Five Best Options To Be The Next Calgary Flames Captain

4 of 6

The Calgary Flames have a strong captaincy lineage that includes names such as Lanny McDonald, new General Manager Craig Conroy, Jarome Iginla and Mark Giordano, but ever since the latter was taken by the Seattle Kraken in their latest expansion draft, the team have not named a new captain.

Sure, they’ve given out the ‘A’ to the likes of Jonathan Huberdeau, Matthew Tkachuk and Mikael Backlund, but several players have pointed to the lack of one specific leader as a reason this team has struggled at points, and if they want to take a strong step forward this off-season, this needs to be rectified.

With so many veterans on this roster, as well as question marks over future contracts, it’s not going to be an easy choice for the Flames new regime, but here are our picks for the potential next captain of the Calgary Flames.

VANCOUVER, CANADA – MARCH 31: Elias Lindholm #28 of the Calgary Flames waits for a face-off during the second period of their NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena on March 31, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. (Photo by Derek Cain/Getty Images) /

5. Elias Lindholm

Out of all the potential Captains for the Flames, Elias Lindholm is the biggest X-factor, as he has no doubt proven himself to be a great player and a solid leader in recent years, and with just one-year remaining on his deal, Calgary need to know where he stands going forward.

If they are to come to an agreement on a long-term deal, there’s a chance that they look to give the captaincy to one of their best players, in the hopes that it could reinvigorate his energy following a slow 2022/23 campaign.

At this point, it feels unlikely for Lindholm to get the role, as the team have many more deserving candidates, but with a new General Manager and a new Head Coach on the way, their thinking may be different and could look for a fresh perspective, so don’t count him out already.

CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 2: Jonathan Huberdeau #10 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 2, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Ducks 5-4. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

4. Jonathan Huberdeau

While Jonathan Huberdeau didn’t show many leadership qualities last year, if the Flames are to be contenders throughout his tenure as the highest paid player on the team, he will need to step up, so what better way to make that happen than give him the ‘C’?

On a positive note, it appears the Flames are prioritizing offense with their next Head Coach, and if that’s the case, Huby is expected to have a big bounce back season, and after building a solid connection with young guys like Jakob Pelletier last year, he could blossom into a great leader.

Whether or not No. 10 is given the captaincy, he is crucial to any success this team is going to have moving forward, so regardless, he will need to be involved in the leadership group, alongside the Captain.

CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 2: MacKenzie Weegar #52 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Anaheim Ducks during an NHL game at Scotiabank Saddledome on April 2, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames defeated the Ducks 5-4. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

3. Mackenzie Weegar

While many would peg Jonathan Huberdeau as the best new arrival for the role, his frustrations throughout the year may limit him as a leader. Mackenzie Weegar on the other hand showed fire, passion and leadership qualities all year long, and after being outspoken in exit interviews, it’s clear that he is beloved within the Flames locker room.

On the ice, he got off to a slow start in 2022/23, but once he picked it up, his play elevated all of those around him, and with his contract extension, it’s clear he wants to be here for a long time to come, so why not make him the captain?

Sure, there’s players that have been around for longer and have more experience, but Weegar oozes leadership with his heart and soul style play, and if the Flames want to find someone that will give 100% for the city, the team and their fans, look no further than No. 52.

2. Rasmus Andersson

Recently, Flames writer Eric Francis noted that GM Craig Conroy will be looking to make a decision on a new captain early this summer, and while that’s not a surprise, what was a little surprising was the fact that he pegged defence-man Rasmus Andersson to be the best choice for the role.

Over the past few years, Andersson has grown leaps and bounds as a player and a leader, and with the team in turmoil all season long, he stood up and showed the qualities that every team wants in a captain.

Beyond that, his production on the ice remained fantastic, with 11 goals and 38 assists for 49 points, just one shy of his career high (50) that he set during the 2021/22 season, and if he continues at that level, he may be the best option after all.

CALGARY, CANADA – APRIL 12: Mikael Backlund #11 of the Calgary Flames smiles after his assist on a second period goal against the San Jose Sharks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on April 12, 2023, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Leah Hennel/Getty Images) /

1. Mikael Backlund

Mikael Backlund is for most, the obvious choice to be the next captain of the Calgary Flames, but without a contract beyond this season, it’s tough to see him being named the captain unless he signs an extension.

In recent interviews, Backlund has expressed his desire to compete for a Stanley Cup, with the Flames likely wanting to bring the longest tenured Flame back once again, and if they can do that, he is the best possible choice.

Backlund was drafted by Calgary at No. 24 overall back in the 2007 NHL Draft, making his debut with the team in 2008/09, and while he’s not delivered the way some would have expected, he’s been a consistent force for the team ever since, racking up 185 goals and 307 assists in 908 games, and for many fans, he would be the popular choice.

So simply put, if Backlund re-signs in Calgary for multiple years, he is the best possible answer, but if he doesn’t not only have the Flames lost a great person and a great player, but one of the best leaders in the locker room.

Home / Editorials