Colorado Avalanche’s Milan Hejduk ready to assume veteran, leadership position with team -NHL Update
Failing to make the playoffs this past year after having one of the franchise's worst seasons till date, veteran forward, Milan Hejduk, is ready to take charge as Colorado Avalanche’s most experienced player and lead the club full of youngsters to a brighter
future.
At the age of 35, Hejduk is at the moment the most senior player on the roster, which comprises of some of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) youngest players.
Having played with legends such as Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg and Patrick Roy, Hejduk has more than enough exposure to lead a team into the regular season with a big band.
Colorado is still without a captain after their defenseman, Adam Foote, retired after the 2010-2011 season ended, which makes Hejduk a prime candidate for the vacant position. Being the alternate captain for a number of years, seeing him as the teams’ next
leader would not be a surprise.
“There are a few guys that are capable of being captain”, head coach, Joe Sacco, said. “Hejduk and Stastny will continue to wear the A. That will be a process that plays itself out. We have very capable leaders in that locker room and there’s no timetable”.
Centre player, Paul Stastny, has also been one of the alternate captains for a few seasons which means that the ultimate decision will eventually be in between the both of them.
Even if not chosen to be the team captain, Hejduk still believes in guiding the younger generation, which is more of an ethical responsibility according to him.
“If I see something that will help out some guy I’ll talk to him on the bench, in the locker room”, Hejduk said. “You’re kind of setting an example for the young guys, either on the ice or off the ice, and try to do the right things”.
Having scored 56 points (22 goals, 34 assists) last season in 71 games played, Milan Hejduk is still better than ever and does not show any signs of slowing down anytime soon. Colorado will have an ample opportunity to start fresh with experienced leadership
next season.
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