The New Jersey Devils once again looked to a defenseman to serve as the captain of the team.
New Jersey named Andy Greene as the 11th captain in franchise history on Friday, taking the place of now-retired blue-liner Bryce Salvador. Coach John Hynes told reporters that players had some input on the voting, but Greene was the "clear cut" selection.
Greene served as the alternate captain over the last two seasons and hasn't missed a game in the last three. The 32-year-old collected three goals and 19 assists while averaging a team-best 23:32 of ice time during the 2014-15 campaign.
"He's arguably been our been best player for the last couple of years," veteran forward Stephen Gionta told Tom Gulitti of the Bergen Record. "On top of that, he's an unbelievable leader. When he speaks, guys listen - and that's a sign of respect that guys have for him."
New Jersey opens its season against the visiting Winnipeg Jets on Friday.
(h/t New Jersey Devils)
BREAKING: #NJDevils name Andy Greene captain. Alternates are Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, Mike Cammalleri, and Adam Henrique. #RELENTLESS
— New Jersey Devils (@NHLDevils) October 9, 2015
