Canucks name Henrik Sedin as captain

The Vancouver Canucks named center Henrik Sedin, last season's NHL scoring leader and MVP, as the 13th captain in team history. The announcement camp just before Saturday night's season-opener against the Los Angeles Kings.

"Henrik Sedin embodies the principles of this organization and all of the qualities of a leader through his honesty, integrity and discipline," GM Mike Gillis said. "Henrik is an exemplary leader who inspires teammates with a work ethic and desire to continually evolve his game. We are proud to name him as team Captain."

Sedin will be supported by Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and Manny Malhotra in their roles as alternate captains.

Previous Canucks captains include Orland Kurtenbach, Stan Smyl, Trevor Linden, Mark Messier, Markus Naslund -- and goaltender Roberto Luongo, who gave up the "C" during the summer.

"I am truly honored to be named Captain of the Vancouver Canucks," Sedin said in a statement. "I have great respect for the captains who led the team before me and feel privileged to know them or have played alongside them during their careers as Canucks. With the support of Daniel, Ryan, Kevin and Manny I look forward to leading this team."

Sedin enters his 10th NHL season and has played his entire career as a Canuck since being selected by Vancouver third overall in the 1999 Entry Draft. In 2009-10 Sedin enjoyed a milestone season capturing the Art Ross Trophy as the League scoring leader with 112 points (29 goals, 83 assists) and the Hart Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the NHL. Sedin became the first player in franchise history to win the NHL scoring title, setting a new club record for most points and assists recorded in one season.

Sedin ranks fourth all-time in scoring with 572 points (138 goals, 434 assists) in 728 games. His 434 assists rank first in franchise history, and his 728 career games are sixth. He has represented Sweden at the 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympic Games, winning gold in Turin, Italy, in 2006.