Rotating Captaincy?

Anyone else ok with the idea to contemplate rotating the C every month to a different player until Patrik Elias starts looking more the part for this role? Could be a springboard for certain players like Madden, Rafalski, and White for example to really elevate their games.

Nah, I'd rather see some consistensy. The wild do it and I don't think that it has worked well for them.

I think this is an awful idea, and I normally agree with what you say, but you have to show confidense in your core players. Besides, I don't think leadership is the problem on this team.

how is elias not looking the part for the role? hes been on fire recently...

Anyone else ok with the idea to contemplate rotating the C every month to a different player until Patrik Elias starts looking more the part for this role? Could be a springboard for certain players like Madden, Rafalski, and White for example to really elevate their games.

It's worked in the past. But the problem is you would alienate Elias in the process. I was against his being named Captain from the start. He has a wealth of talent, but he's always been streaky and moody his entire career. He doesn't seem to beke the best communicator & motivator on the ice and never seems to show much passion or enthusiasm like others on the team.

There are many tangible & intagible qualities that qualify a player for being a captain. I just don't think that Elias is the right person for this responsibility.
The Devils have always been about defense so I think the C should have went to a defenseman or a defensive-minded forward like Madden.

I think we should all just stop over reacting to every little losing skid. We're all frustrated about this team... silly "solutions" like having a rotating captaincy won't do anything to help the Devils win games.

how is elias not looking the part for the role? hes been on fire recently...

Just because he get points doesn't mean that he's an effective Captain. Many times the team, especially the forwards, seem lost and unmotivated. I just can't picture Elias as the type of guy to kick around a garbage can in between periods and make an impassioned speech to rally the team.

I wouldve loved if the NJ Devils commissioned a documentary this season following the team in its last season at the CAA. Showing things like the locker-room before, during, and after some crucial wins and losses.

It would really spotlight them as a team.

i love it how everyone loved the idea of him being captain, and now that we have a mini losing streak (in which he has been scoring a ton during) everyones saying hes undeserving


relax people

i love it how everyone loved the idea of him being captain, and now that we have a mini losing streak (in which he has been scoring a ton during) everyones saying hes undeserving


relax people

I would like to think that he was made Captain because he brings more to the table than just 'scoring'.

im not saying the reasons he was made a captain


im saying...when it happened, there was not a single person on these boards that disagreed with the move, and rightfully so.

and now that were struggling a bit, people are panicking and saying that he doesnt desreve the C. its crazy

im not saying the reasons he was made a captain


im saying...when it happened, there was not a single person on these boards that disagreed with the move, and rightfully so.

and now that were struggling a bit, people are panicking and saying that he doesnt desreve the C. its crazy

Exactly, people expect Elias to step in the role and immediately be Scott Stevens. However, it doesn't matter who would be captain, that particular player is going to have to grow into that role.

I personally think that Elias has plenty of fire, and determination to be the captain. I supported him being captain during Niedermayer's short tenure with the 'C'. Elias is the right choice, and the team will stick with him in both good and bad times.

I would like to think that he was made Captain because he brings more to the table than just 'scoring'.

Patrik has been loyal to the organization, he's dedicated to winning, he would never put himself in front of the team, he works hard not only to make himself the best player he can be, but make the team the best it can be. What more do you want? Who do you think would be a better choice and show more dedication than Patrik?

Patrik has been loyal to the organization, he's dedicated to winning, he would never put himself in front of the team, he works hard not only to make himself the best player he can be, but make the team the best it can be. What more do you want? Who do you think would be a better choice and show more dedication than Patrik?

Upon signing the big, long term contract to stay in Jersey (potentially retiring as a Devil at the end), and with all the heart he showed recovering from near death to carry us on his back during "the streak" last season, Patty was the feel good choice for the "C" in the off season, having earned it both on the ice and through his loyalty to the team. (And the team not having a "C" in the deep wake left by the departure of Scott Stevens...)

