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Fatherhab


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Naslund responds to captaincy questions
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Canadian Press


9/6/2006 5:51:47 PM


BURNABY, B.C. (CP) - There's a new coach, 14 players gone from last year's team, and a chance the Vancouver Canucks will even have a new captain this season.


Star forward Markus Naslund led the Canucks with 79 points last year but his 32 goals were the least he'd scored in four seasons. As the team struggled down the stretch, the 33-year-old's leadership abilities were questioned and many people wondered if Vancouver needed a more vocal captain.


With training camp beginning next week, Naslund isn't sure if he will keep the `C'.


"I've said all along I'm honoured to be captain of this team," he said Wednesday after skating with some of his teammates at a suburban rink. "I've also said that if they feel someone is better suited for the role, that's up to them."


By the end of last year Naslund looked drained physically and emotionally. It was the first time in four years Vancouver hadn't reached the playoffs and it was a body blow to a player like Naslund, who knows he has only so many chances left to win a Stanley Cup.










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As far as Naslund is concerned, last season was like fire that destroys a building. You can study the wreckage for answers, then rebuild.


"Not making the playoffs is a big failure," Naslund said. "I've decided not to talk about it any more and look ahead and focus on what's ahead."


When the Canucks failed to reach the post-season everyone knew standing pat would not be an option. The housecleaning in the head office and the broom dragged through the dressing room has shown how different things will be this year.


"I think maybe it's a kickstart for this team," Naslund said. "It's always tough to see guys leave.


"Bringing some new blood in is going to give us a different look and different feeling. I know I'm excited."


It's expected new coach Alain Vigneault will demand better defence from his team, a switch from the run-and-gun style favoured by the fired Marc Crawford.


"We're probably going to work things a little differently," said Naslund. "It's fresh for everybody. We know we all have to prove ourselves again here. I think that's a good challenge for us."


The biggest deal Canucks GM Dave Nonis made over the summer was trading right-winger Todd Bertuzzi to Florida in a package that brought goaltender Roberto Luongo to Vancouver. This could result in Naslund being moved to Bertuzzi's wing from his spot on the left side.


"I don't have a problem with it," Naslund said. "I played right all the way until Crow (Crawford) put me on the left side. It might take a little while to really feel comfortable."


The Bertuzzi trade not only brought the Canucks the all-star goaltender they wanted, it took a dark cloud out of the dressing room.


Bertuzzi never regained the 44-goal scoring touch he showed in the 2003-03 season. He also staggered under the weight he carried after his hit-from-behind on Steve Moore that resulted in his suspension, criminal charges and a lawsuit.


Naslund, who remained Bertuzzi's friend, hesitated with asked if the Canucks are better off without the talented but moody winger.


"There was a lot that came with that whole Moore incident," Naslund said carefully. "For a lot of us it was tough to see him (Todd) change after that happened.


"Not only him, but the way he was viewed going into other buildings. It was a tough thing for him. When you see he isn't happy it's tough for other guys too." 



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JohnM


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It's not only in Montreal where you have idiot fans calling for their captains head. It's in Vancouver, Toronto, it even used to happen in Detroit.

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barry33


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JohnM wrote:

It's not only in Montreal where you have idiot fans calling for their captains head. It's in Vancouver, Toronto, it even used to happen in Detroit.

Yes John..because some of us do not worship the ice  Koivu skates on we are idiots...

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JohnM


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barry33 wrote:


Yes John..because some of us do not worship the ice  Koivu skates on we are idiots...

Not calling you an idiot barry, did you call for Koivu's head? I am just saying that there are fans in all cities who do not respect their teams captain. Sundin, Naslund, Koivu, etc... and even Yzerman have been questioned. So yes, those are idiot fans in my opinion.

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AB Habman


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 I've gained respect for Naslund now! It was well known that himself and Linden were in a power struggle. For him to state that if his peers don't want him to wear the C, he won't, is a good quality in a leader! He'll do what's best for the team!

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Mad Habber


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Naslund states that he won't wear the C if his teamates want to go with a different captain.


Well there was also a huge turnover in the team.  14 new players to start the season is a lot.


Mtl will have 3.  And one, a rookie will most likely have attended camp with this team.  It wouldn't make sense for the team change captain now, since most players are happy with Koivu.  Just a few fans and "media morons" trying to raise hell.  I only blame the media for that, fans turn around and read articles and think, "well, he did make a good point".  I'm sure most on the Habs are happy with the captain, including coaching staff and BG.


By the way, would anyone be surprised if Naslund did give up the captaincy because his teamates wanted him to, to find Naslund traded within a year.  I wouldn't, Linden left that way (Messier had to be captain).



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Nil d


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JohnM wrote:

It's not only in Montreal where you have idiot fans calling for their captains head. It's in Vancouver, Toronto, it even used to happen in Detroit.


The only fan I've seen calling for our captain's head lives in the greater Oshawa region.




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Fatherhab


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Canadian Press


9/8/2006 6:55:59 PM


VANCOUVER (CP) - There never was any doubt in new coach Alain Vigneault's mind that Markus Naslund would remain captain of the NHL Vancouver Canucks.


The Canucks have gone through a major shake up since missing the playoffs last spring. Along with a new coaching staff, and 14 players gone off last year's roster, there was speculation a different captain could be named.


``I never even gave it a thought,'' Vigneault said Friday as the Canucks opened their prospects camp.


``I met Markus. I asked him if he wanted the job. He said he did.


``Markus . . . is a great role model. He's a great worker and he's the captain of the Canucks. He wants the job and it's his.''










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Naslund led the Canucks with 79 points last year but his 32 goals was the least he'd scored in four seasons. As the team struggled down the stretch, the 33-year-old's leadership abilities were questioned and many people wondered if Vancouver needed a more vocal captain.


Earlier this week Naslund said he wasn't sure if he would keep the C, which he's worn since the 1999-2000 season.


``I've said all along I'm honoured to be captain of this team,'' Naslund, who will earn US$6 million this season, said at the time. ``I've also said that if they feel someone is better suited for the role, that's up to them.''


Dave Nonis, the Canucks general manager, said it's wrong to blame Naslund for Vancouver's tailspin last year.


``If you're pointing at Markus Naslund for our problems last year, I don't think you are close enough to our team,'' said Nonis.


``I don't think you can point to one player and say that player didn't do enough. You're talking about a guy who was our leading scorer, played throughout the season with a significant (groin) injury, and did what ever he could do to try and get us back on the rails.''


``I don't care who was the captain of this team. You could have brought in anybody and I don't think he could have made a whole bunch of difference last year.''


Naslund is soft spoken and often serious with the media. While polite and friendly, he rarely jokes or laughs.


Nonis still believes he has the qualities of a good leader.


``He has been a good captain and I think he's going to do a good job with a bunch of new players,'' Nonis said.


``I didn't have any question that he would be the captain of our club.''



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