Saskatoon coach-GM Lorne MollekenThe Saskatoon Blades' road to the Memorial Cup is off to a shaky start.
In the wake of GM-coach Lorne Molleken stripping Duncan Siemens' of the team captaincy and bestowing the 'C' on offseason acquisition Brenden Walker, the Blades have lost three of their first five games, sitting tied for last in the WHL's East Division. Obviously, there must have been some trouble in paradise for Molleken to alter the letters. It's either that or Siemens was not carrying himself like Molleken expected him to when he anointed the Colorado Avalanche first-round pick as his captain last season.
Nonetheless, the MasterCard Memorial Cup hosts are not acknowledging the elephant in the room, at least not to the media.
"There isn't a problem in the room," says Molleken. "Duncan is still a leader on this team. I just felt Brenden was better suited for captain."
The distraction might have been compounded when, as the hometown StarPhoenix reported, Walker was given free rein to pick the alternate captains and did not select Siemens. Walker distributed the A's to to Montreal Canadiens prospect Darren Dietz, Winnipeg Jets second-round Lukas Sutter, 19-year-old Brent Benson, and overage Josh Nicholls.
"I went with the guys I thought were best fitted to lead this team," says Walker, who spent last season with the Brandon Wheat Kings, where he played in the 2010 Memorial Cup. "It was nothing personal. I knew exactly who I thought would be this team's best assistants. And those are the four guys I picked."
Siemens insists there are no hurt feelings, though.
"I respect Walker's decision. He's a great leader and I don't hold it against him."
Not having a letter on his chest is a major step backwards for Siemens. The 6-foot-4, 209-pound defenceman was not only captain last year, but he was also offered an 'A' the year before as a 17-year-old. He chose to pass it up, though. Siemens showed immense class by giving it to fellow blueliner Stefan Elliott, who was in his final junior season.
"Just because I don't have a letter doesn't mean I'm not a leader," says Siemens. "Back in my second year here I chose to pass up the letter because I felt Elliott deserved it. He was a great leader and it was his last year here."
Duncan SiemensLast year this time it would have been crazy to even consider Saskatoon dealing Siemens. It now seems crazy has turned into plausible. Sources suggest to BTN that Siemens is no longer an untouchable, but isn't being eagerly shopped.
The Blades undoubtedly need help up front. They have scored two goals or less in three of their five games. They have also yet to earn a regulation-time win and have had a lead for all of 10 minutes. The power play has also yet to click.
If Molleken's current group doesn't step it up, one has to assume he will look for scoring help.
Vancouver Province reporter Steve Ewen suggested in a column Thursday that the Vancouver Giants could try to shake up their roster after a poor 1-4 start.
Don't rule out some sort of roster shuffle, though. Giants general manager Scott Bonner downplayed any sort of player movement being imminent at practice on Thursday, but he and Hay did meet with team owner Ron Toigo prior to the team hitting the ice to discuss the direction to head.
They're in a tricky spot. They're planning on applying to host the 2016 Memorial Cup, so they need to build up their young talent. With the NHL lockout this year, they also have a chance to win back some of the fan base from their 2006 WHL championship and 2007 Memorial Cup winning sides with a successful campaign.
The Giants could essentially be a trading partner for the Blades. Saskatoon might be able to parlay some prospects and draft picks for roster players or at least trade a struggling Blade for a struggling Giant. Sometimes a change of scenery does wonders for a player.
Recently signed 16-year-old Matt Revel could be a trade chip if he continues to play as he has been since arriving in Saskatoon. The 5-foot-10, 155-pound centre has been one of the Blades' top forwards, scoring one goal and three assists in five games. But that's the thing, he's one of their best forwards. So it doesn't make sense to trade him unless someone too good to pass on such as Kelowna Rockets' Colton Sissons or Everett Silvertips' Ryan Murray becomes available.
It's way too early for the Blades to panic. The season is just five games old. There is lots of time for them turn their ship around. However, as the Memorial Cup hosts, Saskatoon is under a lot of pressure to succeed this year. It doesn't come off well when the team which is granted a free ride to the CHL's Big Dance is not keeping up with the top teams.
Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen