NHL Predictions 2011-12: Projected Point Totals for Team Captains

A captain is more than a three inch letter on a jersey. A captain defines a franchise's image in the media, leads by example on the ice and inspires in the locker room.

Although some may say that captaincy is overrated, the history, legacy and importance of great captains throughout NHL history cannot be ignored.

Currently there are 23 captains for the upcoming season with seven teams still unsure who will be wearing the "C" come October.

However this list is going to have some double predictions (exciting huh?) as the most likely candidates for captaincy will also have their points predicted for the upcoming season.

Without further adieu, here are the most possible point totals for each NHL captain in the 2011-2012 season.  

Anaheim Ducks- Ryan Getzlaf

Last year the Anaheim Ducks were led by their brand new captain Ryan Getzlaf who helped his linemate Corey Perry to a Rocket Richard trophy. Also equally impressive was the 76 points Getzlaf managed to put up in only 67 games. Barring injury, there is no reason the RPG line (Ryan-Perry-Getzlaf) can't be among the most lethal in the NHL.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 72 Games
• 21 Goals
• 60 Assists
• 81 Points 

Boston Bruins- Zdeno Chara

There isn't really much for Big Z to accomplish anymore now that he has led the Bruins to their first Stanley cup in almost 40 years. Chara is epitome of a durable and consistent defenseman and captain. Without question, Chara should be able to match the numbers he put up last season when the new Boston Bruins hit the ice.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 82 Games
• 11 Goals
• 35 Assists
• 46 Points 

Buffalo Sabres- Thomas Vanek (Possibly)

The Sabres have been without a captain since Craig Rivet didn't clear re-entry waivers, being picked up by the Blue Jackets.

Buffalo decided to finish out the rest of the season with three alternates instead of nominating a captain. Although the Sabres could elect to do the same for the 2011-12 season, it is likely they will introduce a new captain at training camp.

My vote goes to Thomas Vanek, although Tyler Myers and even Ryan Miller have been in the running.

Vanek's point totals have been up and down since his career year in 2007, posting 73 points last season. With the Sabres stockpiling offensive talent, Vanek's point totals should be on the rise.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 79 Games
• 34 Goals
• 44 Assists
• 78 Points 

Calgary Flames- Jarome Iginla

Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla, the eight-named superstar for Calgary, has been the captain of the Flames since 2003-2004.

Iginla may be one of the most influential and iconic captains in the NHL today because of his impact on the Calgary team. Iginla hasn't missed a game in four seasons, accumulating 158 goals in that time.

This year, however, the Flames team isn't loaded offensively and it may be hard for Iginla to reach his normal point per game performance next season. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 38 Goals
• 35 Assists
• 73 Points

Carolina Hurricanes- Eric Staal

Eric Staal is the face of the Carolina Hurricanes, for the moment at least. Jeff Skinner has been setting Caniacs ablaze with his Bieber like looks and his skill on the ice.

Either way, Staal is a very gifted player and an excellent leader for the Hurricanes. With Skinner on his wing, Staal will probably increase his point total again after posting 76 points last season.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 36 Goals
• 44 Assists
• 80 Points

Chicago Blackhawks- Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews is a perfect example of a natural leader. At only 20 years old, Toews became the third youngest captain in NHL history. A year later, Toews led a stacked Blackhawks team to a Stanley Cup. With Kane being back to his normal self, look for this dynamic duo to score big in 2011-2012.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 71 Games
• 30 Goals
• 41 Assists
• 71 Points

Colorado Avalanche- Paul Stastny (Probably)

Colorado is the second team on this list that is without a captain for October. Several names including Milan Hejduk and Paul Stastny have been thrown into the ring for captain of the Avalanche.

