Langenbrunner to get the "C"

There appears to be a slim chance it will happen before tonight’s game against Boston or it might not be until later this week, but the Devils are about to name Jamie Langenbrunner as their captain.

The usually-talkative Langenbrunner became extremely tight-lipped when asked this morning if he had been given the captaincy.

“Something will happen soon,” he said. “Let’s just leave it at that.”

What would it mean to Langenbrunner if he were named captain?

“It would be an honor,” he said. “It’s something that means you have the respect of your teammates and of the coaches and GM.”

How the Devils make the announcement remains to be seen. Given the Devils’ usual avoidance of dramatics, Langenbrunner could simply show up with a C on his shoulder when he steps on the ice for tonight’s game or Friday night’s game against Washington.

If they really wanted to play it up, however, they could make the announcement during Friday’s pre-game ceremony to honor former captain Scott Stevens for being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on Nov. 12.

The Devils have been going with three alternate captains –Patrik Elias, Brian Gionta and Dainius Zubrus – after head coach Brent Sutter stripped Elias of the captaincy on the first day of training camp. Sutter has recently been talking to his players about the captaincy, though.

“I don’t know if it’s as much a vote, but they always talk to certain guys and you can tell which guys have the respect of the locker room and which guys try to step up when it’s needed,” Langenbrunner said.

Comments

[jdr30]

So who loses an A? Or do they keep a C and 3 A's

[wkmaier]

I suggest Patty and Colin get the Assistants.

[Steve]

Elias definitely does not deserve the A. Madden and White are the best contenders.

[Air Silks]

I say Patty and Mad Dog

Patty- i wouldn't like stripping him of all signs or symbols of being a leader on the team. that may do more harm than good.

Madden- heart and soul, has the tenure, my second choice for the C. think he gets the other A.

plus, if it played out like that and Sutter didn't mess with the lines anymore (i know, unlikely), there would be a C, A and A on the ice at all times with the exception when the 4th line is out there. Not sure if that is helpful or not, but it crossed my mind

[wkmaier]

My only complaint about John Madden is that he could buy a higher quality beer.

[Danofan355]

I definitely think that Madden and White should be the A's. Langenbrunner and White are major reasons why the team has been playing so well. I think Patty would be ok with losing the A, as would Gionta and Zubrus because leadership doesn't come from a letter on your sweater. They will continue to be who they are and help lead the team anyway. It's good, the captain and alternates will be named and our team will be completely set for the rest of the season. Now, if only they would get that ice fixed. (And the nasty smell in the locker room!)Thanks for the report TG!

[Craigos]

I'm very pleased with the decision and would like to see Elias and White get the A's. Now should I try to take the 'C' off of the Elias jersey I got last season?

[Beer]

What's that about Madden's beer choices?

[sunny]

So happy to see Langs get the C! Well deserved.

[Nathan - smw]

I'm glad for Langenbrunner, he fits the captain role. I liked the thought of Madden earlier but I can completely see Jamie succeeding. The captain has to be a very personable guy willing to get in the refs face, the other teams faces as well as be honest with his own teammates without being an idiot. Jamie has also won cups with multiple teams (dallas) which factors in a lot considering hes gone the distance elsewhere.

As far as the A's, -IMO- I question Zubrus having one, but I'm on the fence. Same thing with Patty, he hasnt been much this year but hes not worthless and does have much to offer. Gio never plays soft and always brings his game, he definitely is a legit A. Pando, Madden or White certianly have earned recognition, but if A's and the C's are determined by tenure than freak'in Brylin should be the C (sarcasm intended and I'm not trying to bad mouth Brylin).

[Brian]

Congratulations to Langenbrunner, well deserved!

[Nik]

I do not think Elias should have an "A". He seems to do much better when there is very little pressure on him. Jamie would have been right up on my list, but I would have liked to see Madden get the "C" only because of his tenure with the Devils. I feel Langs will do great!

[frankied]

What does Zach Parise have to do to get a darn A??? The dude plays his heart out every night, battles in front of the net and in the corners despite his size, led the team in goal scoring last year and is freaking leading them in goals and points this year!

[Adam]

RE Zach getting an A: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Zach's flying now. Why add anything to the mix that might create pressure or rush it only 3 years in? He's doing a great job of fulfilling his role and then some. That already sets a great example on its own. Madden and White get my nods for the A. TG, thank you so much for all the awesome reporting on this blog. It's like a life line for Diehard Devs fans who live far away!

[TP]

I agree with Brian - Elias played better when he didn't have the pressure of the C on him. Maybe if the A was removed he would feel more free to play the way he can play. Perhaps it would have no effect, but why not try it? The Devils have lots of leaders who could take the A: Gionta, Madden, Pandolfo (when he comes back), Zubrus, Gionta, etc...

The only thing that I think would be a big mistake would be giving Parise a letter. He's an amazing player - the best we have right now - but let's not pull a Penguins-esque move and simply make our best player captain. Captaincy is about leadership... not about point-scoring. Not that I'm saying Parise couldn't be a leader, but he's just a kid right now who's hot, just let him play...

[Matt]

Elias has been at the forefront of everything great that has happened in this organization over the past 7 years.... If he is left without an "A" that would be a travesty...

Colin White for his heart and determination every night and coming back from that eye injury.
Jamie Langenbrunner is an excellent team player and exemplifies what a captain should be..

[wkmaier]

Beer,

Madden was behind me in the boozer last year, on his way to Marty's Super Bowl party. Cases of Coors and Buds Light. You'd think a feller making so much more than me would pick up some cases of Magic Hat, Rock Art or even Saranac.

[Devils]

Captain: No one should be captain...lets have 3 A's alternating...

rather yet...
home games A's: Pandolfo, White, Gionta
away games A's: Langebrunner, Elias, Madden

if you really have to choose a captain give it to Brylin...Langs 2nd choice.../