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Is it time for Shawn Horcoff to “pass the torch” in Edmonton?

Edmonton Oilers v Minnesota Wild

ST PAUL, MN - OCTOBER 14: Shawn Horcoff #10 of the Edmonton Oilers speaks with linesman Thor Nelson #80 during their game against the Minnesota Wild on October 14, 2010 at Xcel Energy Center in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Shawn Horcoff;Thor Nelson

Hannah Foslien

Top pick Nail Yakupov made a goodwill gesture by taking No. 64 rather than Shawn Horcoff’s No. 10, but Oilers Nation believes that it’s a matter of time for Edmonton’s captain to pass the torch.

First, that would mean handing the “C” to one of the team’s young stars.

Shawn Horcoff is in a unique situation today. The captain watches over a team whose best young players are taking on more difficult roles, and the young cluster is pushing for more playing time and more responsibility. Sooner or later, Taylor Hall is going to be the captain of this hockey club, and if not Hall then Jordan Eberle or the Nuge.

Lowetide ventures that removing the “C” might not be the only classy alteration Horcoff could eventually make to his Oilers sweater.

And if he’s willing to go that far, perhaps Horcoff might do as another Oiler captain did and give up his number 10 to a new phenon--in this case Nail Yakupov. Horcoff’s time with the team is nowhere near the end—that contract will keep him here for the duration—but his role has and will continue to be reduced and the time is coming when he will not be on the ice in pivotal moments of the game.