken neck to be one of the leagues best goal scorers. Has a Masterton, took a hometown discount(and is now one of the biggest, if not the biggest, bargains in the league). And he doesn't seem to talk much in cliche and seems to know his stuff.

[Guest mrsmarkov]

Big surprise that I chose Markov. No one will agree with me and that's fine. I've been waiting long enough for him to be captain and he deserves it. Giving it to anyone other than him would be a real slap in the face. It's his time and it was actually his time a long time ago, but it's understandable why it never happened. Anyone who actually watched Marky and the Habs since the very beginning would know that he would most likely be captain right now if he never had those injuries. He just couldn't stay healthy long enough to actually be captain, but I think he has proven differently now considering he's about to complete another healthy season since then. He has all of the qualities you need in a leader, he's loyal, selfless, smart and works his butt off every night. Though the only thing that could help a tiny bit is that Gorges is a bit more talkative and encourages the team. Marky does that, but silently in his own way. I really hope I get to place a C on my jerseys one day because if anyone deserves it, it's him. He's been through all of the ups and downs over the years and he should be rewarded for sticking around. Nothing would make me happier than to see him raise that cup one day. Something tells me I will soon enough.

[powerplay2009]

I really don't care about the captaincy, for 2 reasons. The first is that it's really a player's thing, and the second is that captaincy is based on leadership, work ethic, etc, and I just don't know how players are behind closed doors. For all we know, Bourque could be the hardest working player on the team, it's just not reflected in 24CH or anything like that.

That said, I voted PK. Why, you ask?

[BigTed3]

And does tonight's timely performance from Gionta suddenly sway anyone's opinion?

[Guest mrsmarkov]

I really don't care about the captaincy, for 2 reasons. The first is that it's really a player's thing, and the second is that captaincy is based on leadership, work ethic, etc, and I just don't know how players are behind closed doors. For all we know, Bourque could be the hardest working player on the team, it's just not reflected in 24CH or anything like that.

That said, I voted PK. Why, you ask?

Yup I definitely asked myself why .

And does tonight's timely performance from Gionta suddenly sway anyone's opinion?

No not really. I mean I like him. I want him to stay as the captain, but if he's not signed then obviously you know who I pick.

[PAPPAPUMPED]

Brian Gionta should re-main as Captain in my opinion MB should try & retain his services for a cheaper price say 2.5 - 3-mill range per season.Gionta still brings many intangibles too the team he is a great leader motivator & still can put the puck in the net.Now as far as the next Captain goes I feel Josh Jorges is hands down the favorite too take over.He leads the team in blocked shots is vocal in the locker room & carries the team on his shoulders.I'm very interested in hearing other fans ideas on this subject as it is one that effects the team for years too come.

[THEBIGGESTHABSFAN123]

This seems like our most even poll in a while.

[Noob616]

Voted Pleks because I didn't read it all the way through. Think Gionta will be back next year and remain captain, Plekanec would probably be my choice after that. Wouldn't mind Subban getting it either.

[BeanCountingHab]

I'm in favour of retaining Gionta so my vote was obviously for him.

[Guest mrsmarkov]

It baffles me how anyone can think Subban should be captain. I just don't get it. He's nowhere near ready. He is still not mature enough, he's still learning, he's not a leader and just doesn't have the smarts. He needs a leader who will put him in his place and tell him to stop acting like a fool at times.

[Habsfan__29]

I'm in favour of retaining Gionta so my vote was obviously for him.

Same goes here. And if he isn't here next year well then the players should decide. Whom do I think should be next if that's the case, it's difficult to pick one but I would give it to Pleky.

[Guest habs1952]

Not sure if I want Gionta back or if I want to see his roster spot go to a younger and cheaper player. If he's back stick with the status quo otherwise I'd go with Pleky.

[Guest mrsmarkov]

Same goes here. And if he isn't here next year well then the players should decide. Whom do I think should be next if that's the case, it's difficult to pick one but I would give it to Pleky.

