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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 3050143" data-attributes="member: 2012">Naslund responds to captaincy questionsCanadian Press9/6/2006 5:51:47 PMBURNABY, B.C. (CP) - There's a new coach, 14 players gone from last year's team, and a chance the Vancouver Canucks will even have a new captain this season.Star forward Markus Naslund led the Canucks with 79 points last year but his 32 goals were the least he'd scored in four seasons. As the team struggled down the stretch, the 33-year-old's leadership abilities were questioned and many people wondered if Vancouver needed a more vocal captain.With training camp beginning next week, Naslund isn't sure if he will keep the `C'."I've said all along I'm honoured to be captain of this team," he said Wednesday after skating with some of his teammates at a suburban rink. "I've also said that if they feel someone is better suited for the role, that's up to them."By the end of last year Naslund looked drained physically and emotionally. It was the first time in four years Vancouver hadn't reached the playoffs and it was a body blow to a player like Naslund, who knows he has only so many chances left to win a Stanley Cup.As far as Naslund is concerned, last season was like fire that destroys a building. You can study the wreckage for answers, then rebuild."Not making the playoffs is a big failure," Naslund said. "I've decided not to talk about it any more and look ahead and focus on what's ahead."When the Canucks failed to reach the post-season everyone knew standing pat would not be an option. The housecleaning in the head office and the broom dragged through the dressing room has shown how different things will be this year."I think maybe it's a kickstart for this team," Naslund said. "It's always tough to see guys leave."Bringing some new blood in is going to give us a different look and different feeling. I know I'm excited."It's expected new coach Alain Vigneault will demand better defence from his team, a switch from the run-and-gun style favoured by the fired Marc Crawford."We're probably going to work things a little differently," said Naslund. "It's fresh for everybody. We know we all have to prove ourselves again here. I think that's a good challenge for us."The biggest deal Canucks GM Dave Nonis made over the summer was trading right-winger Todd Bertuzzi to Florida in a package that brought goaltender Roberto Luongo to Vancouver. This could result in Naslund being moved to Bertuzzi's wing from his spot on the left side."I don't have a problem with it," Naslund said. "I played right all the way until Crow (Crawford) put me on the left side. It might take a little while to really feel comfortable."The Bertuzzi trade not only brought the Canucks the all-star goaltender they wanted, it took a dark cloud out of the dressing room.Bertuzzi never regained the 44-goal scoring touch he showed in the 2003-03 season. He also staggered under the weight he carried after his hit-from-behind on Steve Moore that resulted in his suspension, criminal charges and a lawsuit.Naslund, who remained Bertuzzi's friend, hesitated with asked if the Canucks are better off without the talented but moody winger."There was a lot that came with that whole Moore incident," Naslund said carefully. "For a lot of us it was tough to see him (Todd) change after that happened."Not only him, but the way he was viewed going into other buildings. It was a tough thing for him. When you see he isn't happy it's tough for other guys too."</blockquote>

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