The Buffalo Sabres announced via Twitter that Jason Pominville will be the full-time captain for the 2011-12 season. The assistants will be Paul Gaustad, Derek Roy, Drew Stafford and Thomas Vanek.
This is neither an exciting or boring choice. Many fans thought Vanek or Tyler Myers were the front runners to get the ‘C’ this season. Pominville has worn an ‘A’ for some time, it was a natural progression for him.
Pominville has certainly seen quite a bit during his time in Buffalo and has developed into a leader in many ways. Being drafted and developed by the organization was surely another advantage for the winger.
There is no reason to think Pominville is the wrong choice, the evidence that he is a capbable leader has been there for some time. Perhaps it is the fact that he isn’t as exciting of a choice as Vanek or Myers that is slightly off putting. The one thing you get with Pominville is steadiness. He is a consistent point producer and plays in every situation. He is also always speaking to the media after wins or losses. Pominvile definitely has some of the qualities that Chris Drury and Danny Briere brought to the captaincy. The hope will be that he elevates his game due to the letter.
Of course, he isn’t a gritty in-your-face guy either. That is what worries me. He doesn’t exude any attitude that would make you think he would run you through a wall. Say what you will about Craig Rivet, he had that quality. If there is any drawback to naming Pominville as captain, it is because he is what some may describe as soft.
Most of the assistants make sense. Roy and Gaustad are incumbents and Vanek was a better player when wearing an ‘A’ last year. Stafford is an interesting choice, I think Ruff is hoping to have the same effect with Stafford as the ‘A’ had on Vanek.
I am perplexed that Tyler Myers has been left off this list. He is going to be a leader for this team for a long time, there is no reason not to start him on that path now. I have little doubt he would have represented himself well with a letter. Perhaps if Gaustad is not re-signed next year Myers will inherit his letter.
I can’t say I’m happy with the selection of Pominville, but j can’t say I’m upset either. I trust he will be an effective captain, hopefully the new role kicks him into the 30-goal club.
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