I'd prefer Gio to just stay as captain, but if he has to go I wont lose sleep over it. I can take him or leave him, either way it's all good. But if the players could choose who the next captain would be I truly believe they'd give it to Marky because they have mad respect for him and he has earned some more recognition over the years.

Not sure if I want Gionta back or if I want to see his roster spot go to a younger and cheaper player. If he's back stick with the status quo otherwise I'd go with Pleky.

Agree completely. There's no reason to ruffle any feathers.

[jennifer_rocket]

I voted for Max. He's shown to be the most competent goal-scoring forward on the team. On-ice leadership, for me, does more to sway my vote than the "in the room" stuff. I also just assumed Gionta won't be returning to the Habs. Obviously, if he does return to Montreal he would remain captain.

[BigTed3]

I don't think Gionta is a priority to bring back. To me, getting Subban and Eller re-signed and trying to bring back Markov and Vanek are more important tasks for MB in the off-season. That being said, I'm not opposed to bringing Gio back if we can put him on a short-term (1-2 years) reasonable contract (2.5-3M). He's a third-line winger at this point, and he can be effective in that role, but he needs to be paid like one to make it worth it. MB can't be dishing out added salary for character and grit the way he did with Prust, Moen, Murray, and Bouillon.

In that regard, I think the Habs may end up moving on from Gionta. If he goes, I would have told you a year ago that Gorges was the hands-down leader to be the next captain, but with the way the D has developed over the past year, it's not clear to me whether Gorges will remain in the team's long-term plans. Like some here, I also believe Pacioretty has grown as a player and leader on this team and can one day be a captain here. So to me, there's not a problem to name someone who's a bit older and who may only be here for a couple of years. The choice therefore came down to Plekanec or Markov. While I like Markov and believe he should remain an assistant, I get the impression he doesn't really like talking to the media nor having much attention focused on him. I also think Plekanec is a guy who's a little bit more consistent on-ice. So while I wouldn't have said this a year ago, I would now vote for Plekanec to be the next captain of the Habs.

[Guest mrsmarkov]

I don't think Gionta is a priority to bring back. To me, getting Subban and Eller re-signed and trying to bring back Markov and Vanek are more important tasks for MB in the off-season. That being said, I'm not opposed to bringing Gio back if we can put him on a short-term (1-2 years) reasonable contract (2.5-3M). He's a third-line winger at this point, and he can be effective in that role, but he needs to be paid like one to make it worth it. MB can't be dishing out added salary for character and grit the way he did with Prust, Moen, Murray, and Bouillon.

In that regard, I think the Habs may end up moving on from Gionta. If he goes, I would have told you a year ago that Gorges was the hands-down leader to be the next captain, but with the way the D has developed over the past year, it's not clear to me whether Gorges will remain in the team's long-term plans. Like some here, I also believe Pacioretty has grown as a player and leader on this team and can one day be a captain here. So to me, there's not a problem to name someone who's a bit older and who may only be here for a couple of years. The choice therefore came down to Plekanec or Markov. While I like Markov and believe he should remain an assistant, I get the impression he doesn't really like talking to the media nor having much attention focused on him. I also think Plekanec is a guy who's a little bit more consistent on-ice. So while I wouldn't have said this a year ago, I would now vote for Plekanec to be the next captain of the Habs.

I agree with this and I've thought about it the same way you have as well. I know he doesn't like speaking to the media and is a private person so that's not exactly what you need in a captain, though I do believe a serious person is someone that's needed. Gorgie, Pleky, Gio, Marky and Patches fit the bill. Though I believe Max is still too young, I'd rather have someone with more experience. One day though. For me it's this simple, if Marky wants to be captain then give it to him..if not...then just remain an alternate captain. I highly doubt he would take it if he didn't want to.

[kinot-1]

I voted Gio,, as long as he stays, but if he is gone then I would give it to Josh, then Pleks. PK, is not ready ( and may not be for a few years), I want Patches to just concentrate on scoring, and I don't feel that Markov would be able to head up a team only meeting (if that what's needed). JMO.

