It’s been one of the most interesting debates among Habs fans. I’d say this debate has been the emergency valve of Price / Halak debate.

Perhaps acting as a secondary diversion is exactly the reason for delaying the nomination of captain. I’m joking (sort of), but stranger things have happened.

I’ve been on Gionta’s bandwagon to wear the C all season long. I think he’s the most poised and suited player for the role. That said, Gorges has quickly risen in my ranks. Back in February when Gorges took a puck to the back of the head, and played the next night, he appeared on my list. To that point, my wishlist for captain was:
1- Gionta
2- Cammalleri
3- Markov
Dark horse: Gorges

After the playoff run Gorges had, he skyrocketed to the top of my list, right behind Gionta. It’s such a close race in my mind now, that selecting Gorges would make me as happy as a pig-in-you-know-what. Not only would it validate his amazingly stoic and heroic playoff run, but it would also signal that the franchise plans to keep him long-term. Right now, he’s on the last year of his deal, which scares me a little. Today I spent $30 on a Gorges t-shirt, the first time I’ve bought personalized Habs gear in ages. That in itself says something about how much I love Gorges now. I could have bought the Gionta shirt (and probably still will), but if Gorges is chose, I’ll be SO happy for him. He’s a very, very worthy selection for all of the reasons you outlined.

All this said; that Habs proved that they don’t need a captain to succeed. All the talk of the Habs being lost without one, or that they are besmirching history by not having one is a dead-in-the-water argument. Not since ’93 have we had a great run like this, and it was done without a captain.

But to me it’s clear now: if they name a captain (and I believe they will), it MUST be either Gionta or Gorges. Whoever doesn’t get it gets an ‘A’. The divide in my mind behind Gionta and Gorges, and everyone else is widening by the day. Let’s hope Martin and Gauthier are thinking our way.