Canucks: Chris Tanev’s exit opens door for new assistant captain
Chris Tanev’s exit from the Vancouver Canucks means Travis Green will have to name a new assistant captain. Here are the most likely candidates.
Dating back to when Daniel and Henrik Sedin were still playing for the Vancouver Canucks, the team’s alternate captains have, for the most part, remained the same. Alex Edler, Chris Tanev and Brandon Sutter have all proudly worn the “A” over their hearts for the Canucks since 2016, but a vacancy has opened up now that Tanev is a member of the Calgary Flames.
Travis Green will likely keep his current captains as they are, but when it comes to naming a new alternate before next season, he has a tough decision to make. There are several veterans worthy of the title, but there are definitely some capable young stars who could rise to the challenge. Let’s take a look at the most likely candidates to fill the role for the 2021 campaign.
The veterans
J.T. Miller
He absolutely burst onto the scene in Vancouver and proved to be a leader both in the locker room and on the ice. J.T. Miller has been a grand slam for the Canucks since his arrival in 2019, and it wouldn’t be surprising at all if Green were to name him an assistant captain for 2021.
There isn’t anything this guy can’t do, and he proved that in a very big way last season. Scoring 72 points (27 goals, 45 assists) in 69 games was enough to be the team leader. He tied for the team lead in goals (27), tied for the team lead in power play points (25), played PK minutes, took crucial faceoffs, and even took players like Jake Virtanen under his wing.
Naming Miller an alternate captain would be the perfect nod to his incredible first-year as a Vancouver Canuck. It would be very well deserved as he looks to return to the ice next season on a similar path of offensive destruction.
Tyler Myers
With Tanev out of the picture, it makes sense that Tyler Myers would become the “new dad” on the team. And with that in mind, maybe he’s in line for a promotion to alternate captain.
After all, he’s already taken on the responsibility of keeping players in line. According to Vancouverisawesome, during the offseason, he’s been inviting Jake Virtanen over each morning to work out with him at his house in Kelowna. This is what Virtanen had to say about it:
“I work out with Tyler Myers every morning at his house, he has a gym. Mysie’s a different animal in the gym. He trains really hard. I head over every morning and from the training to the eating habits and meal plans and the whole thing, we’re both doing it together, which is pretty unreal. It’s nice to have a teammate doing it with me.”
Green is known to favour his vets, and he knows that the 30-year-old defender is more than capable of filling the role. He’s never been an official alternate, but he’s taken the letter under the circumstances of an injured player.
Being a 12-year NHLer and a top-four defender, it wouldn’t be too shocking if Myers wears the “A” at some point in 2021. But I wouldn’t put my money on him being the first choice.
The youngsters
Elias Pettersson
What’s not to like about Elias Pettersson? He’s slick, he’s lethal, and he’s more than ready to take on a leadership role with the Vancouver Canucks. Heck, he’s been the most valuable offensive threat on the team since his arrival just two seasons ago.
Pettersson became an NHL star overnight, and since then he’s done nothing but grow his brand. From All-Star games to a Calder Trophy. EA Sports cover athlete to Canucks points per game leader. He’s in the eyes of all people in hockey, the kid just radiates greatness.
He’s a franchise player, and he could easily be the captain of this organization. But for now, taking on the role as an alternate captain will have to do. Don’t be surprised if he gets the call from coach Green.
Brock Boeser
The Burnsville Minnesota native is now 23-years-old and ready to take on more responsibility as a team leader. Brock Boeser is an all-around good guy and would do an excellent job as an assistant captain. He’s got the scoring power to lead offensively, his defensive game has come a very long way, and he’s becoming a guy who can be relied on at every turn.
In 197 NHL regular-season games, Boeser has accumulated 75 goals and 161 points. His goal totals have dropped since his breakout rookie showing, but with a career PPG of 0.817, he’s proven he can adapt and find ways to be an elite contributor.
And if his on-ice abilities aren’t enough to warrant him a position as assistant to Bo Horvat, what he does off the ice will be more than enough for him to be granted eligibility. He’s a rockstar to the community of Vancouver and he’s even gone as far as to accept an invitation to prom from one of his biggest fans. That’s a true character guy.
Quinn Hughes
At the age of just 21, it’s probably more of a long shot that Quinn Hughes would be named an assistant captain, but that doesn’t mean he’s not worthy of the role. After just one season in the NHL, it’s clear Hughes is a phenomenal defender well beyond his years.
It’s more than evident that the blueline in Vancouver belongs to Hughes. He’s lightyears ahead of every defender on the team and he could turn out to be one of the best defencemen in the NHL within the next couple of seasons.
With the assumption that there will be no changes to Sutter and Jay Beagle being assistants at forward, it might make the most sense for Green to give the honour to another defender. With Edler already wearing one, Hughes would likely be next in line.
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What do you think Canucks Nation? Who should be the assistant captains next season?