For years, the Philadelphia Flyers would have a revolving door at the position of captain. Since the retirement of Eric Desjardins, the Flyers have had a number of captains, including Keith Primeau, Peter Forsberg, and just recently Jason Smith.
Every captain brought a particular feature to their leadership, but for whatever reason have not been long term.
Now, the team feels that they have found their long term solution. Forward Mike Richards, a former first round draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, has been projected to be one of the best leaders in Flyers’ history.
He has drawn comparisons to Bob Clarke, former player and general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers. The questions surround whether Richards can lead this team.
After the season that Richards had in 2007/2008 where he went on to score 28 goals and notch 47 assists with an astonishing two five on three short handed goals, the Flyers believe he is ready to lead the team after deciding not to sign former captain Jason Smith.
He is an all around team player. He is just as great with his defense as he is with his offense and has proven himself to be able to match up with some of the leagues best players.
In the playoff series against the Washington Capitals, Richards publicly attacked Alexander Ovechkin for the number of dives he was taking in the series.
Then in the playoff series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Richards defended and antagonized Sidney Crosby and held him in check for the entire series.
Richards appears to be ready to lead this team to greatness. Although young, he is wise above his age and has the respect of his teammates, the fans, and the organization.
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3 months ago
primeau retired before desjardins idiot. and his stats dont show leadership who cares how many points he had.the only good reason you had was his great defense on good players cause if a player is matched up against other leaders and doing good jobs.thats leading by example.i agree that richards should be the captin of the flyers.but he said he wasnt sure if he was ready yet.he might get the possion next year, if not they'll give it to gagne or timmonen.
from 3 months ago
Primeau and Desjardins both retired in the same year. I don't think it's necesary to be calling him an idiot.
3 months ago
Richards will wear the C next season. There's no question about it. The only reason he indicated that he might not be ready was out of respect for all of the other captaincy candidates on the team, particularly for Smith who was still a question mark at the time. Richards was the captain to the media last year. You rarely ever saw Smith in an interview and when it came time to consult the officials on calls, etc. Richards was always the one who did this. Richards will wear the C, Gagne and Timonen will wear the A's.
from 3 months ago
not yet..hatcher first, he'll retire...richards will be captain in 2009-2010
3 months ago
Sounds about right keith.
3 months ago
great article, darren. i think hell be fine, though. even if he doesnt work out well, we have tons of leaders in the locker room, so im not worried
3 months ago
I bet the Flyers go with no Captain next year and do a rotating captain. they have enough players to do it. in this case they give richie another year to get more experince under him.
oct-timonen
nov-briere
dec-gagne
jan-richie
feb-knuble
mar-hatcher(if he isn't retired)
april-carter?
playoffs-whoever gets it done
about 1 month ago
mike got the job
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