New Jersey Devils: Top 5 Captain Candidates Not Named Nico Hischier
When the New Jersey Devils traded Andy Greene to the New York Islanders at the trade deadline, it left a rudderless team without its captain. With the entire franchise in flux who on the current roster is best equipped to grab the wheel and navigate these choppy waters? Many believe Nico Hischier is that man, but what if I told you he’s not the clear cut candidate to replace Greene? That’s right I said it.
What if I told you there is more than one option?
Okay, now you’re probably asking yourself, “If not Hischier then who?”
I thought you might say that. No worries, I got you covered. Here are my top 5 candidates other than Nico to become the 12th captain in Devils history.
5. Jack Hughes:
Jack Hughes was anointed the “chosen one” when his name was called first at the 2019 NHL Entry Draft. His first “full” NHL season did not go as planned and statistically speaking he just wasn’t very good. However, throughout his first 61 games, number 86 showed flashes of brilliance and gave us a glimpse into why he deserved to be the top pick. At just 19-years-old, there’s no doubt the kid can flat out play and should be a cornerstone for this franchise for many years to come.
Despite the young age, there is a precedent in the NHL for very young captains. NHL stars and franchise-altering talents, Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby each had the “C” stitched on their sweaters at the tender age of 19. If Hughes is the true “chosen one” then he should be the easiest choice to replace Greene.
4. P.K. Subban
The affable veteran defenseman quickly established himself as a strong voice in both the locker room and with the media throughout the entirety of his first season in New Jersey. P.K. Subban’s on-ice play was a bit hard to stomach at first, but he more than made up for it with his incredible social media presence and his willingness to speak openly and honestly despite his and the team’s struggles.
From his meteoric rise in Montreal to the peak of his play in Nashville, Subban has been an outstanding ambassador for the sport of hockey. His charitable work is unrivaled and he could help shine some much-needed light on the club and its efforts to grow the sport inside Newark and beyond.
As captain, Subban would instantly put a face to a historically faceless franchise. The former Norris Trophy winner also fits the mold of previous Devils captains. He’s well into his 30’s and plays defense.
3. Travis Zajac:
Travis Zajac’s tireless work ethic and “name on the front is more important than the name on the back” attitude makes him prime captain material. As the longest-tenured player on the roster, Zajac exemplifies what it’s always meant to play for the New Jersey Devils. Not to mention he sits among the franchise’s greats in games played and all the important offensive categories.
At the age of 35, he is on the tail-end of his career and would be a perfect placeholder for one of the younger up and coming stars until they are “ready” to take the reins. Additionally, New Jersey has only had one captain younger than 30 in the last 25 years. A 27-year-old Zach Parise was the lone exception in his only season as captain before bolting via free agency.
2. Miles Wood:
Just kidding. That’s not happening.
1. Kyle Palmieri
Jim Dowd was the first New Jersey native to win a Stanley Cup with the Devils. Imagine being the first New Jersey native to captain the New Jersey Devils to a Stanley Cup? That could potentially be Palmieri’s story. As the only true scoring threat on the roster, Palmieri has the NHL resume to garner a shot at the captaincy. The perennial 25-goal scorer continues to produce even when the rest of the club struggles offensively.
The 29-year-old winger has one year remaining of a five-year deal he signed in 2016. The Devils would be foolish not to extend him beyond his current deal. If and when they do offer an extension, this young team will need a strong veteran voice in the locker room. His voice is among the most respected on the team and his ascension to the role of captain seems like a natural fit.
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There you have it. The five… errr … four players I mentioned above are the only other viable options besides Hischier. My gut tells me that Nico will be the guy. Why? Probably the same reasons why you do. He’s more than proven he can handle the elevated responsibility. He immediately stepped up and assumed a greater role once the Taylor Hall trade was completed. That and a beefy contract extension assures continuity going forward and at this point, and honestly, that’s all we could ask for.