Red Wings, Flyers Name New Captains

The Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers have named their Captains for the 2013-13 season.

Zetterberg, right, is just the third Wings captain since 1986.

Detroit named 32 year old Henrik Zetterberg their captain this afternoon at a press conference in Detroit.  He becomes the third Captain since 1986, taking over for Niklas Lindstrom who retired at the end of last season.

"He's not afraid to communicate," coach Mike Babcock told reporters.  "He doesn't mind getting mad at me one bit.  He's just not shy about what he thinks.  We've had a relationship like that for a long time."

Zetterberg has spent nine seasons with the Red Wings, scoring 252 goals and assisting on 372 more for 624 points.  He's had 68 points in each of the past seven seasons.  Zetterberg signed a 12 year, $73 million contract in 2009, a contract that will keep the forward in Detroit until he's 40.

Giroux takes over as captain for the Flyers.

The Philadelphia Flyers replaced injured captain Chris Pronger today, naming Claude Giroux to the position.

"Claude is the undisputed leader of this team," general manager Paul Holmgren said. "He always exhibits a tremendous work ethic in games and practices. He is a great professional both on and off the ice."

Giroux is entering his fifth full NHL season, all with Philadelphia.  The Flyers picked him in the first round (No. 22 overall) at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.  He scored 28 goals last seasons and finished third in the NHL with 93 points.  The 25-year-old center was the best players in the NHL on the power play scoring with 38 points, including 32 assists.