Although this year may be one of the less productive years for Colorado as they start their rebuilding season, Paul Stastny will lead this team throughout the season. A legendary hockey bloodline ensures his success for years to come but this season may not be his best. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 70 Games
• 24 Goals
• 35 Assists
• 59 Points

Columbus Blue Jackets- Rick Nash

Rick Nash will be making magic with Jeff Carter next season, there is no way around it. But how much magic will be added to Nash's game? I say for the first time in his career, Nash will surpass the 80 point plateau.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 37 Goals
• 44 Assists
• 81 Points

Dallas Stars- Brenden Morrow

Brenden Morrow has played every professional hockey game with the Dallas Stars. Morrow was named team captain after Mike Modano was asked to step down in 2006-2007. Although Morrow is fairly consistent with his numbers, the recent departure of Brad Richards may hurt his point totals in 2011-12.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 26 Goals
• 25 Assists
• 51 Points

Detroit Red Wings- Nicklas Lidstrom

Nicklas Lidstrom may be 41 this season but his point totals won't drop below 45 this year. Look for Lidstrom to again mentor and lead the younger members of the Detroit squad in what may very well be his final NHL season. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 10 Goals
• 40 Assists
• 50 Points

Edmonton Oilers- Shawn Horcoff

Shawn Horcoff may not be putting up the points that a lot of the other NHL captains on this list are, but what he lacks in offensive talent he makes up in veteran leadership. With the relatively young core of Edmonton breaking into the lineup, the most important thing a captain can do is provide an older and wiser spin on things. Horcoff achieves just that.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 65 Games
• 20 Goals
• 20 Assists
• 40 Points

Florida Panthers- Stephen Weiss (Probably)

There is no harder place to choose a captain than on the Florida Panthers. With multiple signings and departures, it is hard to find consistency in this lineup, one of the most desirable traits in a captain. The most probable options seem to be either Stephen Weiss or Ed Jovanovski. My money is on long time Panther Stephen Weiss.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 82 Games
• 25 Goals
• 30 Assists
• 55 Points

Los Angeles Kings- Dustin Brown

With all the recent problems with Drew Doughty, it is important that L.A. has found someone to consistently compete and lead for the Kings. Dustin Brown is locked in with the Kings until 2014-15 and will be looked upon to produce 50-60 points for Los Angeles.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 81 Games
• 25 Goals
• 30 Assists
• 55 Points

Minnesota Wild- Mikko Koivu

Mikko Koivu is going to have a career season this year with Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi on the front lines. A very gifted playmaker just received two fantastic snipers and will look to carry Minnesota into the playoffs.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 75 Games
• 25 Goals
• 54 Assists
• 79 Points

Montreal Canadiens- Brian Gionta

Gionta may not be putting up the numbers he was in his earlier days with the Devils but he is still a consistent leader on the Montreal offense. Look for the smallest player in the league to be in the top four in Montreal scoring this season.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 79 Games
• 30 Goals
• 26 Assists
• 56 Points

Nashville Predators- Shea Weber

I'm just going to put it out there, Shea Weber will win the Norris Trophy in 2012. The following stats will be the reason why.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 82 Games
• 20 Goals
• 35 Assists
• 55 Points

New Jersey Devils- Zach Parise (Probably)

Now starts the string of captainless teams. First up is the New Jersey Devils who have been without a captain since they traded Jamie Langenbrunner to the Dallas Stars midway through the season.

The most likely option is young superstar Zach Parise who is now healthy after missing the majority of last season. The other options are long-time Devils Patrik Elias and Ilya Kovalcuk but personally, I see Parise leading this team into the future.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 75 Games
• 40 Goals
• 42 Assists
• 82 Points

New York Islanders- Mark Streit (Maybe?)

The New York Islanders are an enigma in terms of captaincy. There are three different options that could take the position in 2011-12: John Tavares, Kyle Okposo and Mark Streit.

Mark Streit is the oldest and most experienced of the group so he gets the nod in my opinion. Give it another two or three years however and Tavares should be taking the reigns. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 10 Goals
• 35 Assists
• 45 Points

New York Rangers- Ryan Callahan (Almost Definitely)

Ryan Callahan is the heart and soul of the Rangers. There has been some speculation of late that Brad Richards should be named the captain of the Blueshirts before he even takes the ice. I call it malarkey. Callahan will rightfully earn the "C" this season and increase his production while he is at it.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 25 Goals
• 25 Assists
• 50 Points

Ottawa Senators- Daniel Alfredsson

Daniel Alfredsson played in the fewest NHL games in a season in his entire career last season when he went down with an injury. He managed to only register 31 points in 54 games. With the current rebuilding in Ottawa in full swing, Alfredsson's point totals may not be as stellar as he is used to in his career.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 70 Games
• 25 Goals
• 40 Assists
• 65 Points

Philadelphia Flyers- Chris Pronger (If Uninjured)

