Tampa names Tim Taylor as new captain

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=176592&hubname=nhl

Veteran centre Tim Taylor is the new captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Tampa's assistant captains will be Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards, the team announced Wednesday.

"From the time we brought Tim into the organization he has consistently brought a quiet, steady leadership influence, unnoticed by the outside, but respected in the locker-room," Lightning head coach John Tortorella said in a statement.

"With the new additions to the team this year, we look for just that in Tim, his steady, honest influence in re-cultivating the tightness needed in the locker-room for us to continue our success on the ice.

Lecavalier had served as an assistant captain the past three seasons, and Taylor wore the "A" the second half of last season following the departure of previous captain Dave Andreychuk

Taylor, 37, appeared in all 82 regular season games for the Lightning in 2005-06 and played in all five games during the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs.

He had seven goals and 13 points, leading the team in faceoff percentage.

The 12-year NHL veteran from Stratford, Ont., was acquired in a trade with the New York Rangers on June 30, 2001. He has also played for the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins.

[kosydar 0]

I had read an article yesterday about whether it would be Richards or Taylor. None of us know 1/10th of what happens in the lockerroom and with the team in general, but it just seems right for a veteran like Taylor to have it over a young star.

[tsiarls79 0]

a little of topic but, is dave andreychuk retired already?

[Eazy_b97 1]

Yup, he retired after the lock-out.

[kosydar 0]

I thought he played until January last year, then retired?

[tsiarls79 0]

there was even news about him being put on waivers by the lightning

[Eazy_b97 1]

Apperantly I'm wrong and he did. I thought TB was going to let'em retire at the start of the year, but pay all of his cap hit? I guess they opted not to do that.

[TBLfan 25]

Dave got put on waivers during last season, we named Tim Taylor as an "A" and kept Lecavalier and Modin as the other "A" wear-ers.

Taylor was pretty outspoken during the stanley cup season so I guess he's a good choice... but I have to think that Vinny was kinda expecting it since he already wore it. I hope that it doesn't shake his confidence because I still believe that if he played to his full potential he could be the best player in the NHL.

[Meathead 0]

I guess Taylor is a good decision. Of course we don't know what happens in the locker room or at practice but I figured that Richards would be the next captain after Andreychuk.

[mack 44]

I'd have thought they'd go back to Vinny as captain but maybe he's made it evident he doesn't want that or just isn't ready still.