NHL Power Rankings: Picking Each NHL Team's Captain Three Years from Now

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As we all know, leadership is one of, if not the most important attribute to have when pursuing the Stanley Cup. According to a National Hockey League advertisement, "History Follows the Leader."

With that said, to be a successful team in the NHL, you must possess a quality captain.

Some teams already have that intangible leader that can be so hard to find, while others, like the New York Rangers after buying out the contract of Chris Drury, will be looking to fill their leaderless void.

Now it's time to look into the crystal ball and project each team's captain three years from now.

Anaheim Ducks: Ryan Getzlaf

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Ryan Getzlaf #15 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Ryan Getzlaf is the current captain of the Anaheim Ducks and it doesn't appear he is going anywhere.

His contract expires at the end of the 2012-13 season, but it's impossible to imagine the Ducks wouldn't resign him.

Secondary Option: Corey Perry

Boston Bruins: Zdeno Chara

BOSTON, MA - JUNE 08: Zdeno Chara #33 of the Boston Bruins skates against the Vancouver Canucks during Game Four of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden on June 8, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

With a contract that extends through the 2017-18 season, Zdeno Chara appear to be the captain in Boston for a very long time.

Secondary Option: Patrice Bergeron

Buffalo Sabres: Thomas Vanek

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Thomas Vanek #26 of the Buffalo Sabres waits for a faceoff against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2011 i

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

This is one of the more interesting scenarios because the Buffalo Sabres are one of the teams currently without a captain. They actually went most of the season without a captain with Craig Rivet often being a healthy scratch before he was bought out.

The next man in line appears to be Thomas Vanek who many have said is finally evolving into a leader.

Secondary Option: Jason Pominville

Calgary Flames: Jay Bouwmeester

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 21: Jay Bouwmeester #4 of the Calgary Flames moves the puck around the net during their NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on March 21, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. The Kings defeated the Flames 2-1 in sh

Victor Decolongon/Getty Images

The current captain is Jarome Iginla. Even if he isn't traded, which has been rumored for awhile now, he will likely be out of Calgary when his contract expires after the 2012-13 season.

A likely replacement could be Jay Bouwmeester.

Secondary Option: Mark Giordano

Carolina Hurricanes: Eric Staal

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 15: Eric Staal #12 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on March 15, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Carolina won 1-0. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Eric Staal is the face of the Carolina Hurricanes' franchise and will be for the foreseeable future. He is signed through the 2015-16 season.

Secondary Option: Jeff Skinner

Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 24: Joanthan Toews #19 of the Chicago Blackhawks watches the replay board after a call against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center on A

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Jonathan Toews is another incumbent that should be expected to stay.

He has already led the Blackhawks to a Stanley Cup and is signed long term so there is no reason to suspect a change at captain.

Secondary Option: Duncan Keith

Colorado Avalanche: Paul Stastny

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 01: Paul Stastny #26 of the Colorado Avalanche awaits a face off during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on April 1, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Avalanche defeated the Coyotes 4-3 in an overtime shoot

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

With the retirement of Adam Foote, the Colorado Avalanche is another franchise with a vacancy at captain.

A great choice would be Paul Stastny. He is a young emerging talent with leadership ability in his blood. His father, Peter Stastny, captained the Quebec Nordiques from 1985-1990.

Secondary Option: Ryan O'Reilly

Columbus Blue Jackets: Rick Nash

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 24: Rick Nash #61 of the Columbus Blue Jackets during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 24, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Blue Jackets 3-0. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Gett

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Barring a trade, Rick Nash will be the captain of the Blue Jackets for a long time. He is the first and only real face of the franchise. If he is dealt the Blue Jackets will have no selling point.

Secondary Option: Antoine Vermette

Dallas Stars: Loui Eriksson

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Loui Eriksson #21 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on April 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Current captain Brenden Morrow's contract expires after the 2012-13 season. It's hard to project what will happen, but the Dallas Stars may look to a younger talent.

Loui Eriksson could be a consideration. He's got a long term deal and has quietly put together a nice career thus far.

Secondary Option: Brenden Morrow

Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 12: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings celebrates after scoring a goal in the third period against the San Jose Sharks in Game Seven of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the HP Pavil

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Nicklas Lidstrom has done a great job filling the shoes of Steve Yzerman, but he likely won't be playing hockey three years from now.

The Red Wings have a couple of good options to go with at captain. Look for Pavel Datsyuk to get the honor. He is a great two-way player who leads by example.

Secondary Option: Henrik Zetterberg

Edmonton Oilers: Jordan Eberle

EDMONTON, CANADA - MARCH 17: Jordan Eberle #14 of the Edmonton Oilers fights for the puck against the Phoenix Coyotes on March 17, 2011 at Rexall Place in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Dale MacMillan/Getty Images)

Dale MacMillan/Getty Images

Shawn Horcoff is the current captain and may very well be the captain three years from now, but as the Edmonton Oilers continue to rebuild, they may want to give the captaincy to one of the young stars.

Jordan Eberle could get the nod as he figures to be in the long term plans of the Oilers.

Secondary Option: Ryan Whitney

Florida Panthers: David Booth

SUNRISE, FL - MARCH 10: David Booth #10 of the Florida Panthers skates against the Ottawa Senators at the BankAtlantic Center on March 10, 2011 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

As of now, David Booth gets the pick by default. He's one of their longest tenured players and there are not a lot of players currently under contract with the Panthers.

A player who isn't even on the team right now may end up getting the captaincy.

Secondary Option: A player to be signed/called up.

Los Angeles Kings: Drew Doughty

SAN JOSE, CA - APRIL 23: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings in action during their game against the San Jose Sharks in game five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at HP Pavilion on April 23, 2011 in Sa

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Dustin Brown is the current captain and is signed through the 2013-14 season.

However, the Kings may want to give the captaincy to one of its emerging stars. Drew Doughty could be a Norris Trophy-winner three years from now.

Secondary Option: Jack Johnson

Minnesota Wild: Mikko Koivu

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 22: Mikko Koivu #9 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Xcel Energy Center on March 22, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

With the departure of Marian Gaborik, Mikko Koivu has become the face of the Wild Franchise.

He is signed long term so he will remain the captain for many years.

Secondary Option: Martin Havlat

Montreal Canadiens: P.K. Subban

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 21: P.K. Subban #76 of the Montreal Canadiens skates up ice with the puck in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 21, 201

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

Brian Gionta is the current captain of the Montreal Canadiens but may not have the position three years from now.

A great option to follow Gionta is P.K. Subban. He is young, talented and charismatic.

Secondary Option: Brian Gionta

Nashville Predators: Shea Weber

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators looks on prior to the start of Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Anaheim Ducks during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anahe

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Shea Weber is the current captain and one of the best defensemen in the league. Look for the Nashville Predators to sign him to a long term deal this offseason and remain captain for a very long time.

Secondary Option: Ryan Suter

New Jersey Devils: Zach Parise

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 02: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils waits for a faceoff during an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadians at the Prudential Center on April 2, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

The New Jersey Devils currently have a vacancy at the captain position.

Assuming the Devils can get a long term deal done with the restricted free agent, Zach Parise would be an ideal captain. He's a young talent the Devils can build around.

Secondary Option: Patrik Elias

New York Islanders: Mark Streit

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 08: Mark Streit #2 of the New York Islanders prepares for a face-off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Mellon Arena on April 8, 2010 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Islanders 7-3. (Photo by Justin K. Aller

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

With the retirement of Doug Weight, the New York Islanders will be looking for a new captain.

A great choice would be Mark Streit. He is a veteran who has paid his dues and established himself as a top defenseman. He deserves the opportunity.

Secondary Option: Kyle Okposo

New York Rangers: Ryan Callahan

NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Florida Panthers on March 22, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Rangers defeated the Islanders 1-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Mike Stobe/Getty Images

The next captain will have big shoes to fill with the expected departure of Chris Drury.

Someone capable of doing that is Ryan Callahan. Callahan will do anything to win and will lead by example.

Secondary Option: Brandon Dubinsky

Ottawa Senators: Jason Spezza

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 27: Jason Spezza #19 of the Ottawa Senators skates against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Philips Arena on March 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Thrashers defeated the 5-4 in the shoot out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Daniel Alfredsson is the current captain, but his contract expires after the 2012-13 season.

A perfect replacement would be Jason Spezza. He's been in Ottawa a long time and is signed long term.

Secondary Option: Chris Phillips

Philadelphia Flyers: Mike Richards

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 02: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks to pass in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 2, 2011 in Philadelphia

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

The current Flyers captain isn't going anywhere. He's signed for a very long time and has done a great job thus far.

Secondary Option: Jeff Carter

Phoenix Coyotes: Keith Yandle

DETROIT, MI- APRIL 13: Keith Yandle #3 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Detroit Red Wings in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena on April 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.(Pho

Dave Sandford/Getty Images

The future of the Phoenix Coyotes is very unclear so this was one of the more difficult projections to make.

Shane Doan is a great captain but he may be tough to hold on to. After his breakout season, Keith Yandle has put himself on the map. He would be a great player to make into a captain and build around.

Secondary Option: Derek Morris

Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 01: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the Washington Capitals during the 2011 NHL Bridgestone Winter Classic at Heinz Field on January 1, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Washington won 3-1. (Photo by

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

As long as there are no long term health concerns, fans should expect Sidney Crosby to be the Penguins captain for many years to come.

Secondary Option: Brooks Orpik

St. Louis Blues: David Backes

ST. LOUIS, MO - APRIL 5: David Backes #42 of the St. Louis Blues takes a shot on goal against the Colorado Avalanche at the Scottrade Center on April 5, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The Blues have a vacancy at the captain position.

Luckily for them, they have just the guy to fill in. David Backes gained exposure during last year's Olympics. He's a solid two-way player who will be in St. Louis for many years to come.

Secondary Option: Alexander Steen

San Jose Sharks: Joe Thornton

SAN JOSE, CA - MAY 22: Joe Thornton #19 of the San Jose Sharks skates the puck out of the defensive zone as Alex Burrows #14 of the Vancouver Canucks keeps pace in the first period in Game Four of the Western Conference Finals during the 2011 Stanley Cup

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

He may be nearing the end of his reign as captain three years from now, but Joe Thornton should still be expected to be wearing the "C."

Secondary Option: Ryan Clowe

Tampa Bay Lightning: Vincent Lecavalier

BOSTON, MA - MAY 27: Vincent Lecavalier #4 of the Tampa Bay Lightning controls the puck in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 27, 2011 in Boston, Massachusett

Elsa/Getty Images

Some may think the reins should be handed over to Steven Stamkos down the road, but Vincent Lecavalier is locked up for many years and likely won't relinquish the captaincy.

Secondary Option: Martin St. Louis