Poll: Who's The Best Dallas Stars Captain?

[Editor's Note: Another great Fanpost by C. Bob, as this time he raises the question on who could be thought of as the "best Dallas Stars captain". We'll ignore the exclusion of Mark Tinordi and Neal Broten from the voting -- although I'd be curious how many current Stars fans even remember Tinordi at all.]

With the All-Star break and the recent article on Brenden Morrow's resurgence, I figured this would be as good a time as any to post up a poll I've had on my mind for some time.

People've talked about the Stars' captain's attributes, both well-known and less-considered. While it's probably safe to say that he's playing his best hockey right now, and he's really helping the team right now, is he the best the Stars have had? As with my previous poll, I'll list off the three candidates and allow you to make your own conclusions.

Derian Hatcher - #2

• Length of stay: 12 seasons (1991-2003)
• Length of captaincy: 9 seasons (1995-2003)
• Accomplishments: Played in 1997 NHL All-Star Game, helped win 1999 Stanley Cup, first American captain to win the Stanley Cup, 2003 Norris Trophy finalist, named to the 2003 NHL Second All-Star Team, peak point scoring of 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists) in 1998-99, plus-minus rating of +37 in 2002-03 
• Highlights: Averaged over 29 minutes on the ice during the '99 playoffs. Broke Jeremy Roenick's jaw.
• Lowlights: Left the team for the rival Detroit Red Wings. Though not a moment with the Stars, had an awful time in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
• Special Skills: Delivered crushing hits, such as this unfortunate blow to Petr Sykora. Capable fighter, and the one of the two players who were voted to have a win over Eric Lindros. Described by teammates as a good leader. (Watch Hatcher in action here in the aftermath of Darryl Sydor's injury.)
• Weaknesses: Rather slow on his skates, though not quite as slow as popularly considered. While great defensively, not the strongest offensive player.

Mike Modano - #9

• Length of stay: 21 seasons (1989-2010)
• Length of captaincy: 3 seasons (2003-2006)
• Accomplishments: Helped win 1999 Stanley Cup, played in 2003 and 2004 All-Star Games, all-time American point-scorer, peak point scoring (as captain) of 21 goals and 50 assists in 2005-06
• Highlights: All that lightning-fast skating, with his jersey flapping in the breeze behind him. Consistently great performances prior to his captaincy. Played through a broken wrist in the latter part of the '99 playoffs, and was involved in every goal in the Stars' last three games against the Sabres. Was the main functioning part of the '00 squad's otherwise anemic offense.
• Lowlights: Lost the captaincy to Brenden Morrow after only three years. Stood on the sidelines while Steve Ott was pounded on by a gaggle of Ducks, then criticized him afterwards.
• Special Skills: Blazing-fast, talented offensively-bent, defensively-capable forward. Made brilliant plays and could carry the team's offense. Great at handling the marketing part of the sport.
• Weaknesses: Not very physical, especially later on in his career. Has trouble with self-motivation.

Note: This is not intended to bash Mike Modano. He's the best player in the team's history. This merely intends to provide a factual perspective of his captaincy and leadership skills. Revised thanks to input from regular 1paniolo.

Brenden Morrow - #10

• Length of stay: 11 seasons and counting (1999-present)
• Length of captaincy: More than 4 seasons, and counting (2006-present)
• Accomplishments: Played in the NHL Young Stars game at the 2002 NHL All-Star Game. Led Stars to 2008 Western Conference Finals. Though not with the Stars, won gold medal with Canada in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Peak point-scoring of 32 goals and 42 assists in the 2007-08 season.
• Highlights: Too many to even list, but we'll hit a few of the highlights of the highlights. Played through a broken bone in the 1999-2000 playoffs. Proved how valuable he was to the team by his absence in 2008-09. Very classy in handling the Sean Avery issue. Dropped the gloves with Tim Gleason. Had his nose broken, put on a visor, and proceeded to play even better than before.
• Lowlights: Injured for most of the 2008-09 season. Refused to fight Sean Avery, who was hated by all Stars, and who was running his teammates, for fear of injury in a game in 2010. Played uninspired hockey prior to and after the 2010 Winter Olympics.
• Special Skills: Consistently physical and gritty player. Top-tier goal-scorer and capable defensive forward. Competent fighter. A complete player.
• Weaknesses: Physical style can result in injuries.

Just like before, there's only three players on this list. I could have listed Mark Tinordi or Neal Broten, but both of them are primarily known for their time with Minnesota, not Dallas, and I don't think anyone would rank their achievements as high as the three above... even if #9 gets by mostly on playing skills, rather than leadership.

As far as those achievements, I primarily tried to list the stuff they did as captains, although some other things (like the '99 Cup win) slipped in. Fortunately, two of these players have spent most of their notable Stars career as captain, and the other one is a definite underdog in this poll, so it isn't a huge problem.

Comment below.