This week, theScore's hockey editors are evaluating the best captains from each NHL club since the 2000-01 season. The selections are based on individual and team success, as well as popularity and the character shown by the choices during their tenures in this era.
Pacific | Metropolitan | Atlantic (April 17)
Chicago Blackhawks
Selecting Jonathan Toews is a no-brainer. "Captain Serious" has been the Blackhawks' leader since the 2008-09 season, and no other player has worn the "C" for more than two campaigns in Chicago throughout the 2000s.
During Toews' tenure, Chicago has won the Stanley Cup three times while also rattling off nine straight postseason appearances before missing out in 2017-18. Toews doesn't put up monster offensive numbers, but he's been a steady presence and often elevates his game in the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche
Joe Sakic bolstered his first-ballot Hall of Fame credentials when he captained the Avalanche to a Stanley Cup for the second time in 2001, adding the Hart Trophy to his mantle later that summer. He led the Avalanche as captain for 16 of his 20 NHL campaigns after doing the same as a Quebec Nordiques co-captain earlier in his career.
During the era in question, Colorado qualified for the playoffs in six of Sakic's eight years as captain, including a conference final appearance one season after the aforementioned title.
Dallas Stars
The Stars were a powerhouse at the turn of the century, but Mike Modano was their captain then for only two seasons. As such, Jamie Benn gets the nod here over the original face of the franchise, as well as grittier predecessors Derian Hatcher and Brenden Morrow.
Benn's production has fallen off over the past two seasons, but he was one of the top left-wingers in the game at his peak. His run as leader in Dallas includes three playoff appearances, three postseason All-Star nominations, a scoring title, and a Hart Trophy nomination.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild didn’t name a permanent captain until Mikko Koivu was given the honor in 2009. But Koivu still deserves the recognition, even if he was one of the easiest choices on the list.
The franchise leader in points and games played, Koivu has devoted his entire career to the Wild since Minnesota drafted him sixth overall in 2001. He’s led the team to the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, and although the veteran hasn't been able to take Minnesota beyond the second round, Koivu has been nothing but class during his long tenure with the club.
Nashville Predators
Not only was Shea Weber indisputably the Predators' best captain, he's also the most important player in the club's brief history. The 6-foot-4 blue-liner quickly asserted himself as one of the NHL's top defensemen, garnering attention for the team leaguewide with his dynamic play.
Weber helped lead the Predators to the playoffs during eight of his 11 seasons in Nashville, including four as captain. That came after the Predators had made the postseason just once in six prior campaigns.
Although he never won the Norris Trophy, Weber finished among the top four in voting for the award four times as a captain, and was twice a runner-up. He also holds the franchise record for games played, goals, and points by a defenseman.
St. Louis Blues
Plenty of worthy captains have led the Blues over the last two decades. However, Chris Pronger and Al MacInnis each only wore the “C” for two years apiece in the 2000s. Dallas Drake (two years) and Eric Brewer (four years) were noble leaders, too.
St. Louis also enjoyed plenty of success with David Backes as captain for five years, and it’s easy to forget how effective he was in his prime. However, Alex Pietrangelo is still the easy pick here after leading the Blues to a championship last season. While the impending free agent's future with the club is uncertain, he’s been a franchise pillar his entire career, and some of Pietrangelo's best seasons have come during his four campaigns as captain.
Winnipeg Jets
Blake Wheeler is the no-doubt choice. The Atlanta Thrashers didn't experience much success in their existence, mustering just one playoff appearance. But since the move to Winnipeg, the Jets have made the playoffs three times, and Wheeler has been the captain for two of those runs, including a trip to the Western Conference Final in 2018.
Wheeler is a selfless leader, as he’s switched from his preferred position of right wing to play center on multiple occasions for the betterment of the team, sometimes for long stretches.
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