So despite not having all the necessary intangibles -- Patty not being a big "talker" or tough guy, not being a rules expert (he admits to defering to Madden on that stuff), being easy going and enigmatic versus passionate and emotional, etc. -- he seemed the right choice in the same way that Jagr seemed the right choice for the Rangers this season, even though thinking of Jags as a Captain-type earlier in his career would be a little absurd as well. It was earned through team-carrying productivity on the ice (essentially, in a way, from "scoring" -- despite many posting here thinking that does not a Captain make...)

SO, it will not be the big stirring speeches, or the veteran grit, or the typical loudest voice in the room. This Captain will lead by example...from his exemplary play making everyone around him better.

But, to answer your question, a more traditional Captain for this team would be John Madden.

But I am fine with the way it is, and want Patty as the face of the franchise for the better part of the next decade. As our Captain.

I think we should all just stop over reacting to every little losing skid. We're all frustrated about this team... silly "solutions" like having a rotating captaincy won't do anything to help the Devils win games.

It wasn't all that long ago, when a 2 game losing streak was considered totally unacceptable by Pat Burns' coaching standards. Everyone in this forum knows full well that this organization has much higher expectations then the average NHL club. No room for complacency, inconsistency, and up and down, near .500 hockey when you have as many skilled players on the team as they do. The Devils used to do everything in their power to string together consecutive wins and avoid at all costs a 2nd loss in as many games with sound defensive disciplined hockey. That hasn't been the norm this year.

I don't see this Devils team playing with that same fear of losing in their eyes most nights. There is no desperation, no sense of urgency, no killer instinct, and none of the same telltale dominating defense this year that we've witnessed in years past where the team played a full 60 minutes and left it all out on the ice. How long are we as fans going to chalk up constructive criticisms in this forum routinely as overreactions to a few losses? All season? I get that this is a sensitive issue and all, but isn't the whole point of having a forum so that we can discuss all points about the team, whether they be good or bad? Let me conclude by asking you this one final question. If Jay Feaster and John Tortorella openly acknowledge with the press concerns that their team is grossly underachieving and in need of some significant changes to turn things around, what do you think Lou is thinking right now with a team that has 3 more wins then Tampa Bay? Are you personally satisfied with the high level of inconsistency the Devils have achieved this year? I'm not.

im not saying the reasons he was made a captain


im saying...when it happened, there was not a single person on these boards that disagreed with the move, and rightfully so.

and now that were struggling a bit, people are panicking and saying that he doesnt desreve the C. its crazy


I think it's too early to call for Patrik's head, but I've been in the "Madden for Captain" camp since before Scott Stevens endorsed Mad Dog as a "natural leader" on the 2003 SCF Championship DVD. Thought Madden should have been Captain before Nieds, especially in the personality department, but an attempt at securing Nieds in his contract year was a necessary move by Lou. I also found it interesting that Madden wasn't in attendence at Niedermayer's Thanksgiving dinner. Sign of a true competitor or better offer (his own family, or dinner with Marty)?

I think Patty's free agent status and subsequent long term contract definitely influenced the decision to name him Captain. I don't think Madden's play has been as inconsistent as Elias' has been this sesaon. Elias doesn't seem to play with the same intensity he did upon his return from Hep A last season. He seems to be gripping his stick too tightly when giving and receiving passes lately. Gomez and Gionta have made some weak decisions with the puck as well recently.

Elias needs to get Humpty-Dumpty back on the wall. How can he lead the team if he can't lead his own line? I'm sure he will adjust and be back to form for the second half, like Stevens did after his big payday slump. If the team falls out of playoff contention, I would expect Julien to go, before a rotating captaincy is implemented.

Nope.

If the team falls out of playoff contention, I would expect Julien to go, before a rotating captaincy is implemented.

Agreed. Elias is here to stay. He's not losing the captaincy after 30 games. Julien goes well before anything drastic like that happens.

