Feb 25, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan reacts during the first period against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Today the Dallas Stars announced the release of head coach Glen Gulutzan and assistant coach Paul Jerrard from the franchise. Many fans anticipated the announcement much sooner, especially following the organization’s relief of former general manager Joe Nieuwendyk of his duties last month.

In the two seasons Gulutzan spent as the team’s head coach, the Stars posted a 64-57-9 record and missed out on the playoffs by a significant margin each season; six in 2011-2012 and  seven this year.

Jerrard worked alongside Gulutzan as assistant coach both years after coaching Dallas’ Austin-based farm team, the Texas Stars. Jerrard was a member of the AHL team’s coaching staff for two years before traveling to Dallas with Gulutzan.

In the two years Gulutzan and Jerrard spent in Austin, the Texas Stars placed second in the western division and fourth in the western division, falling out of the Calder Cup playoff western division final round in 2011 and the Calder Cup final round in 2010.

Fresh-from-Detroit general manager Jim Nill has not yet released any information regarding who will replace Gulutzan, but it has long been assumed Nill will insert former-Red Wing colleagues into the organization in various areas, including the head coach position.

Seeing Gulutzan go is disheartening, as is the release of any member of an organization the team’s fan base has grown to appreciate. And bringing on the head coach from Austin seemed to be a sign the future of the team was truly flowing from the heart of Texas to one of the state’s brightest focal points, both in the world of hockey and in the world of sports in general. The post-trade deadline five-game-win-streak spurred on by an influx of youth from the AHL further encouraged that idea.

But numbers don’t lie, and a down-the-middle season will rarely, if ever, put any team in any sport in a position to perform in the post-season.

The challenge is Nill’s now. After missing the playoffs five years in a row, the Stars organization has to realize it’s in full-scale recovery mode with its fans. And after trading the team’s most well-known players over the past two years, luring north Texans to American Airlines Center by promoting players alone won’t cut it. Nill has to bring in an individual that can tie together both a team and a fan base.

Feb 28, 2013; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars left wing Brenden Morrow (10) prepares to face the Edmonton Oilers at the American Airlines Center. The Oilers defeated the Stars 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

With the trade deadline approaching, seeing current Stars become former Stars was a given. But seeing Brenden Morrow become a Pittsburgh Penguin dealt Stars fans young and old a harsh blow. And in the midst of the shock, the disappointment, the sadness, came the question, “Who’s going to be captain?”

Fans have been throwing out names like Jamie Benn, Stephane Robidas, Jaromir Jagr, Derek Roy, Loui Eriksson and all for good reason. But the debate really heats up when topics like time on the team, playing position, current leadership position, and pure popularity start to pop up. So what are some of the nitty, gritty facts?

Jamie Benn: Benn has been a fan-favorite since he hit the NHL ice, and for good reason. Benn knows how to find the net, knows how to fight and knows how to be a team-player, all characteristics needed of a captain. Benn has had his fair share of injuries also, something Morrow wasn’t immune to either, but that little “C” can add some serious weight to the shoulders of the bearer. The Stars should be more concerned with putting Benn on a line that will get him back in his goal-scoring groove than laying the weight of the team on his shoulders.

Stephane Robidas: He has been with the Stars since the 2002-2003 season. If there’s anyone left on this team who knows, or can grasp an understanding of this organization, it’s Robi. But, as many like to point out, he’s a defenseman where most captains today are forwards. Strong captain-ship isn’t lost on player position, though, and the likes of Zdeno Chara and former Star Derian Hatcher are proof of that.  Penalties seem to plague Robi, as they did Hatcher. And Robi already wears one of Dallas’ three “A”’s so his leadership ability has already been established. But how much more can the Stars put on one of the few reliable defensemen the team has?

Jaromir Jagr: Yes, he’s the team’s leading goal-scorer. Yes, he has gained a fan following in Dallas faster than just about anyone. Yes, yes, yes. He’s awesome, and he’s definitely what Dallas needed in this dry and increasingly depressing season. He’s also 40 and he also just joined the team. He loves the sport, and seems to love Dallas, but an injury that wouldn’t mean much for a younger player could mean retirement for him. He has incredible leadership capabilities and qualities, but start him out as an “A” first. Then decide if he’s ready for the bulk of the “C.”

Loui Eriksson: He’s already wearing an “A.” He’s second in goal-scoring behind Jagr. He’s been a part of this organization for six years. And the fans absolutely love him. Some have said Loui has had a slow season, and sure he has only scored nine goals this season, putting him on track for maybe 14 for the entire mini-season. But Loui has also fallen victim to line-confusion, much like Jamie Benn. The Stars, and Glen Gulutzan, seem to have a hard time finding where he can cause the most damage. But when they find that spot, Loui will be on-par for another 20-plus goal season. On the downside, he’s not the best communicator, but he is getting better. That Swedish accent could make for some interesting negotiation with the linesman and referees though.

Ultimately, the Stars are fortunate to have so many players who could be chosen to fill some very big shoes in Brenden Morrow’s place. And the “C won’t be the same without Brenden behind it, either. While such a decision can’t be made lightly, it must be made for the team to really move forward.

So, Dallas, who’s gonna be the next “C?”