Round Table: Who Should be the Anaheim Ducks Next Captain?

Ryan Getzlaf won’t be able to play hockey forever. With rumors that his successor could be traded, which of the Anaheim Ducks will wear the “C” next?

At the age of 33, Ryan Getzlaf has had a successful run as the Anaheim Ducks captain. He has held this post longer than any other captain in the Anaheim Ducks 25 year history. While he may still have a few good years left before he should even consider hanging up his skates, the franchise should already be considering their next candidate.

For years, it has been assumed that the calm, cool, and collected, Cam Fowler, would become Ryan Getzlaf’s successor. For his entire NHL career, Fowler has played under the leadership of Getzlaf. The qualities the 27-year-old defenseman possesses, make him the perfect candidate. Plus, having been given the opportunity to wear the “A” on and off over the past few seasons has been a sure sign that the Anaheim Ducks have been grooming him for this position.

Nevertheless, rumors have abounded this season that Cam Fowler is high on Bob Murray‘s trade list. His production has taken a nose dive this season, and although he was benched for a few months after an awful facial injury, he hasn’t looked the same on the ice as in years past. With him being in the last years of his prime, producing results like this doesn’t reflect well, especially when he’s considered to be a leader.

Although it would be disheartening to see Fowler go after 9 seasons with the Anaheim Ducks, the good news is, it wouldn’t be hard for Bob Murray to find a team willing to trade for him. Due to his incredible work ethic, many GM’s see him as a desirable acquisition. Plus, although he hasn’t been playing well in Anaheim, under the right conditions he could still be an incredible defenseman.

If these rumors do come to fruition, and Fowler is traded, the Anaheim Ducks are going to need to start preparing someone else for the job. In order to kindly aid them in their search for Ryan Getzlaf’s predecessor, we have discussed potential options in this week’s round table.

Ed Stein— Site Expert, Empire Writes Back

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It’s a tough question to answer due to the current scenarios at play. Assuming Ryan Getzlaf plays out the rest of his contract, it would appear that Cam Fowler is the favorite to wear the “C” on his sweater. He’d be entering his 12th season with the organization and would have the longest tenure. However, I’m not so sure he’ll be in Anaheim that long, especially considering the recent trade rumors.

Even if he is, the Anaheim Ducks are shaping up to be Sam Steel‘s team. If there is some type of rebuild that goes on between now and 2021, he will be at the forefront. Steel was a terrific leader in Juniors with the Regina Pats and is mature beyond his years.

One other thing to consider is that Getzlaf’s name has been popping up in trade rumors lately. If he wants to accept a trade to a contending team this season or next, Bob Murray owes him that opportunity. At that point, Corey Perry has to inherit the captaincy. It would be a huge slap in the face to one of the franchise’s all-time best players to deny him that honor.

Jonathan Maxfield — Contributor, Pucks of a Feather

Out of the players on the current roster, I feel as though Josh Manson or Adam Henrique would be the best options to take over for Ryan Getzlaf if Cam Fowler is traded. Manson is the kind of player who leads by example. He isn’t afraid to speak his mind to the referees but seems to share Getzlaf’s fairly calm demeanor while doing so.

Manson is a physical shutdown player who I feel would be a great leader. I also get a feeling when I see him that he commands respect without trying. It’s an unquantifiable characteristic that a lot of captains have, and I see it in Manson.

Henrique would be a good option as well, he’s a veteran who has a great attitude. I have never heard anyone utter a bad word about him, not counting how he plays sometimes. He’s a heart and soul player that I truly think contributes more to the team than his stats tend to show.

Outside of those two, I see some leadership qualities in Troy Terry and eventually Isac Lundestrom, but I feel that they’re still quite a ways out. There’s also the obvious fact that our draft pick this year could end up being very high, which usually commands leadership at some point, in the same vein as Auston Matthews, Jack Eichel, and Connor McDavid. All of which are now or pinned to be the next captain of their respective teams.

Overall, there’s not a standout name currently on the roster and, like everything else surrounding this franchise currently, there are far more questions than obvious answers.

Ciara Durant — Site Expert, Pucks of a Feather

This is a hard question to answer because there is no clarity as to when Ryan Getzlaf will retire. He could decide to hang up his skates when his contract expires, which seems highly unlikely. The other option is that he plays well into his late 30’s like Joe Thornton, which I also find unlikely.

