this. No offence to Mr. Komisarek, but it seems he does not have a big enough imput/impact on the ice to wear the A. (I don't know about off the ice though.)
So aside from the fact that he's a fan favorite and leads the NHL defensemen in hits (/shrug, I know people will bring it up as relevant somehow), what would make Schenn this natural leader everyone seems to think he is. This is the same softspoken politically correct person that shows up for some of the interviews, right?
I'd rather have someone who isn't afraid to call people out (behind closed doors of course), and will actually argue with the refs, if needed.
A quick scour of the current roster would suggest that Schenn, Armstrong and maybe ,MacArthur are probably the three "natural" leaders in that dressing room without the letter (I was going to throw Komisarek but I think he already has an 'A' ?).
Therefore the next A should probably be out of those 3.
I would love for Schenn to get it, but I think he's future captain material, and there is no reason to give the kid an 'A' with the added responsibility given he's so young and tender right now. Just let him play his game, grow, and blend into the room rather than being one of the more standout guys in there.
Armstrong has been in this league long enough, and is experienced and likable enough guy - I would have him get the next A
I don't think theyll do that. Just because why give a guy something for a few months then strip it away? Army doesn't deserve to have that happen to him... whoever gets it should keep it.
Komi- Burke Likes his leadership, said so a couple days ago, oldest guy on the backend, this isn't changing
Army- Has had an A before in ATL, older guy
Schenn- Obvious choice, natural leader etc, still a little bit young though. Wouldn't be surprised if it goes to Army, then when Komi's contract expires and luke is a couple years over give it to him. No need to put more pressure on him now (although he deserves it)
Who cares what Burke thinks of a player's leadership. As a GM, he has no control over the selection process.
Armstrong should definitely be an alternate based on age and prior leadership experience in Atlanta. My assumption on the alternates being re-evaluated after this season hinges on Ron Wilson being fired. Generally a new coach likes to pick his own alternates, and designate a new captain in extreme cases. Also, teams have started to strip their players and re-assign letters more frequently in the past few seasons (San Jose with Marleau, Toronto with Kaberle, New Jersey with Elias and Langenbrunner etc.)
The real leaders of this young team are Phaneuf, Armstrong, Grabovski and Schenn, I dont understand why Komisarek still has the "A''. Wilson didnt mind taking it from Kaberle, a guy who was well liked by his team mates and contributed all season. The guys who wear the letters are supposed to be leaders and inspire the team. Not sure how Komisarek playing ten minutes of panic riddled hockey inspires the younger players.
The A and C are symbols to leardership/attitudes. Schenn is a hard working tough defenseman with a positive attitude and therefore deserves the A, but Armstrong seems to play well in every aspect of the game. Not an elite scorer, but still gets things done well.
jonas640 Jonas Siegel
Ron Wilson says no decision has been made on who will wear the "A" in place of the departed Tomas Kaberle. Might not give it to anyone.
Ron Wilson says no decision has been made on who will wear the "A" in place of the departed Tomas Kaberle. Might not give it to anyone.
It does kind of make sense. Let's assume we obtain some veteran leadership via FA / trades. It would probably be counterproductive to give someone the A for the remaining 20 some games, then strip it starting next season. Besides, he's still not 100% sure who else may be leaving before TDL. Beauch leaves, his A is given back to Kabs. Kabs leaves, uhm...
