After an entire season without a captain, Les Habitants finally have a bona fide leader on the ice and in the dressing room. La Presse is reporting that the Canadiens have named winger Brian Gionta as the club’s new captain, filling a void that has been gaping ever since Saku Koivu left to join the Anaheim Ducks.
Gionta, who is entering his second season with the club after playing the bulk of his NHL career with the New Jersey Devils, becomes the 28th captain in the 101 year history of the franchise, and joins Chris Chelios as the only American players to ever wear the C for the venerable franchise. With the honor, Gionta joins such legends as Toe Blake, Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau and Bob Gainey, all of whom led the Habs to Stanley Cup victories. Gionta would gain hero status in the city of Montreal if he can match the feats of those esteemed gentlemen.