Should Marleau Be Captain?

[Heroes of Hockeytown 694]

I saw this photo on TSN's front page, and, noticing Lidstrom's C juxtaposed to Thornton's A, got the wheels in the ol' noodle cranking. What do the Sharks fans around here think about Patrick Marleau as captain? I know he's been criticized as Mr. Mellow, as opposed to Big Joe (just one example I'm using) who plays a big tough game and seems a bit like a prickly fellow, and has been far and away the better player in their tenure together.

When he first came over to the Sharks he had a sour rep from his captaincy in Boston, and it would've been plain bad form to suddenly strip the C from Marleau besides, but that was then and this is now. Obviously nothing would be done this season, but maybe next year, what do you guys think about Joe (or some other guy; again, just using Thornton as an example) seizing the reins?

[Yzermaniac192005 0]

Its funny you started this topic because I've had this thought a few times now throughout the series.

I don't think Thornton should be captain and to be completely honest, it appears he might enjoy not being captain. He doesn't have as many responsibilities and can just let his game do the talking.

That being said, Marleau doesn't exactly stand out to me as a great captain. Obviously we don't know what he's like in the locker room and what his leadership skills are like, but remember -- we've been spoiled here in Detroit. Stevie was probably one of, if not the greatest team Captain ever and Lidstrom is not to shabby either.

I'm not sure if Marleau should be captain, but looking at the players surrounding him, I really can't think of anyone else who it should go to. If anyone, I would suggest Cheechoo because of his style of play (not as aggressive as Thornton, yet very skilled) which would suit the team better. Its never a good idea for your captain to be your most physical guy - because if you dish it out, you're going to get it back and teams never want to see their captain getting run at.

Just my thoughts though but I would like to hear some of the SJ fans and what they know about Patrick, seeing as I probably know nothing compared to them.

[SJCheechoo14 0]

I think Patty should stay being Captain. He does seem like the quiet type and isn't playing so good lately but he is an excellent leader. The guy works harder than most people i've met. And when I go to the sharks practices He always works so hard even though it's not even a game. He also does so much community service and crap...he is a guy people can look up to and that quality makes a good leader

Though I love Joe, I don't think he'd make a good Captain. And I agree that he probly doesn't wanna be the captain.

And Cheechoo I also think would not make a good captain. He IS very quiet. I've seen him at practices too. He hardly talks he just does his job and that's it. I've met the whole team a lot of times. And Cheech is definetely the shyest but such a nice guy.

If I HAD to choose one person to take it from Patty it would be Hannan. that guys talks a lot to the players during games and practices. He is definately captain material

But overall Patty would be the best at that position

Edited May 5, 2007 by SJCheechoo14

[Elshupacabra 0]

I think the only reason Marleau is captian and Thornton isn't is because, if i'm not mistaken, the Sharks drafted Marleau where as with Thornton, they did not.

Thats the only reason I can think of anyways...

[glasgowcelticwing 18]

I think Patty should stay being Captain. He does seem like the quiet type and isn't playing so good lately but he is an excellent leader. The guy works harder than most people i've met. And when I go to the sharks practices He always works so hard even though it's not even a game.

Though I love Joe, I don't think he's make a good Captain. And I agree that he probly doesn't wanna be the captain.

I agree with everything you said, Just because the guy's quiet doesn't mean he's not a good leader as long as he set's a good example, work's hard and is a role model toward's the younger player's he should keep the C. Plus in my opinion taking the Captaincy away from any player is showing a complete lack of respect toward's him.

[Systemfel 33]

I think the only reason Marleau is captian and Thornton isn't is because, if i'm not mistaken, the Sharks drafted Marleau where as with Thornton, they did not.

Thats the only reason I can think of anyways...

Or maybe Marleau was on the team before Thornton was.

[CAredwingsfan91 28]

yeah i think i'd rather give it to joe...i know what patrick did against the pred's last series and last year but it just seems like joe wants it a whole lot more than pat does, but don't get me wrong both players are great and i'd love to have either one on the wings.

[eva unit zero 271]

The player's skill should never be more than a minor consideration for who is Captain.

Unless you think Fedorov should have taken over the C from Yzerman in 1994?

Or maybe Forsberg should have worn it in Colorado and Philly, and then again when Nashville traded for him?

[Dabura 12,207]

I love Marleau as their captain. Thornton is a perfect "A" -- good, passionate leader, but prone to losing his cool.

[Guest Crymson]

I saw this photo on TSN's front page, and, noticing Lidstrom's C juxtaposed to Thornton's A, got the wheels in the ol' noodle cranking. What do the Sharks fans around here think about Patrick Marleau as captain? I know he's been criticized as Mr. Mellow, as opposed to Big Joe (just one example I'm using) who plays a big tough game and seems a bit like a prickly fellow, and has been far and away the better player in their tenure together.

When he first came over to the Sharks he had a sour rep from his captaincy in Boston, and it would've been plain bad form to suddenly strip the C from Marleau besides, but that was then and this is now. Obviously nothing would be done this season, but maybe next year, what do you guys think about Joe (or some other guy; again, just using Thornton as an example) seizing the reins?

Captain does not necessarily equal best player on the ice; it equals best leader, or perhaps most senior.

[teal zebra 0]

Mike Grier.