I don't think this would be a good idea. Rotating the captaincy you have a lack of consistency, not to mention the deflating morale it would cause to Patty. I'm perfectly fine with Elias at the helm. I think he deserves the C and also the chance to grow into that role. Give him a little time before calling for the C to be removed! And quite honestly, I think there are far more important issues to work on and decide before worrying about who would make the best captain: Such as SCORING GOALS!!! Our offense is in deep doo doo. To me, that is a much bigger problem than if Elias should share the C.

It wasn't all that long ago, when a 2 game losing streak was considered totally unacceptable by Pat Burns' coaching standards. Everyone in this forum knows full well that this organization has much higher expectations then the average NHL club. No room for complacency, inconsistency, and up and down, near .500 hockey when you have as many skilled players on the team as they do. The Devils used to do everything in their power to string together consecutive wins and avoid at all costs a 2nd loss in as many games with sound defensive disciplined hockey. That hasn't been the norm this year.

The Devils also used to have Scott Stevens and Scott Niedermayer. It's much easier to string together wins and be consistent when you have two incredible defensemen and outstanding leaders like them. I know in a "perfect wold" Elias and Madden etc. would step up and take their places, but that is a totally unrealistic proposition. With the team we have right now I'd say we're underachieving a little, but to say that these losing streaks are unacceptable, knowing that we're now in a salary capped world, is being unfair to the team.

I don't see this Devils team playing with that same fear of losing in their eyes most nights. There is no desperation, no sense of urgency, no killer instinct, and none of the same telltale dominating defense this year that we've witnessed in years past where the team played a full 60 minutes and left it all out on the ice. How long are we as fans going to chalk up constructive criticisms in this forum routinely as overreactions to a few losses? All season? I get that this is a sensitive issue and all, but isn't the whole point of having a forum so that we can discuss all points about the team, whether they be good or bad? Let me conclude by asking you this one final question. If Jay Feaster and John Tortorella openly acknowledge with the press concerns that their team is grossly underachieving and in need of some significant changes to turn things around, what do you think Lou is thinking right now with a team that has 3 more wins then Tampa Bay? Are you personally satisfied with the high level of inconsistency the Devils have achieved this year? I'm not.

Of course I'm not satisfied, but guess what: we live in a salary capped world right now and its near impossible to make a move without severely disrupting team chemestry, something Lou almost never wants to do when making a trade. And again, the lack of drive and playing 60 minutes can be attributed almost completely to the absence of Niedermayer and Stevens.

I hate the rotating captain, so we are on a little bit of a skid, but except for the Bruins, game we were in the Wings game & Sabres game, for the most part the Buffalo game we outplayed them most of the game except for the 2 odd man rushes that they converted when we we down, and our defense was trying to pinch, we have hung with the best in the league, ANA, DET, & BUF, and ran out of steam........We will be fine!

Upon signing the big, long term contract to stay in Jersey (potentially retiring as a Devil at the end), and with all the heart he showed recovering from near death to carry us on his back during "the streak" last season, Patty was the feel good choice for the "C" in the off season, having earned it both on the ice and through his loyalty to the team. (And the team not having a "C" in the deep wake left by the departure of Scott Stevens...)

So despite not having all the necessary intangibles -- Patty not being a big "talker" or tough guy, not being a rules expert (he admits to defering to Madden on that stuff), being easy going and enigmatic versus passionate and emotional, etc. -- he seemed the right choice in the same way that Jagr seemed the right choice for the Rangers this season, even though thinking of Jags as a Captain-type earlier in his career would be a little absurd as well. It was earned through team-carrying productivity on the ice (essentially, in a way, from "scoring" -- despite many posting here thinking that does not a Captain make...)

SO, it will not be the big stirring speeches, or the veteran grit, or the typical loudest voice in the room. This Captain will lead by example...from his exemplary play making everyone around him better.

But, to answer your question, a more traditional Captain for this team would be John Madden.

But I am fine with the way it is, and want Patty as the face of the franchise for the better part of the next decade. As our Captain.

I could have said it any better. :clap:

Just because I don't think he should be Captain doesn't mean that I'm calling for his head.

