“The winds of change are blowing through Carolina as the Hurricanes announced that they have named Eric Staal as the team’s new captain.
“The time has come now for Eric to assume the top leadership role for his teammates,” Hurricanes’ general manager Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “This is part of the rebuilding process for the Hurricanes, as Eric is the player around whom the team will be structured. We feel confident in Eric’s ability to lead his teammates and are excited to begin this next era.”
Veteran Rod Brind’Amour had served as the team’s captain since August of 2005 and will remain as an alternate captain.” (Source: TSN Staff)
The move makes sense for the Hurricanes, with Eric Stall being only 25 and the future of the team. I’m not in agreement with a lot of teams naming young players captain just because of their star status, but Staal has earned this honour.
With the ‘Canes struggling this year, battling with the Edmonton Oilers for last in the entire league, there’s a chance Taylor Hall will be landing in Carolina. As great of a player and captain as Rod Brind’Amour has been, he’s turning 40 this summer. The truth is he would have a hard time relating to an 18 or 19 year old, and not enough years to shape him anyway. That was his job with Staal, a job well done in my opinion.