Who Should Become The Next Sabres Captain

by Zachary Zielonka on Sep 15, 2011 10:00 AM EDT

BOSTON - APRIL 26: Craig Rivet #52 of the Buffalo Sabres takes the puck as Vladimir Sobotka #60 of the Boston Bruins defends in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 26, 2010 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The Buffalo Sabres are without a captain again after Craig Rivet was waived by the team last season. James O'Brien took a brief look at our situation in his article over at Pro Hockey Talk:

If I were Lindy Ruff, I'd name top center Derek Roy the captain by a hair. Perhaps Buffalo would be best served waiting a while, though, especially if hard-hitting blueliner Robyn Regehr shows some of those leadership qualities.

While O'Brien makes some vaild points, Derek Roy just seems to be one of the last players that would seem to fit for the Sabres while there are some other good choices to wear the C and I'll make a case of each of them.

Thomas Vanek - Among Sabres fans, it seems that Vanek has turned into the consensus number one choice for the captaincy. Once Derek Roy went down with the injury last season, it was Vanek that had the "Hop on my back and I'll take the team look." I still have the fear that the pressure of being the captain might affect Vanek's game as it does when he goes into a scoring slump.

More choices and the poll after the jump.

Robyn Regher - Naming Regher the captain of the team would follow the same path as naming Craig Rivet captain back in 2008. Rivet was the grizzled veteran and the logical choice among a young group of core players. It is three years later and I don't believe that those core players need a newcomer to come in and show them how to be a leader. While Regher may end up with a letter, I believe that the organization will want to go a different route.

Tyler Myers - While the young defenseman is going to be the star player of the defense for the Sabres for the next few years, giving him the burden of being named captain may be too much for the young player. It could be feasible if the team gave him a letter at some point in the season, but at this point it is probably a case of too much, too soon.

Poll

Who should become the next Sabres captain?

Thomas Vanek

401 votes

Derek Roy

102 votes

Robyn Regher

50 votes

Tyler Myers

51 votes

Other (let us know in the comments)

74 votes

678 votes | Poll has closed

Tweet Comment 55 comments | 0 recs |

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Comments

Gaustad

No one seems to bring him up much in this discussion, but I think he would be a great choice. Gritty. Seems well-liked. Gets fired up when he needs to. Seems to have leadership on the ice.

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Sep 15, 2011 10:09 AM EDT reply actions

Good place holder

Gaustad would be a good place holder to give Meyers time to mature and take over the “C” in a year or two, but I think that the time to win is now and you need to have a player who will be with the team for more than a year or two more…Vanek is the man. If Lindy does not think he would be a good “C”, then Gaustad would be fine with me until Meyers is ready in 1-2 years.

by mmtopny on Sep 15, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think Gaustad is the right person to be captain of a team that is being built to win now. After the Drury/Briere years were over I thought Gaustad was the next logical choice to be captain. In 2009 when he attacked Jackman of the Islanders after he ran Miller I thought it was only a matter of time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-WwGmYrRdA&feature=player_embedded

But what else has Gaustad done in the last couple years to say he’s captain material. Besides going after Chara, penalty killing and face-off dominance, I think he’s invisible on most nights.

I love the fact Myers is going to be a Sabre for 8 more years, but part of me is dreading it because it’s 8 more years of trying not to correct people when they spell "Myers" wrong.

"If we needed any more motivation to win a Cup sooner than later, we've got one now," Black said. "I really want to listen to the game that RJ calls when he finally gets to shout out, 'Buffalo wins the Stanley Cup.'"

by FloridaBuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions

It's more than just on-ice

It’s how you motivate in the locker room and at practice. There are a lot of captains that are jump on my back style, and light the lamp style (Drury and Briere for instance), but there can be captains that are not producers on the ice, but rather vocal in the other place settings. If that’s more the role of the ‘A’ then just give Goose the ‘A’, and give Vanek the ‘C’ until Myers is ready. In the next two years or so, this WILL be Myers’ team, I have no doubt about that.

