Brandon Carlo States Who He Thinks The Next Bruins Captain Should Be
Since the illustrious departure of the Boston Bruins' longtime captain, Patrice Bergeron, on July 25, speculation has coursed through the veins of the hockey world, suggesting that Bergeron's enduring wingman, Brad Marchand, might step into the role as the 21st captain in the team's storied history.
While the limelight often graces Marchand, another significant presence, defenseman Brandon Carlo, who has proudly donned the 'A' as an alternate captain, has entered the fray as a potential candidate for the coveted 'C' next season. But amidst this conjecture, Carlo remains unwaveringly supportive, voicing his unequivocal endorsement of Marchand's ascendancy.
In a remarkable convergence on Thursday night, Marchand and Carlo, alongside current defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, agile goaltender Jeremy Swayman, and former Bruins blueliner Connor Clifton, joined forces on the ice for the Pro-Am Gagné-Bergeron à Québec, a charity exhibition conceived by Bergeron and his longtime comrade, Simon Gagné, staged at Quebec City's Centre Videotron.
In the wake of this poignant display, Carlo found himself fielding inquiries about the likelihood of Marchand steering the Bruins' ship as the next captain. In response, Carlo affirmed,
"Absolutely, I think he has all the required traits." He further elaborated, likening Marchand's subtle contributions to the indispensable magic wielded by Bergeron. Carlo noted, "Like Bergeron, he accomplishes things that you don't see. In recent years, we have seen a really good evolution on his part, especially in caring for young players. He was able to share the lessons he learned from 'Bergy.'"
Yet, irrespective of the crowned captain, Carlo perceptively underscores that a collective leadership approach is essential.
"There will definitely be a period of transition," Carlo acknowledged, acutely aware of the shifting landscape. As a towering figure on the blue line, the 26-year-old defenseman remarked, "It will be our responsibility to act on what we have learned from our core leadership." He pays tribute to the towering influences of stalwarts like Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, reflecting, "I'm very grateful to have been around guys like Patrice and Zdeno. But I see the positive in the sense that their legacy will live on within our group."
As the curtain rises on a new era for the Bruins, the legacy left by Bergeron and Chara casts a towering silhouette, guiding the new generation forward into uncharted waters.
