Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks was named the teams' newest captain this week. Which begs the question: are young captains the way to go?

Toews becomes the third youngest captain in NHL history (behind Sidney Crosby at 19 years, 11months old, just 27 days younger than Vincent Lecavalier). Here's where I foresee an issue: these players are awfully young to be the leaders of their respective teams. Sure, they're very talented players, but does pure skill translate to leadership? We traditionally see veteran players with the ‘C' adorned on their jerseys, simply because they have the game experience and knowledge to guide their team through good times and bad.

Look at Mats Sundin, Bill Guerin and Rod Brind'Amour: All three are captains (as of last season) of their teams and all three are 37 years old. They've clearly weathered the storm, and provided critical leadership, carrying their teams not just via their on-ice abilities, but through grit, heart and experience.

Captaincy selection is usually determined through team voting, with players deciding who they think best represents their team. So do players simply get blinded by the skill these young-guns bring to the table? Or are they privy to things we simply are not, such as how these young superstars act in the dressing room, or what they say in the moments when character is king.

Do you feel that captaincy should be chosen on skill or experience, or does it simply just depend on the individual?

E-mail your responses to the5hole_editor@live.ca.

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