Slug free since '10-'11
Fitz's Beard has superpowers in it

by dEnnistheMenace88 on Sep 15, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, but then you need to either: take the C away from Vanek or get rid of him to give it to Myers. My point is, while Vanek may be deserving now, Myers is a guy who can be the long term captain (something the team hasn’t had in a while) and a rock of the D and the team.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions

I understand the points of this thread

and really agree with a lot of what is said. I love Myers, and he obviously will be with the team for a while, but I am not sure he is ready yet for the C. Not just in the eyes of his teammates, but also the refs. I can see Vanek getting it before Myers, at least this this year.
Of course, this is all just fan speculation. For all we know the locker-room leader is Leopold!

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Sep 15, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions

But my point is the “just for this year” means either: He isn’t captain until is prime is past, or Vanek is gone. That’s what happens to ex or soon to be ex captains under Ruff. That’s why I’d rather it be Myers or a placeholder instead of another long-term player on the team.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions

well, that argument has some merit, I think

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Sep 15, 2011 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Why can't Vanek be the longer term Captain?

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

His stats don't tell the whole story, I think

When the Sabres are having an off night, I frequently see Gaustad trying to motivate his squad through all kinds of effort.

"Slide DiMaggio, slide!" "Hey, my name isn't DiMaggio, my name is mm..mmmm...mmm....mud."

by cmat on Sep 15, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions

rec

I’ve seen Goose on several occasions a season inspire and incite a rally by his team just by his effort and physical play. If people think statistics are reasons to be a captain, then I’m glad they aren’t the ones choosing the Sabres next C.

"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula

by willgarr15 on Sep 15, 2011 6:07 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

He would definitely get an A if it were up to me.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions

NO Goose for C

Goose absolutely cannot wear the C for Buffalo. Now a days it takes real production to lead, not just character and grit. Just look at the captains for the last several Stanley Cup winners… Chara, Toews, Crosby, Lidstrom, Niedermayer. Heck, even Brind’Amour was a 70 point player during their run. The young players in the league no longer follow character, they follow production. Naming Goose their captain would be a terrible mistake..

by ComeOnNow on Sep 15, 2011 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Vanek

We call him “Atlas” for a reason.

by FloridaBuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 10:14 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs

Vanek for the C.

rotate the A’s between… Regher, Myers, Roy and Hecht.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 15, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions

If the Sabres are indeed going to have Myers for 8 more years, then I think he’s got to be it. Maybe he’s not quite there yet, but if it goes to Vanek, Myers isn’t getting anytime soon, and I think he’ll soon be the clear choice. I decided he was captain material when he pulled Richards out of a scrum in the crease and was ready to punch him in the face when an official told him he’d be penalized and he decided not to do it. He showed me some Pronger-like meanness there and I think he’d take it to the next level with a “C” on his chest. Vanek disappears for too long a period of time and is too hard on himself in bad times to be a guy I’d pick as captain (I won’t be angry if they pick him, I’d just disagree). Plus, he is a very “mental” player, and having the C might have the opposite effect they desire.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 10:25 AM EDT reply actions

We could always switch the C if it doesn’t work out. Rob Blake was given the C a few years ago (after Patrick Marleau had it) when San Jose had a few early round playoff exits in back-to-back season. After Blake retired, Thornton got it. I think if Myers really grows into a leader while Vanek struggles as the Captain, Ruff would give the letter to the right player. In the mean time, I think Vanek should be our next Captain.

"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula

by bgred105 on Sep 15, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions

Ruff doesn’t switch captains….He waives them or trades them.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Ruff doesn’t switch captains….He waives them or trades them.

Ruff isn’t/wasn’t in control of those situations you’re alluding to…

Fatang Fatang.

by NeverendingOptimism on Sep 15, 2011 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Read his comments surrounding Peca and Rivet. He will never take the C away from anyone still on the team. I will grovel non stop on DBTB if he ever does. He had the C taken away and it drove him nuts.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Vanek

Myers is too young, goalie captains are generally not done, and other than Miller and Myers, no player is as important to the team as Vanek. He showed leadership potential last year, and he is the most important part of this team’s offense. While I understand the worries, I favor taking the risk because the only other sensible options (Roy, Myers) are equally risky, so I say give it to the guy who showed last year.

by Hopefulcynic on Sep 15, 2011 11:20 AM EDT reply actions

ATV FOR C!

