Horcoff will indeed be the Oilers captain. He will be wearing the C for the regular season opener vs the Calgary Flames. This has been all but confirmed by management, but having spoke to a couple of people who have ears in the dressing room, the team mates have expressed their desire for Horcoff as captain. The players vote is a damned good indicator, and I have no problem jumping on this with 100% certainty.
It's an easy decision and one that makes sense. Horc has served the Oilers for 9 seasons, we have seen him play many different roles, be it a third line checker or a first line scorer. He's the longest serving member and his team mates look upon him as their leader.
Being noticed as the most diverse and dependable player the Oilers have, Horcoff will spend a little bit of time with most of his team mates on and off the ice. It helps to not only be a leader in the dressing room, but to be able to contribute on this ice as well. Entering pre-season we haven't seen a more rejuvinated Horcoff, he is looking on top of his game. I'm expecting a much better year from Horcoff this go around.
There has been a good mix of talent and heart & soul players when you look at past leaders of this franchise:
| Yrs | Captain | |
| 1972 - 1976 | Al Hamilton | |
| 1976 - 1977 | Glen Sather | |
| 1977 - 1979 | Paul Shmyr | |
| 1979 - 1980 | Ron Chipperfield | |
| 1980 - 1981 | Blair MacDonald | |
| 1981 - 1983 | Lee Fogolin | |
| 1983 - 1988 | Wayne Gretzky | |
| 1989 - 1991 | Mark Messier | |
| 1991 - 1992 | Kevin Lowe | |
| 1992 - 1994 | Craig MacTavish | |
| 1994 - 1995 | Shayne Corson | |
| 1995 - 1999 | Kelly Buchberger | |
| 1999 - 2001 | Doug Weight | |
| 2001 - 2007 | Jason Smith | |
| 2007 - 2010 | Ethan Moreau |
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