Hejduk debuts as avs new captain

[germany00]

The Colorado Avalanche's jerseys had a slightly different look for their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. One of them now features a 'C' on the front.

Milan Hejduk officially made his debut as Colorado's captain today after coach Joe Sacco waited until nearly one-quarter of the way through the season to make his choice.

"He's won a Stanley Cup, he knows how to win and what it takes," Sacco said. "I didn't have a certain date in mind; it was just when we felt it was the right time."

As it turned out, that time was the start of a two-game road trip, to Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

Sacco may have required some time to reveal his selection, but to him, it was an obvious one. Hejduk, who has 364 goals and 769 points in 927 NHL games -- all with the Avs -- was chosen 10 years after helping Colorado last win the Stanley Cup.

"He's a leader by example," Sacco said. "He's not going to be the most vocal guy, he's not going to be yelling and screaming -- that's not his identity as a person. But he does lead by example on and off the ice by the way he conducts himself, the way he handles himself, his preparation for both practices and games."

Sacco added, "He's been an Avalanche now for his 13th year. He's what we want our younger players to be."

 

[Teagz]

Good choice.

 

[germany00]

ya, best choice, an experienced player like him is perfect

 

[Sports Hour]

It's not like they really had another option, but he's still the right choice. I like the lead by example captains. He'll hopefully be a role model to the other young guys like Duchene and Landeskog. And Stastny is there to help out too as a young vet and alternate.

If Landeskog is still with them in 5 years though, I can guarantee he'll be captain. I used to watch him play in the OHL, and he is just a solid player and leader.

For now though, Hejduk will do just fine as captain.

 

[germany00]

I dunno, i think duchene will be captain before landeskog, Duchene is already showing good signs of leadership. But who knows, landeskog hasn't even played a quarter of a NHL season, and when he gets older he most likely would get better in most categories, including leadership. So in 5 years if Duchene or landeskog was captain, they both would be good choices, depending on if they stay with the avs and continue to progress with their leadership roles.