Who Will Be Captain?

When the Flyers traded Mike Richards a few months ago, they not only traded one of their top offensive threats but they traded their captain and leader as well.  With the vacant captain position, the Flyers will need to fill it with a guy who can be leader not only this year but years to come.  There have been a ton of names suggested as to who the next captain will be.  Here are my thoughts on possible candidates and ultimately who I feel will get the C.

Chris Pronger Prongs is listed first primarily because even when Richards was the official captain, Pronger was still a veteran leader in the locker room.  Pronger lays down a strict law and doesn't tolerate any crap.  He would be a great candidate for the C because he has experience, he has won the cup, and when he says something people listen.  The only downside to Pronger is that last year he was extremely injury prone and missed a ton of time.  If the Flyers do elect to give the C to Prongs, it could be risky as he may be out with injuries at times during the season.

Danny Briere I hadn't though of Briere as a possible captain until a few days ago.  According to a csnphilly article, Briere was calling the shots and helping to lead a practice.  It makes sense as Briere is a respected member of this team and is relatively young.  Briere could be an excellent choice for captain.

Kimmo Timonen Timonen is another defender that could possibly be chosen as captain.  He has experience as assistant captain and is respected by the entire team.  Timonen has stayed extremely healthy during his four years with the Flyers so he definitely has that advantage over Prongs.

Claude Giroux/JVR While I don't think either of these guys will get the C, I thought I had to at least mention them as they are the future of the team.  Giroux would be a smarter pick over JVR but I still don't see either of them getting the nod.

Ultimately I think you have to give the C to Chris Pronger.  According to Danny Briere in an interview with Tim Pinaccio, Pronger was the "de facto captain" last year even with Richards around.  Prongs has won the Stanley Cup, has years of experience, and ultimately he won't put up with any crap.  If he feels that someone is not giving 100% or he doesn't like the way something is going, he is going to voice his opinion and put an end to it.  Even if the Flyers elect to give someone else like Briere the captain position, Pronger is and always will be the main leader of this team.