Report: Former Boston College Eagle Brian Gionta Named Canadiens Captain

After playing the entire 2009-10 season without a captain, the Montreal Canadiens may have finally found their man.

According to La Presse, the Habs will name Brian Gionta the organization’s 28th captain. This will also make him just the second American to wear the ‘C’ since Chris Chelios did in 1989.

The Hab’s surprised many with their deep playoff run just one year after revamping their entire roster. Gionta had a major role in that success as he led the club last season with 28 goals. 

After the Canadians parted ways with Saku Koivu last summer, they played the season with no captain for the first time in the team’s 101-year history.

General manager Pierre Gauthier told La Presse that the team would have a new captain before the start of the regular season.

“There has been a process developing an identity for the club last season and the further we advanced [in the playoffs], the more people stepped in — it wasn’t just a select group of players,” he told french website.

Gionta topped off his stellar career at Boston College with an NCAA title his senior year. He also graduated as Hockey East’s all-time leading goal scorer, posting 83 goals in 96 career league contests. He potted 123 collegiate goals in 164 career contests.