I think Vanek should be our next Captain because:

- he is our leading goal scorer since the lockout
- he carried this team from December onward last season
- he grew into a star player last season since he became an all-around play-maker as opposed to being just a goal scorer
- he is one of the longest tenured current Sabres
- he definitely gives 100% every night he is on the ice. Some of the scrutiny of Vanek is unfair due to his contract and him being one of the only big pieces left after 7/1/2007.

While Myers could be a good choice in a few years, I think he is too young to be Captain just yet. He is one of the youngest players on this team, and I think players would listen and be more affected by a Captain who is a little older. I would give Vanek the C for the rest of his remaining contract (3 years); if it doesn’t work out, Myers would be experienced enough at that point to take over. Otherwise, this is Vanek’s team.

"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula

by bgred105 on Sep 15, 2011 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

yessum.

Fatang Fatang.

by NeverendingOptimism on Sep 15, 2011 7:17 PM EDT up reply actions

No One

I think the Sabres are fine without a Captain. Vanek and Roy are head cases, ergo, they are unlikely to handle the responsibilties attendent with capitancy.

Robyn Regehr hasn’t played on period for the team yet and Myers is too inexperinced to be saddled with that responsibilty.

Of the others currently on the team, I see future posibilities for Gerbe, Stafford and perhaps Kaleta.

If I abosolutely had to pick someone to be Captain today, I would pick Hecht, because he is steady, tenaceous and comes to play every night. He quietly leads by example.

by Geolover on Sep 15, 2011 11:44 AM EDT reply actions

I need to do this, so others don't have to...

But, seriously Geo? I know you have a reputation here, and that this comment should come as no surprise, but this is absurd. Kaleta?? Hecht?? Gerbe?? You’re naming players who either have no impact on most nights (Hecht) or who may be gone within a year (Gerbe and Kaleta).

Vanek and Roy are emotionally fragile only if you take Bucky Gleason and Mike Schopp at their words. Which you should not, of course, if you have reality-based assessments of this team.

Do you even like the Sabres, or is it always about being contrarian? I know the answer, so don’t feel like you need to provide one.

by Matty_Dubs on Sep 15, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions

Ruff has said that Vanek is too hard on himself, and we’ve all watched Roy stare at the sky after missing a scoring chance while the play is still going on….so, let’s be careful questioning his reliance on Schopp and Bucky. But, no way would Stafford, Gerbe or Kaleta get anyway near an A or a C on the front of their jersey.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions

I could see Gerbe wearing a letter if he had a few more years under his belt.

by JSCoope on Sep 15, 2011 2:09 PM EDT up reply actions

The operative word here is "future"

I said future possibilities. That means in seasons to come; not this season or even next season.

by Geolover on Sep 15, 2011 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I want a Captain who is hard on himself

And I don’t equate that with being a “head case.”

by Matty_Dubs on Sep 15, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Yeah, but I wonder if, for Vanek, being hard on himself means, in the words of his coach “gripping his stick too tight” and making bad things worse.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions

In the past? Yeah, I could see that.

This past season? No, I wouldn’t agree that Vanek being his own hardest critic was detrimental and I don’t think he;ll take a step backwards.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Stafford wore an A for several games last season when roy, hecht, etc were injured. I wouldn’t put it too far out of the realm of possibility.

"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula

by willgarr15 on Sep 15, 2011 6:17 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

who are we kidding?

with Lindy…its going to be Jochen.

by sfg79 on Sep 15, 2011 12:11 PM EDT reply actions

I think it has to be Vanek, Roy or Pommers

And I’d say Vanek, he clearly excelled last year and took a huge step.

With that said we have to realize who the coach is. Lindy does some strange shit so who knows maybe we’ll see McCormick with the C.

by JSCoope on Sep 15, 2011 1:30 PM EDT reply actions

I wouldnt be upset if

McCormick ended up with the C. I think he is the darkhorse for a letter.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 15, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

For a letter, yes, for THE letter…..no way. If it turns out the Sabres pick him as the captain (no an assistant), I will change my sig to a tribute you your awesome captain picking abilities for the entirety of the hockey season (hopefully until the day of the parade).

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Not instead of no.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Man…type city “tribute to your”…..crap

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I’ll quit while I’m behind….I had a typo writing the word typo…..and I’ve proofread this comment three times.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I rec'd all those...

because you refused to give up.

haha :-)

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 15, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

Of course, I’m a Sabres and Bills fan….