If Chris Pronger can remain healthy next season he will most definitely be the captain for the Flyers. His veteran presence and defensive skills are a perfect counter to a Flyers team teeming with inexperienced youth. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 65 Games
• 9 Goals
• 24 Assists
• 33 Points

Phoenix Coyotes- Shane Doan

Captain Coyote will most likely need a new moniker by the season's end. After losing their star goaltender the outlook for the Coyotes looks bleak at best and it is rumored they may be on the move. Either way, Shane Doan will be as consistent as ever, providing the struggling Coyotes with a leader they can look up to.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 82 Games
• 20 Goals
• 45 Assists
• 65 Points

Pittsburgh Penguins- Sidney Crosby

My expectations are that Crosby will be coming in with about 50 games left and will play very Crosby-like. Overall the points leader for the Penguins will most likely be Malkin, but Crosby's presence will have a marked impact on the playing ability of the Penguins. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 50 Games
• 24 Goals
• 40 Assists
• 64 Points

St. Louis Blues- David Backes

The recently named captain of the St. Louis Blues (story here), David Backes was the St. Louis Blues leading scorer last season with 62 points. With the recent additions to the Blues offense, they have a real chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2008-2009. 

Backes had a career year in his fifth season with the Blues and also earned his first ever All-Star appearance. There is no reason to think that this 27-year-old will slow down, especially with the rising talent in St. Louis backing him up. 

2011-2012 Predictions:

• 80 Games
• 33 Goals
• 34 Assists
• 67 Points

San Jose Sharks- Joe Thornton

Jumbo Joe Thornton has the ability to put up 70+ assists in a season with his playmaking skills. The minor downturn in his point production last season (which still saw him put up 70 points) is most likely going to be a thing of the past after 2011-12.

Look for Thornton and Marleau to light it up offensively and for sophomore Logan Couture to increase his totals as well. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 82 Games
• 25 Goals
• 61 Assists
• 86 Points

Tampa Bay Lightning- Vincent Lecavalier

To the untrained eye, mine included, it really looks like Martin St. Louis should be the captain of this Lightning team. Lecavalier however still puts up some decent points and has the biggest contract on the Lightning squad. With another year of Stamkos, St. Louis and Lecavalier, the Lightning will be especially dangerous this year. 

2011-2012 Predictions

• 68 Games
• 27 Goals
• 27 Assists
• 54 Points

Toronto Maple Leafs- Dion Phaneuf

Dion Phaneuf has been a disappointment for the Leafs ever since he arrived in Toronto. Although the past two seasons have been anything but productive for the once superstar defenseman, Phaneuf should be on the rebound in 2011-12.

The Leafs have an excellent roster and a decent shot to make the playoffs and will be looking for Phaenuf to lead by example on the ice.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 76 Games
• 13 Goals
• 30 Assists
• 43 Points

Vancouver Canucks- Henrik Sedin

Henrik Sedin may actually be stripped of his captaincy shortly. With the rise of fan-favorite Ryan Kesler and the conjectures that the Sedins are too weak to lead, it appears as if a shift in power may be coming shortly. Either way, Henrik Sedin has amazing talent and vision and should be able to tiptoe 100 points again this season.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 20 Goals
• 71 Assists
• 91 Points

Washington Capitals- Alex Ovechkin

Ovechkin had a relatively unproductive year, by his standards at least. No awards, only 85 points, and no postseason success has left many around the NHL questioning whether or not Ovechkin can lead his talented Capitals successfully.

Alex Ovechkin however will once again prove why he is an elite talent in the NHL by having a very powerful comeback season.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 80 Games
• 48 Goals
• 53 Assists
• 101 Points

Winnipeg Jets- Andrew Ladd

The final captain on this list comes from the newest team in the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets. There were some rumors that Ladd actually wanted to leave Winnipeg after they relocated from Atlanta but those were soon dispelled when he signed a relatively long-term contract in his new city. Now the captain of the Jets will look to build on his career high 59 points from last season.

2011-2012 Predictions

• 79 Games
• 30 Goals
• 34 Assists
• 64 Points

Thanks for Reading

Although captains are defined by much more than just their statistics, this list was designed to predict the part of their game when can see, their on ice production. More happens behind the scenes than us fans will ever know.