The Anaheim Ducks have a succession of on-ice leaders they should be monumentally proud of. Having a leader you can depend on is one of the building blocks every team needs in order to be successful.
You can read more about the top five captains in Anaheim Ducks franchise history in an article written by my co-contributor Greg Johnson.
"“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” – John C Maxwell"
Currently captaining the Anaheim Ducks is Ryan Getzlaf. It was announced at the beginning of the 2010-11 season that the 25-year-old center had been named their new captain.
Although he was young, his previous six seasons in the NHL were proof that he was ready to adorn his sweater with the “C”. Randy Carlyle, along with his veteran teammates, knew Getzlaf was the right man to take on the responsibility.
"“He is very mature for his age. Sometimes you have to put a player in a position like that and give him another challenge. I have no doubt that he’s going to do a great job as captain. He’s going to be there for a long time and I think it was the right choice.” -Saku Koivu"
Ryan Getzlaf’s tenure as Ducks captain has lasted longer than anyone else. At the end of the 2017-18 season, he completed his eighth year as Anaheim’s on-ice mediator.
However, Ryan Getzlaf is no longer the 25-year-old spring chicken (or Duck) that he used to be. I believe Getzlaf still has a few years of quality play left in him. However, before we know it, the big “R” word is going to be tossed around quicker than salmon down at Pike Place Market.
Who is the Future of Anaheim?
Who, then, is the future of the Anaheim Ducks?
Cam Fowler is the clear and evident choice.
Ryan Getzlaf still has three years left on his eight-year, $66M contract. However, it’s never too early for the Ducks to start grooming their next captain. Especially when he will have Getzlaf to serve as his mentor.
Rumors are swirling around Ducks Nation that Ryan Kesler will miss the 2018-19 season, there’s maybe an opening for another alternate captain. This would be the perfect opportunity for the Ducks to start putting more responsibility on Fowler. It would also serve as the ideal stepping stone needed to, one day, transition him into the position of captain.
However, one question still remains unanswered. What makes Cam Fowler the ideal candidate to become the Ducks next captain? Let’s take a look the characteristics Cam Fowler possess that make him the perfect man for the job.