Thank you thank you thank you thank you sireric for bringing the furious punching cat back into my life. - poz

by bluecollarbuffalo on Sep 15, 2011 7:44 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Correct me if I'm wrong

But I’m pretty sure Miller got voted MVP by his teammates last year, even though he had a down year and Vanek was the best player on the ice most nights. To me this says that Vanek does not have the full support of the team just yet. Yes he works hard and happens to be my favorite player on the ice, but I just have a feeling that he’s not the most well respected guy in that locker room.
If I had to hand out the ‘C’, I’d probably go with Pominville. He is the embodiment of hard work, teamwork, and a consistent producer. He’s a guy who I expected to ride the wave of his popularity from the SH goal against Ottawa a few years back and then fade away into sabres folklore, but he has not done that. Despite a relative lack of talent and size, he’s forced his way into an important role on this team and I think this became apparent when he got injured in the playoffs. Now he appears to be well ahead of schedule with his recovery from a brutal injury. What else could you expect from a captain?

by lgbfromoregon on Sep 15, 2011 1:42 PM EDT reply actions

So your argument against Vanek gettign the C is that he didn't get the team MVP.

So you give it to a player who also did not win the team MVP…

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Not at all.

My argument against TV is not that he didn’t win MVP, its that “I just have a feeling that he’s not the most well respected guy in that locker room,” and I was using the MVP vote to support it. I think if Vanek was respected in the locker room as much as he is on the ice, he wins the MVP last year without question seeing as he was probably their best player. However his teammates chose Miller, which leads me to believe that Vanek still has some guys to win over, despite his on-ice ability.
Nobody would list Pominville as the MVP as he is clearly not the best player on the team, but I think he is the embodiment of the intangibles that this team needs in order to be successful.

by lgbfromoregon on Sep 15, 2011 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

What better way to let those guys in the room who may not have full faith in Vanek that he's "the guy"

than naming him Captain?

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

His name is Captain Thomas Fucking Vanek.

All your tshirt needs.
Twit wit, minus actual wit.

by twoeightnine on Sep 15, 2011 3:02 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 7 recs

I wish my Mom and Dad gave me that title and middle name. In the words of Derek Roy, “That would be sick, bro.”

"We’re gonna win the Stanley Cup. Then, you know what, we’re gonna win it again,"
-Terry Pegula

by bgred105 on Sep 15, 2011 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Captain should be Hecht

This will take pressure off of Roy, Vanek, and newcomer Regher. It will also only lock in the C for one more year. Then next year Ruff can see if Myers or Regher is ready.

by TMS582 on Sep 15, 2011 3:32 PM EDT reply actions

No no

No no no no no no. I don’t want Hecht to be Captain. I’m barely okay with him on my team.

by Philaster on Sep 15, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Cause that worked the last time…

Fatang Fatang.

by NeverendingOptimism on Sep 15, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

Why do you think that Meyers has the qualities to be a captain

Still very shy. Captain needs to be vocal on the ice and in the locker room. Will have to ride players not performing and right now he is not that type of personality. I am thrilled that Meyers in going to be with Buffalo for a long time. I would make him an Assistant now and Captain only in a couple years if he builds into a leader. Now he is leading with his play only (and doing a great job!) but would not be able to handle all the off ice issues a captain would be responsible for. Do you think Meyers would call out Roy for drinking to much on a road trip for instance. I do not think he is that type of person.

by 2010bulls on Sep 15, 2011 4:53 PM EDT reply actions

First of all, it's Myers

Second of all, he’s been praised by just about ever scout and coach he’s had who the media has talked to about his leadership and character.

Save Jenrry Mejia!
Keep Reyes, Trade Wilpon.

by Ogre39666 on Sep 15, 2011 7:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Voted Myers

I think the kids a beast and there’s enough leadership on this club to get him through the learning process. However the smart choice has to be Vanek. I sure Vanek thinks he has earned it and if his isn’t named C it could cripple his game. We all know Vanek is pretty hard on himself and giving him the C lets him keep that confidence he developed last year.

Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale

by weswed51 on Sep 15, 2011 9:47 PM EDT reply actions