[Guest mrsmarkov]

I voted Gio,, as long as he stays, but if he is gone then I would give it to Josh, then Pleks. PK, is not ready ( and may not be for a few years), I want Patches to just concentrate on scoring, and I don't feel that Markov would be able to head up a team only meeting (if that what's needed). JMO.

Very good points.

[jennifer_rocket]

I would give Subban an 'A' before ever making him captain. With the constant Therrien-Subban playing time controversy it'll never happen before Therrien is let go.

[powerplay2009]

It baffles me how anyone can think Subban should be captain. I just don't get it. He's nowhere near ready. He is still not mature enough, he's still learning, he's not a leader and just doesn't have the smarts. He needs a leader who will put him in his place and tell him to stop acting like a fool at times.

How do you know beyond speculation?

[Guest mrsmarkov]

How do you know beyond speculation?

Beyond speculation? No speculation needed. It's quite obvious. It's as clear as day. He doesn't exactly hide who he is and that's fine. But he's no leader. I shouldn't even bother anymore. Everyone is so obsessed with him for some reason and can never allow themselves to point out his flaws. I told myself a while back I'd stop commenting on Subban because there's no point. I should go back to that. People need to stop acting like he's Buddha or something and can do no wrong.

[Manatee-X]

Beyond speculation? No speculation needed. It's quite obvious. It's as clear as day. He doesn't exactly hide who he is and that's fine. But he's no leader. I shouldn't even bother anymore.

I don't mean to belabour the point, but would you mind providing an example or two? Because for me it's not obvious at all that he's "no leader", and I haven't really seen anything to the contrary other than speculation. From what I can see:

1) He certainly leads with his play on the ice - he's one of our top guys and also one of only a handful who has the ability to really carry the team on his back and drag them through some otherwise rough games. He makes mistakes, as does everyone, but these mistakes are rarely (never?) a result of him having quit on the play.

2) He's the guy who stands next to the door after the games, win or loss, and gives everyone a pat as they leave the ice.

3) He gives a great interview. Adding to this point, despite going through some potentially frustrating times (the contract dispute, repeated benchings by Therrien, the Olympic "bubble" and everything that went along with that) he's never had a bad word to say about anybody in this organization. He's always been polite and respectful.

4) He does some chirping on the ice. This might not be a sign of good leadership and I could see how you could count it as a knock against him, but he also doesn't do it any more often than someone like Plekanec who, judging by the poll results, everyone agrees is a great leader.

So again, what are these obvious counterarguments that make you think that he still needs to "mature"?

Having said all that, I went with Plekanec in the poll. I'm not a fan of giving the captaincy to younger players unless they're the absolute face of the franchise and there are no other real good choices. Patches and Subban are out for that reason. Plekanec has three things going for him in my mind: 1) He's paid his dues with the team, 2) he's most likely to still be playing here in a few years (unlike maybe Markov or Gorges) and 3) he's still as solid and steady a player as he has ever been. For me that combination makes him the best choice.

The asterisk on that choice, though, is that if Gionta does come back next year I think we should stick with him.

[powerplay2009]

Beyond speculation? No speculation needed. It's quite obvious. It's as clear as day. He doesn't exactly hide who he is and that's fine. But he's no leader. I shouldn't even bother anymore. Everyone is so obsessed with him for some reason and can never allow themselves to point out his flaws. I told myself a while back I'd stop commenting on Subban because there's no point. I should go back to that. People need to stop acting like he's Buddha or something and can do no wrong.

By no means am I saying he is perfect, or even that he should be captain. I can't make a realistic judgement either way. I just want Subban to be the next captain to see all of Quebec, nay, all of Canada, to uproar for months while I sit here in Michigan and laugh live an evil scientist in a thunderstorm

In all honesty, I just don't care who the next captain is. Not one bit.

I just hate when people judge a person's character, leadership, or work ethic without ever having met him. I will never pretend to know what goes on in the locker room. Even what they show on TV shows is probably edited to make everything seem nice and rosy. Gionta could be a terrible leader and Bourque the hardest worker on the team. I don't think that's the case, but do I know, or really even have a decently accurate idea about whether that's right or not? Honestly no, and I don't think anyone on this board really does.