The Anaheim Ducks currently have two open positions for alternate captains. There are many reasons Hampus Lindholm should be considered as a prime candidate.
Only 75 days stand between the Anaheim Ducks and opening day against the Arizona Coyotes! The organization, however, needs to make a very important decision regarding next season’s leadership. Both of Ryan Getzlaf‘s alternate captains are unable to resume their duties; Ryan Kesler will spend the season on LTIR and Corey Perry‘s contract was bought out, and the Ducks cannot go into the new season without a strong group of leaders leading the way.
Cam Fowler is the most obvious candidate; he has been groomed over the past few season’s, wearing the “A” in the absence of either Corey Perry or Ryan Kesler. However, one more “A” still remains. While Josh Manson and Adam Henrique are both great candidates, who we will take a look at later, an argument can be made for the Ducks to take a chance on Hampus Lindholm.
The Anaheim Ducks former 6th overall draft pick has spent the past 6 seasons making a name for himself as one of the teams best defenseman. While he did have a little bit of a down season in 2018-19, he has remained one of the most consistent players in the lineup during his tenure with the Ducks.
Over the past year, and especially this summer, he has already taken significant strides to prove that he is ready for a role like this, should it be offered to him. Lindholm has taken several of the young players under his wing, most notably, Troy Terry, and is instilling important lessons into them that will benefit them during their career in the NHL.
He’s only 25, but after six seasons in the league, he can be considered a vet. However, he doesn’t have any previous leadership experience. Regardless, the Anaheim Ducks could benefit from having a younger, more relatable, player in their leadership core, especially considering the team will be welcoming several of their younger players into the lineup full time this coming season.