I've seen you and a couple others with this opinion on here, and I don't get it. Skinners almost introverted at times? Ok, so what? I don't think Slavin is much different. In fact, most proponents of Slavin being captain basically state the same thing, saying he'll lead by example on the ice without saying much. I'd say Skinner did just that last season, being the clear leader on offence. So why is basically the same trait a positive for Slavin but a negative for Skinner?
I don't see the two as similar at all. Slavin is very at ease in the "lime light" and doesn't look uncomfortable with it at all. He's very humble, so frequently doesn't want the limelight, but still, he's poised, comfortable and at ease with it. That's not what I see with Skinner. Watch any post game interview with Skinner in the locker room. Constant ticks (usually adjusting his shirt in the neck area), frequently doesn't look the camera in the eye, etc. He comes across as a guy that doesn't want to be there. But that's not the only thing that makes me think Skinner isn't "captain" material. Roddy was never very comfortable in front of the camera and hated the limelight but had a ton of other qualities which made him an excellent captain.
I watched 2 practices all of last year (so sample size is clearly limited, but consistent with what I saw other years). Both practices, Skinner was the "class clown" of the practice. Giving Lindholm a facewash when nobody was looking. Jokingly shooting pucks into guys skates as they were standing there...etc. I don't think that's a BAD thing as he loves the sport and is having fun out there, I just think he has more of that "goofy kid" mentality that I personally don't think is right for captain. I've seen it other times as well.
I really like the fact that Skinner has some fire, that you can see he hates to lose. While there's definitely a line to walk, I think that passion is just what this team could use.
100% agree. I've been a defender of Skinner's fire and desire to win when many others are saying "grow up". Still, he let's his emotions get the best of him too much and hurts the team with his actions (like he did with Ristolainen). I'm fine with that because of the passion, but I don't want my captain losing his cool, yelling at the refs constantly, etc.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion though, and I don't want to seem like I'm calling you out specifically. There just seems to be some inconsistencies with the arguments against Skinner.
Oh, no worries. I don't take it personally if we disagree. None of us are in the locker room, none of us are at every practice, etc....so we are giving our opinions based on only a small amount of viewings. I could be VERY wrong about him. I personally don't think there is an inconsistency in the argument though (as I explained above). I DO see a lot of positives when it comes to Skinner and being a captain. He has an amazing dedication and off-season work ethic since day 1. He has a fire/desire to win that is top notch. He is one of the few guys on the team that can actually put the team on his back at times.