I have always been of the opinion that Cam Fowler would take over the duties as captain once Getzlaf retires, however, if he is traded, the Ducks must then go to plan B. Nevertheless, if these trade rumors turn out to be just rumors, I think Fowler is still the best candidate.

If Fowler is traded and the first scenario plays out, I have a feeling the Ducks will be in a bit of a transitioning period. The “Ducklings” will likely only be in their first or second full NHL season. While it could be assumed that one of them could get thrust into the captaincy at such a young age, similarly to Ryan Getzlaf, there is a part of me that doesn’t see that happening.

Therefore, the Anaheim Ducks may need to look at someone who would be willing to hold the post for a short time until one of the younger players is ready to take over. With that being said, my top candidate is Adam Henrique.

Since he was acquired by the team, I have admired his work ethic and dedication. While he hasn’t had the best season this year, there isn’t really anyone else who has had an outstanding season either. He still works hard night in and night out. Besides, being a good captain has less to do with how you play and more with how you handle things under pressure.

Henrique is usually calm and as I mentioned, dedicated to his team. He is a good communicator who is respected by his teammates, which is probably a really big reason why the Anaheim Ducks have rotated the “A” between him, Josh Manson, and Ryan Kesler in Corey Perry’s absence.

If Ryan Getzlaf decides to sign to another contract with the Anaheim Ducks after his current contract ends, I could see one of either Sam Steel, Troy Terry, or Max Jones being the next captain. Based solely on his experience, I would say Steel is the forerunner, spending two seasons wearing the “A” for the Regina Pats before being upgraded to the “C” last season.

However, both Terry and Jones also have leadership experience when they both wore the “A” for their respective teams last season. I do not favor one of them over the other because I would like to see all three of them grow more comfortable in an NHL role. Right now they need to focus on being NHL ready, once they get to that spot, then we can worry about which one could be the captain in the future.

While I do believe that Hampus Lindholm and Rickard Rakell would also be great options, my gut tells me we will most likely see either one or both of them wearing the “A” sometime in the future. It will more likely be Lindholm, but I could see Rakell growing into a leadership role as well.

TJ Watson — Contributor, Pucks of a Feather

With thoughts and plans for the future, one question that Anaheim Ducks fans have asked is, “who would be the heir apparent to Ryan Getzlaf and wear the Captain’s C?” With the trade deadline fast approaching, the options are an influx, but I propose an answer that could clear up the decisions as to who should be the next captain.

One option that could be considered is Rickard Rakell. His talent, along with his work ethic and youth, could be used in a captaincy role. Surrounding him with veteran leadership could make him a valuable leader. Though young, he has enough experience and character status that him being the next captain wouldn’t be a bad thing. Plus, he’s a fan favorite both on and off the ice.

Adam Henrique is the dark horse candidate for the captain role, though he’s struggled this year. I like his candor and how he carries himself in the short amount of time he’s been here. I think under a new coach, he might emerge as one of the candidates because he’ll be able to thrive and show the younger guys, like Troy Terry, the ropes in the NHL.

Corey Perry has been Robin to Ryan Getzlaf’s Batman for several years since they won the Stanley Cup in ’07. He’s come up huge with clutch moments, the best one was the game-winner against Edmonton in the Stanley Cup Playoffs a few years ago. Though he has been injury prone over the last few years, Perry being the captain in the remaining years of his career with the Ducks would be a good way to send him off into the sunset.

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Josh Manson is one of our physical presences on the team. Although he hasn’t had a great year this year, he can still be our Big Z. He’s shown that he’ll stand by his teammates and maybe under a new coach, he can be utilized better. This could make him a better player and probably a better captain. If he stays next year, Manson can definitely put himself in the running for being the new team leader.

If Bob Murray decides not to trade him, Cam Fowler is still an option. He’s a long-tenured Duck playing with the franchise since 2010. Though one of the mainstays on defense, Fowler being the team captain would certainly come with a few flaws. One huge one is the fact that he is, again on the trade block this year. Plus, he’s been injury prone so having him as the captain may not be a wise decision. However, having him wear the “A” could be a good option.

So, in the end, there’s a lot of answers to go to, but for me, I’ll go with Rakell. Fowler may be traded and if he’s not, him being injury prone rules him out in my opinion. Manson is an option considering how he can use his physical presence, but in the end, I think Rakell is a good choice. Especially considering the fact that he is young and able to lead the younger Ducks into the future. I think him, along with Perry, Fowler, and even Manson as alternates would be a good lineup to have in the leadership committee.

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