From an outsiders perspective why not Fox?

I think they have to name Kreider the C sooner than later. He’ll be around at least another 3-4 years, then it could be Fox next unless another candidate emerges

Doesn’t Blais need waivers to theoretically go to Hartford? I don’t like that

Veteran players have more qualities of captaincy in nature.

Aren’t there injury exceptions?

Experience. You gotta go through it to get to it.

Not that I’m aware of but I could be wrong

Fox- I think he's so cerebral...not sure how that translates in terms of getting the room behind you. In the end, if Kreider didn't have the habit of disappearing for stretches (not so much last year), he'd be the easy choice. Even without the label, he pretty much is the "C"- the way he takes guys under his wing, helps other players with their training regimens, etc.

Blais to Hartford- I think players can be sent to AHL for a conditioning stint (I believe Hajek did that last year)...just not sure how that works or which players can take advantage of that w/o waivers.

My list for captain:
Kreider - Perfect candidate for the C.
Fox - Young so can have the C for a long time, best defense player we have had since the 90s (sorry McD), not enough of a leader mentality yet nor matured enough in the league yet.
Zibanejad - Fan favorite player, leadership mentality, maturity, good amount of time spent with team, team is behind him
Trouba - duration of time in league, maturity, not with team long enough overall.
Panarin - Fan favorite player, not likely as he seems to not want it.
Chytil - long shot

Player must agree to the conditioning assignment. The assignment can not last longer than 2 weeks. Depending on the AHL season start and Preseason it could be a good thing to look in to for Blais. However Blais would get more hockey in if he stays with NYR before his conditioning stint would be completed. 12 games instead of 9 if he is sent down with the conditioning assignment on the 9th of October. I would think if he was a top line player it would be better off for him to take that assignment but with the fewer games and such I don't think it is worth it.