The Colorado Avalanche have announced that 19-year-old forward Gabriel Landeskog will become the team's new captain, making him the youngest captain in NHL history.

Veteran forward Milan Hejduk was the previous captain, and many thought he would be the captain for a few more seasons while some of the team's young stars earn some more experience. Whether the decision to make Landeskog captain happened now or in a few years, it's the right choice.

As James Mirtle of The Globe and Mail points out, Landeskog is just a bit younger than the former youngest captain in league history.

When a team makes a young player the captain, it has to make sure the player is ready to handle the job. Landeskog has been a leader throughout his hockey career, including his time in the NHL, OHL and for Sweden during international competition.

Landeskog's experience in a captain's role at the OHL level will definitely help him be a strong captain in the NHL.

Hi-res-hi-res-146605669_crop_exact Landeskog with the 2012 Calder Trophy.
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

It's not the same role, but the 19-year-old is a natural leader, which is exactly what you want in a captain.

Landeskog is well on his way to superstardom, and he has the potential to be one of the best players in Avalanche history.

As captain of the Avalanche, Landeskog will be under even more pressure to have a great sophomore season, but he's definitely ready for the challenge.

Nicholas Goss is an NHL lead writer at Bleacher Report. He was also the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Final in Boston. Follow him on Twitter.