There’s 2 teams that the captain position has a whole set of responsibilities you don’t have elsewhere, Leafs and Habs. Fans and the press are insane when it comes to hockey. The French aspect comes into play also for Montreal’s captain. Captain is the one that has to answer the blizzard of annoying questions when the shit hits the fan.
Plus, look at the history. Captains generally have short shelf lives.
Chelios and carbo were named co captains in 1990. Chelios left the same year, and carbo left in 94 when he was really fed up. I think he gave the finger to the media at one point.
Then Muller had it for a few months, before being shipped to long Island.
That was followed by keane having it for a few months before being shipped with Roy to Colorado.
Turgeon then had it for about a year before being booed out of town.
Then a couple years for damphousse before that marriage ended badly.
Then there was the biggest exception to the rule. Koivu had it from around 2000-2009ish? He went through alot of crap, but he was able to not let it affect his play too much.
Then you had gionta for a few years. Most of his run was accompanied either by deep playoff runs or strong regular seasons, but his play was declining quite rapidly after a couple seasons. Still I think he handled the media well, as he was a seasoned veteran when he came here.
Pacioretty then left in a bad way after maybe 2 or 3 season with the C? There was alot of drama there, and patch couldn't wait to leave.
I know some situations are not the same, but there is a general trend towards short tenures with soured relationships.
If you can avoid a young guy from taking the brunt of what will likely be a couple really rough seasons in this market, I think you go that route, especially when they already have a well respected option who has already assumed that kind of role without the C. Meanwhile, suzuki can have the A, and soak in how edmundson handles himself in these rough times. He will have that in his inventory to take forward when he becomes captain and goes through his own adversities.
