Should Macklin Celebrini be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks?

SAN JOSE When the San Jose Sharks and then-captain Joe Pavelski could not come to a contract agreement in 2019 leading Pavelski to sign with the Dallas Stars as a free agent Logan Couture seemed like a logical choice to succeed him in that role.Couture was a first-round draft pick by the Sharks in 2007, had become one of the teams leading scorers through his first nine-plus seasons in the NHL, and had already been an alternate captain for four years.Now that Couture is expected to announce Tuesday, after a lengthy NHL career, that his playing days are over due to health reasons, the Sharks might decide to have another player wear the C next season.Couture isnt officially retiring, as he has two years remaining on his eight-year contract.

So whether he remains captain if he has no intention of resuming his playing career is a question the Sharks will have to answer.But if the Sharks do name a successor to Couture later this year, who should it be?Here are a few candidates.Mario Ferraro, defensemanThe 26-year-old Ferraro, now in his sixth NHL season, all with the Sharks, embodies many of the characteristics needed to be a captain.

Ferraro is not only the biggest vocal presence in the room, but he also has a significant role on the team and backs up what he says with his willingness to put his body on the line.Ferraro is young enough to relate to some of the Sharks less-experienced players but has also been around long enough to have the respect of the older veterans.

He is also in his fourth year as a Sharks alternate captain.But what perhaps works against Ferraro is that hes entering a contract year and will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026 without a new deal.

If the Sharks are well out of the playoff picture again next season, he could be sent to a contender at the trade deadline.Tyler Toffoli, wingerToffoli, a Stanley Cup champion who will turn 33 later this month, is just finishing his first season in San Jose, but hes already exhibited some needed leadership qualities.Toffoli has developed a close bond and has been a valuable resource for rookie forwards Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith throughout the season and isnt afraid to speak his mind when its time to say whats needed.Following the Sharks 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames on Sunday, when he scored his 30th goal of the season, Toffoli sent a message of sorts to his teammates, saying, I think if everyone reflects in the right way going into the summer and comes into training camp next year, it can be a completely different season.As much as (he) wants to score, he wants to win, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said of Toffoli.

Thats what we need around here.

We need guys who want to win and love to win.

Thats what (Toffoli) is all about.Toffoli is signed through the 2027-28 season, and if he becomes captain, he would provide a natural succession plan once a member of the Sharks young core is ready to take on that role.Speaking of which ...Macklin Celebrini, centerCelebrini, drafted No.

1 overall by San Jose last year, has been everything the Sharks hoped he would be in his first season as a professional.

Entering Wednesdays season finale against the Edmonton Oilers, Celebrini has a team-leading 63 points, and his 25 goals lead all NHL rookies.Related ArticlesCelebrini scores, Georgiev shines but Sharks lose in OT to extend skidSharks Logan Couture set to announce end of his playing careerLimping to finish line, San Jose Sharks recall three players from AHLSharks Toffoli laments stupid errors, wants big improvements next seasonSan Jose Sharks unable to play spoiler in loss to Calgary FlamesMacklin is going to be extremely special, Warsofsky said last month.

And Im not even talking about the goal-scoring ability.

(Its) the way he competes, the way he plays a 200-foot game at 18 years old, the way he drags people into the fight with his leadership.

Its fun to sit there in the front row and watch it.Its not unprecedented for a teenager to be named a captain of an NHL team.

In Oct.

2016, the Oilers gave the C to then-19-year-old Connor McDavid, who was entering his second year in the league.

Pittsburghs Sidney Crosby and Colorados Gabriel Landeskog were also named captains when they were 19 in 2007 and 2012, respectively.Still, the more orthodox path to captaincy for players is to spend a few years in the league, put down roots, and then start to wear the C in their early-to-mid-twenties.

Recent examples include Vancouvers Quinn Hughes, Ottawas Brady Tkachuk, New Jerseys Nico Hischier, Montreals Nick Suzuki, and Floridas Aleksander Barkov..

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