As with last year, during August and September, every Wednesday will be an Avalanche Poll Day.

Every Wednesday will have a new question about the upcoming Avalanche season.

The first poll is the question on every Avalanche fans' mind: who will be captain?

Foote is gone, Sakic is nailing amazing golf shots so who will wear the "C" this year around?

Who are the candidates?

Erik Johnson


Why he should be named: Late in the season last year, Johnson stepped up into a leadership role on and off the ice. While it didn't matter in won-loss collumn, Johnson did show he can be a leader for the team. He has the talent and he talks a good game.

Why he shouldn't: He has only been with the Avalanche since February and is also still trying to live up to the expectations put on him when he was drafted first overall. He probably knows the team well and will lead, letter or no letter, but does he know the organization well enough to lead?

Matt Duchene


Why he should be named: Duchene is the offensive leader for the Avalanche, scoring 27 goals and putting up 67 points last season. He is an inspiration to watch from the bench, to watch him use his speed and creativity to move the puck quickly from defense to offense. He is also really popular with the fans, is recognizable and gets along well with the players.

Why he shouldn't: He is still only 20 years old and is still growing as a player. Taking on the captain's "C" might make him focus more on the added responsibility than just playing the game. His defensive game and consistency are still a work in progress and giving him the title of captain might be too much for the young center.

Milan Hejduk:


Why he should be named: He's been here a while, the longest of any current Avs. He's seen the highest of the highs (the 2001 Cup) and the lowest of the lows (last year) and knows how to keep a cool head. He is also as consistent as it gets with eleven straight years of 20 goals or more.

Why he shouldn't: He's been here a while and is winding down. He is definitely not a 30-40 goal scorer anymore and should not be counted on for those kinds of numbers. Last, he is seen as being quiet and can the Avs really afford to have a quiet captain?

Paul Stastny


Why he should be named: Stastny has leadership experience when captained the DU Pioneers and, if you know coach George Gwozdecky, you know that's a big statement of trust. Stastny is solid in all three zones and when the offense isn't going, his defense always is. He is not flashy but gets the job done.

Why he shouldn't: That last positive is also a negative, at least to the fans. Stastny won't hit anyone or score the pretty goals. He'll find the perfect passes or play perfect defense. Stastny is another quiet one and after a disappointing season last year, does he really need more responsibility?

Ryan O'Reilly

Why he should be named: O'Reilly will be a surprise for most people to read, since he gets very little press. However, O'Reilly is already a defensive expert with a great head for the game. He thinks through everything that is going on the ice and nine times out ten makes the right move. He also grew up with his parents who ran a foster home. O'Reilly had to adjust to a lot of change and had to keep an even keel. For that reason, O'Reilly is mature beyond his years. O'Reilly is also well-respected by his teammates.

Why shouldn't: Like Duchene, he is only 20 years old and is still growing. While his defense is great, his offense is spotty. He turned it on late last season and early in his rookie season but can he do that over an 82 game season?

You decide: Who should be the next captain? This poll is specifically made to write in your own vote, just in case your candidate is not listed. Just use the player's first and last name. Instead of just "Duchene" write "Matt Duchene."

poll by twiigs.com