In a surprise announcement the Canucks have picked Roberto Luongo as their next captain even though it's against NHL rules to allow a goalie to wear the C.
The last NHL goaltender who served as team captain prior to this rule coming into effect was Bill Durnan of the Montreal Canadiens in the 1947–48 NHL season.
The NHL doesn't allow goalies to wear the C because of the on-ice duties, including meeting with officials. The belief is that it takes too long for the goalie to come out of the crease, meet with officials and then return.
Luongo will not wear the C.
Three Canucks will wear A's as assistant captains. They are Mattias Ohlund, Ryan Kesler and Willie Mitchell.
