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Vegas Golden Knights: 5 players who should be considered for Captain

By Andrew Steele-Davis

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 12: Deryk Engelland #5 of the Vegas Golden Knights talks with teammates Shea Theodore #27 and Paul Stastny #26 in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 12: Deryk Engelland #5 of the Vegas Golden Knights talks with teammates Shea Theodore #27 and Paul Stastny #26 in the first period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on January 12, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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MONTREAL, QC – NOVEMBER 10: Look on Las Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the Las Vegas Golden Knights versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 10, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC – NOVEMBER 10: Look on Las Vegas Golden Knights left wing Max Pacioretty (67) during the Las Vegas Golden Knights versus the Montreal Canadiens game on November 10, 2018, at Bell Centre in Montreal, QC (Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Max Pacioretty – The Experienced One

Is there anyone better equipped to handle the pressures of becoming the Captain of an NHL franchise than Max Pacioretty?

The 30-year left wing wore the prestigious “C” on his chest for three seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, which many dubbed to be the toughest job in all of hockey given the high expectations that constantly surround one of the most storied franchises in the NHL.

Pacioretty had to shoulder all of that responsibility and he also had to deal with the constant barrage of criticism that came with being Captain of the Canadiens. There was no escape from the relentless pressure of being a high-profile figure in the hotbed of a Canadian hockey market and the forward was always under the microscope.

Despite what some may say, he seemed to thrive and relish being in the middle of such a fierce atmosphere, totalling 168 points (82 goals, 86 assists) during his three seasons with the “C” on his chest, with the last of those years coming on a Montreal team that were miles away from being at the peak of their powers.

Pacioretty has a wealth of experience and he can also do his talking on the ice through his leadership and his vast array of skills. He was trusted with an “A” on his jersey early on in his Vegas career and he finished his inaugural year in Sin City with 22 goals and 18 assists for 40 points.

You can make a strong argument that being the Captain in Vegas would carry far less pressure compared to being the leader in Montreal, therefore still allowing Pacioretty to focus on his natural game in addition to the responsibilities that come with wearing the “C” on your chest. Signed through with Vegas until 2023, Pacioretty could be the perfect long-term choice for Captain for the Golden Knights.

Plus, being the only member on the current roster to have had the experience of wearing the “C” on his chest for an NHL team, Pacioretty knows what comes with the job and also what is expected of someone in that position. He’s an expert when it comes to fronting up to the media in tough scenarios and he also boasts the knowledge of how to handle a locker room as the leader of the team.

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