Upon signing the big, long term contract to stay in Jersey (potentially retiring as a Devil at the end), and with all the heart he showed recovering from near death to carry us on his back during "the streak" last season, Patty was the feel good choice for the "C" in the off season, having earned it both on the ice and through his loyalty to the team. (And the team not having a "C" in the deep wake left by the departure of Scott Stevens...)

So despite not having all the necessary intangibles -- Patty not being a big "talker" or tough guy, not being a rules expert (he admits to defering to Madden on that stuff), being easy going and enigmatic versus passionate and emotional, etc. -- he seemed the right choice in the same way that Jagr seemed the right choice for the Rangers this season, even though thinking of Jags as a Captain-type earlier in his career would be a little absurd as well. It was earned through team-carrying productivity on the ice (essentially, in a way, from "scoring" -- despite many posting here thinking that does not a Captain make...)

SO, it will not be the big stirring speeches, or the veteran grit, or the typical loudest voice in the room. This Captain will lead by example...from his exemplary play making everyone around him better.

But, to answer your question, a more traditional Captain for this team would be John Madden.

But I am fine with the way it is, and want Patty as the face of the franchise for the better part of the next decade. As our Captain.


Yes but John Madden truly was the best choice as a captain for the team, why was this team in such a skid last season at this time of year? Where was Madden's leadership then? Being a leader is more than just a letter on your shoulder. If this was Madden's team, he had a chance to take control of the helm last year.

If we'd done something like this at the beginning of the year instead of giving Elias the C immediately, I think it would have been a good thing. It's too late to make this kind of change now, though. It'd show indecisiveness and make Elias look bad.

Yes but John Madden truly was the best choice as a captain for the team, why was this team in such a skid last season at this time of year? Where was Madden's leadership then? Being a leader is more than just a letter on your shoulder. If this was Madden's team, he had a chance to take control of the helm last year.

Usurped by elder statesmen like Mogilny and Malakhov? :sarcasm:

With a starting D of an adjusting Matvichuk, McGillis, Sean Brown, etc.?

Usurped by elder statesmen like Mogilny and Malakhov? :sarcasm:

With a starting D of an adjusting Matvichuk, McGillis, Sean Brown, etc.?

I don't necesarily think that Mogilny was part of the problem, and the Devils were still in a tailspin when they got rid of all their baggage. Its funny that Elias was praised as a savior last year, and is now looked upon as incompetant by the same people. Come on people, looking for a scapegoat is not going to help this team.

Mission, no one is saying Elias is incompetant or the sole reason for the Devils woes. You're putting those words into other posters mouths. This is primarily a discussion on his perceived leadership abilities to date wearing the C comparing it with how he looked prior to being named the captain.

I don't know about anyone else here, but I'm personally not a big fan of quotes like this to the media following a bad Devils loss:

http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/sports-0/1166337845208800.xml&coll=1

"Captain Patrik Elias went so far as to say Detroit's skating ability and crisp passing was "fun to see."

I don't necessarily think this sends the proper message to the rest of the team.

Mission, no one is saying Elias is incompetant or the sole reason for the Devils woes. You're putting those words into other posters mouths. This is primarily a discussion on his perceived leadership abilities to date wearing the C comparing it with how he looked prior to being named the captain.

I don't know about anyone else here, but I'm personally not a big fan of quotes like this to the media following a bad Devils loss:

http://www.nj.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/sports-0/1166337845208800.xml&coll=1

"Captain Patrik Elias went so far as to say Detroit's skating ability and crisp passing was "fun to see."

I don't necessarily think this sends the proper message to the rest of the team.

1. The media can twist words around. Unless I see the full quote coming right out of the player's mouth I would hold my tongue. There was a quote last year from Brylin where he was supposively questioning Lamoriello, but Brylin struck it down the next day.

2. It doesn't matter if anyone here truly does think he's incompentant or not, if you strip him of the captaincy and rotate it between players, thats the impression he's going to get. I suggest people have some faith in their players.