POLL: Who Gets the 'A'?

I guess we'll make this a poll. There are options aplenty - but only one answer in my eyes.

I'm voting for Spezza for several reasons:

He takes criticism and for the most part he doesn't let it get to him. He's upbeat, talks to the media and by all indications is starting to grow into a man. Also, Spezza's getting married this summer - and you cannot discount how much that means to the maturity of a young man.

Also, I think this might serve as a pretty serious wake up call to Spezza. I think he'll start to understand the urgency needed to play for a Canadian team - if he hasn't got it already. Under Clouston, Spezza was obviously a better player - and I think Clouston's a good enough teacher that we haven't even begun to see the impact he can have.

This is Spezza's team going forward - unless of course he decides that he also wants to be traded. He's the most talented player (perhaps behind Alfredsson) and like him or not - he wants to succeed.

It think the time has come to reward this guy for taking criticism at every turn and not letting it ruin him. Or babying out - like the older Dany Heatley.

Heatley was a joke as an alternate captain. An absolute joke. Spezza will not be, I can see it now, I think he'll be a team player and a team leader.

In fact, I think he already is.

Honourable mention to Mike Fisher. And to a lesser extent Filip Kuba. It was a close call for me.

I agree with the Spezza call. Like it or not, but this is Spezza`s team going forward. Alfie only has a few years left. Now is the time to start molding Spezza into a captain. He needs to learn this stuff from Alfie while he still has the chance.

SpezD, you also listed some other good reasons too.

I agree with all the reasons you suggested Spezza, but I voted for the A-Train. He deserves some recognition.

I think back about 2-3 years ago I posted somewhere (probably HockeyBuzz) that Spezza would be the Sens captain in a few years. It was not a popular opinion

I'd give it to him now because I still feel he is the next Captain. As much as I love A-Train, he is not a leader on that team, at least not a vocal one. Perhaps his trouble with English has something to do with that. As for Fisher, not after last season. I pretty much discounted the other choices out of hand.

Look what happened with Heatley when he got the "A" and in my oppinion didn't deserve it and proved that through the season. I don't think it's time to allow a player to grow into that roll and hope for the best.

In my view Spezza still hasn't earned the right to wear the "A" YET. I think it's time to make a real shakeup on this team and go with Kuba. He's shown a commitment to the team by wanting to stay here and get the job done. Getting rid of Heatley is a major shake up so take the opportunity to bring in fresh leadership. I would have suggested Smith except were not even sure he'll play next season, coupled with his age and contract status it just wouldn't work IMO. I do still like Fisher but, I'm no longer convinced he can be that leader.

It was hard not picking Volchie as well but, he can still lead by example and be a factor on and off the ice. I really think it's time for a fresh perspective in there. It shows that status quou (sp) just isn't good enough anymore.

No Phillips on the list?

After the dismal two season's we've had... it's hard to pick a successor to the "A" to be honest...

I'll have to mull this over...

shabbs wrote:No Phillips on the list?

After the dismal two season's we've had... it's hard to pick a successor to the "A" to be honest...

I'll have to mull this over...

Phillips already has an "A". Why would he be on the list? Are you thinking of stripping it from him and giving it to someone else?

Cap'n Clutch wrote:

shabbs wrote:No Phillips on the list?

After the dismal two season's we've had... it's hard to pick a successor to the "A" to be honest...

I'll have to mull this over...

Phillips already has an "A". Why would he be on the list? Are you thinking of stripping it from him and giving it to someone else?

Oh my god I'm retarded...

Need more coffee...

It's been so long since I've seen the Sens play... I'm forgetting them...

Nothing to see here... move on...

I get the Spezza arguments. And it is tempting to give it to him hoping it will push him into a better player/leader, but from his play so far, I don't believe he deserves it. A leader and clutch player needs to know when to do it all himself, and when not to, a skill Spezza hasn't developed yet. I'm also not wild about giving him the 'A' based on potential and the possibility that he might become the player we want him to be. Because once you give it to him, it's awfully hard to strip it from him.

For those reasons, I'd give it to Fisher. He's a player, that even when he isn't producing offensively, he's still giving it his all, hitting guys, and will drop the gloves. He was often thrown under the bus last year, in my opinion undeservingly so, and i believe will come back to his potential offensive numbers this year, and will win the hearts of the fans back.

Earn it first for Spezza. Fisher deserves the "A" right now and has earned it time and time again.

I wouldnt have a huge problem giving it to Spezza to put a little more resposibility on him, but at the end of the day its just a letter.

For me, I think it comes down to one of Fish, Volchie or Spezza... these guys have been with the team for a significant time and giving the "A" to someone who's pretty new to the team doesn't seem right. I'm not sure if Spezza is ready for hte "A" yet though... and I'd hate to think that giving it to him will affect his play... tough choice but I think I'd go with Fish in the end.

I voted for Fisher because it's inevitable that he will get it. Jason Smith is the right choice, but he's probably as good as gone.

I think "Fish" will look fantastic with the "A" skating really, really fast and taking bad angle shots directly at the goalies crest.

My vote is Smith if he plays... BTW I never heard a substantiated report that he is not capable/wiliing. Since that perception is floating out there I officially chose Fisher.

SeawaySensFan wrote:I voted for Fisher because it's inevitable that he will get it. Jason Smith is the right choice, but he's probably as good as gone.

I think "Fish" will look fantastic with the "A" skating really, really fast and taking bad angle shots directly at the goalies crest.

That's what I thought last season until they slapped it on Heatley. After that move I wouldn't be surprised no matter who they give the "A" to, unless of course they give it to me.