O Captain! My Captain! Who Will be Wild Captain after Koivu?
With a lot of uncertainty after this season, and with Captain Mikko Koivu a UFA, Leadership will be a question. Here are 5 candidates for Wild Captain in 20-21.
Sure, It may seem a bit weird and to be quite frank, out of place to even remotely think about the fact that Wild Captain Mikko Koivu may not be wearing the “C” on his jersey next season or even be wearing a jersey that isn’t our forest green.
Koivu, who has been the image of the Minnesota Wild for 15 years, is heading toward unrestricted free agency, and with a looming retooling by first-year general manager Bill Guerin, Koivu may not be in the fold for next year as the Wild look to get younger. With that said, if Koivu is not back with Minnesota, Who will wear the “C” for the Wild? Here are Five Candidates, in no particular order
1. Marcus Foligno
Marcus Foligno wasn’t much of a popular name in the Minnesota Wild lineup until this season where he has burst onto the scene in Minnesota becoming a significant role player for the Wild and being more of that quiet leader in the locker room.
In my opinion, Foligno is a player that will keep his head up no matter where team morale may be, stick up for his teammates and provide an equal level of skill and grit that Minnesota needs to maintain.
2. Jared Spurgeon
I’m not going to say Spurgeon is “Captain Serious” but he does have that serious mentality in his game. Spurgeon is a guy that I have viewed as “Captain Material” for a while now and believe that the Wild would move quickly to etch the “C” on the front of his jersey.
Like Foligno, Spurgeon keeps his head up and plays a smart game. Being a top pairing d-man isn’t an easy job, but Spurgeon has taken every step in his career and has worked hard to get to where he is now, and why not give the “C” to a guy you just inked to a 7-year contract extension?
3. Luke Kunin
Much like the first 2 gentlemen in this article, Luke Kunin is a serious guy and a quiet leader in the locker room. Now, where I see Kunin being a fit for the Captaincy is he’s been a true leader for not only the Wild but before his time in Minnesota, he served time as Captain of the University of Wisconsin Badgers men’s team and before that, he had the “C” etched on to his sweater for USA in the World Junior Championship and the US National Team Development Program.
Kunin is an emerging player for Minnesota taking more of a role this season and being productive in clutch situations.
4. Eric Staal
Where should I begin with Eric Staal? Yes I know, he’s old but one thing with that is the older they are the wiser they are and that holds for Staal, who has also been everything Minnesota has needed him to be.
It’s all in the experience in his NHL career for Eric Staal, who served as team Captain for the Carolina Hurricanes for 7 seasons. Staal has a Stanley Cup Championship to show that he knows what it takes to get there and win it all, He was surrounded by many great leaders in his career and he’s absorbed these experiences.
5. Jason Zucker
I already know some of you may raise an eyebrow to this one but I figured I’d save the wildcard for last. Jason Zucker has been one of the most electrifying players for the Wild in recent years when at times there hasn’t been too much to be excited about.
I do understand that there will be a ton of trade speculation with Zucker leading up to the trade deadline but if he weren’t dealt, Could he be named Captain? Yes, Why? He’s been one of the Wild’s best players, is a fan favorite, has a very unique off-ice personality and does outstanding work in the community as the King Clancy award will show for, at the age of 28, Zucker still has a lot in the tank but is there enough for Captaincy? Time will tell with this one.
Who honestly knows what the rest of the season holds for the Wild as we approach the Trade Deadline and beyond, one thing is certain, there will be change with this team and that may be more than just new faces. Leave a comment/tweet on who you would want to be the next Minnesota Captain.