My Take On The Columbus Blue Jackets Captaincy

The other day I posted a quick poll asking who you think should be named the next captain of the Blue Jackets. I wanted to share the results with you here;

Jan 31, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center

(17) carries the puck during the second period against the St. Louis Blues at Nationwide Arena. The Blues beat the Blue Jackets 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

• 74% of voters thought that a captain would be named this offseason
• 26% of voters thought that a captain would NOT be named this offseason
• 68% of voters chose Jack Johnson
• 26% of voters chose Brandon Dubinsky
• 6% of voters chose R.J. Umberger

I also wanted to add my two cents, and share my thoughts on what I think the Blue Jackets should do about the captain situation. I wanted to start out by saying that I am with the 26% of voters who don’t think a captain will be named, it is more or less what I really hope they do, as I would be happy either way. I think it would be best for the organization to hold off right now though. Why rush the decision?

There are other options out there, for instance; there can be rotating captains, maybe by month or every couple of months. This way you can feel out how each player would react to that all important “C” sewn onto their jersey.

Another option could be to add another assistant captain, and not appoint a captain for the year and wait until next offseason to make the decision, which is within the NHL rules. Here is a quick look at the official ruling on captains:

"6.1 Captain – One Captain shall be appointed by each team, and he alone shall have the privilege of discussing with the Referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game. He shall wear the letter “C,” approximately three inches (3”) in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of his sweater. No co-Captains are permitted. Either one Captain and no more than two Alternate Captains, or no Captain an no more than three Alternate Captains are permitted (see 6.2).No playing Coach or playing Manager or goalkeeper shall be permitted to act as Captain or Alternate Captain.6.2 Alternate Captains – If the permanent Captain is not on the ice, Alternate Captains (not more than two) shall be accorded the privileges of the Captain. Alternate Captains shall wear the letter “A” approximately three inches (3”) in height and in contrasting color, in a conspicuous position on the front of their sweaters.Only when the Captain is not in uniform, the Coach shall have the right to designate three Alternate Captains. This must be done prior to the start of the game."

[NHL.com]

Waiting just one more season would really give a few players more time to prove to the team they they truly deserve to be captain. Unfortunately for Bobrovsky (and other goalies in the league), a goalie can not be assigned as captain or even assistant captain or else I think he could have a legitimate shot at being a captain. The two players with the most votes are probably the two who are most likely on the minds of the coach and front office to be named captain. Apparently though, if it were up to you the fans, Jack Johnson would be the next captain of the Blue Jackets.

March 10, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson (7) during the third period against the Detroit Red Wings at the Joe Louis Arena. Columbus won 3-2 in a shoot out. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports