Ten NHL franchises currently have vacant captaincies, forcing front offices to weigh whether to hand the leadership role to an up-and-coming superstar or a stabilizing veteran before the upcoming season, according to league reports.
Anaheim Ducks Prepare to Hand Leadership to Leo Carlsson
Following the departure of former captain Radko Gudas to the Florida Panthers, the Anaheim Ducks are poised to pass leadership to their next generation, with Leo Carlsson emerging as the primary candidate, according to club evaluations. Carlsson solidified his status as the team’s top center last season by posting 29 goals and 67 points across 70 games, helping snap an eight-year playoff drought. The franchise demonstrated its commitment this summer by matching a five-year, $18-million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers. Additional candidates for the role include Jackson LaCombe, Cutter Gauthier, and Alex Killorn.
Boston Bruins Weigh David Pastrnak to Continue Excellence
The Boston Bruins enter the season without a designated captain following the 2025 trade of Brad Marchand to the Panthers, which interrupted a 25-year lineage of franchise legends holding the role, according to team transactions. David Pastrnak stands ready to assume the title as a 12-year veteran under contract for five more seasons. Since debuting in the 2014-15 season, Pastrnak has netted 420 goals, trailing only Alex Ovechkin, Leon Draisaitl, and Auston Matthews over that span. Charlie McAvoy, Nikita Zadorov, and Elias Lindholm are also viewed as potential alternatives.
Connor Bedard Poised to Lead Chicago Blackhawks
Connor Bedard is tracking toward the captaincy after setting new career highs with 30 goals, 45 assists, and 75 points last season despite playing only 69 games due to injury, according to team performance data. The first overall pick in the 2023 draft wore an alternate captain’s ‘A’ late last year after veteran leadership departed at the trade deadline. Chicago reinforced its investment by signing Bedard to a five-year, $75-million contract this summer. Patrick Kane, Bowen Byram, and Ryan Donato remain under consideration.
Did you know? Macklin Celebrini recorded 115 points during his sophomore season, marking the third-highest total by a teenager in NHL history behind only Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby.
Zach Werenski Secures Future with Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski is positioned to take the captain’s role in Columbus after a turbulent summer that nearly resulted in a trade, according to club announcements. Following Boone Jenner’s departure to Washington in free agency, trade rumors involving Werenski prompted him to utilize his no-movement clause to block a deal to the Dallas Stars. The situation was resolved when Werenski stated his intention to win in Columbus, where he is signed for two more seasons. Last season, he became the first Blue Jacket to win a Norris Trophy. Charlie Coyle, Ivan Provorov, and Adam Fantilli round out the alternate candidates.
Los Angeles Kings Turn to Drew Doughty After Anze Kopitar’s Retirement
The Los Angeles Kings face a transitional period following the retirement of long-serving captain Anze Kopitar, leaving Drew Doughty as the sole remaining player from the franchise’s Stanley Cup championship rosters, according to team records. Doughty, 36, enters the final year of his current contract, with general manager Ken Holland confirming that contract discussions will wait until the conclusion of the season. Doughty led the Kings in average ice time last season. Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe, and Mikey Anderson are also listed as candidates.
New York Islanders Look to Bo Horvat for Stability
The New York Islanders named Matthew Schaefer as their top pick last season, but at 19 years old, handing him the captaincy immediately after Anders Lee’s departure would place heavy pressure on the teenager, according to team analysts. Bo Horvat offers an experienced alternative, having scored at least 28 goals in each of his three full seasons with the Islanders and earning a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. Horvat is signed for five more seasons, providing a steady bridge before Schaefer matures into the role. Matthew Scheafer, Mathew Barzal, and Casey Cizikas are also in the mix.
Jake Sanderson Stabilizes Ottawa Senators Following Brady Tkachuk Trade
The Ottawa Senators adjusted their leadership structure after trading captain Brady Tkachuk to the Panthers in late June, according to league transactions. Jake Sanderson, a 24-year-old defenseman, is regarded as the primary option to steady the roster after appearing on Norris Trophy ballots in each of the last two seasons. Sanderson is signed for six more seasons, anchoring a young core that includes Claude Giroux, Tim Stutzle, and Thomas Chabot.
Macklin Celebrini Emerges as San Jose Sharks Anchor
Macklin Celebrini is expected to wear the ‘C’ for the San Jose Sharks following a sophomore campaign that included 115 points and international play at the Olympics and World Championship, according to player profiles. The 2024 first-overall pick recently signed a five-year, $94-million extension that begins in the 2027-28 season. Tyler Toffoli, Jacob Trouba, and Alexander Wennberg are additional choices for the role.
Colton Parayko Leads Remade St-Louis Blues Roster
The St. Louis Blues overhauled their roster by trading Justin Faulk, longtime captain Brayden Schenn, and Jordan Kyrou, leaving Colton Parayko as the last remaining defenseman from the 2019 Stanley Cup team, according to club reports. Parayko demonstrated his loyalty by blocking a trade to the Buffalo Sabres last season. He anchors a younger group that includes Robert Thomas, Cam Fowler, and Dylan Holloway.
Vancouver Canucks Navigate Transition with Brock Boeser
The Vancouver Canucks may operate without a designated captain following Quinn Hughes’s trade request and a last-place finish, according to club management. If a captain is named, veteran winger Brock Boeser is considered a viable candidate as the longest-serving player on the roster and the only remaining teammate of former club presidents Daniel and Henrik Sedin. Boeser has scored at least 20 goals in seven of his nine full seasons, offering stability alongside Filip Hronek, Brendan Gallagher, and Luke Schenn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many NHL teams currently lack a captain?
Ten NHL franchises are currently operating without a team captain, according to league reports.
Who is the highest-paid player entering next season?
Leo Carlsson holds the highest-paid contract for the upcoming season following his five-year, $18-million offer sheet with the Philadelphia Flyers, according to contract disclosures.
What factors do NHL teams consider when naming a captain?
Front offices typically weigh whether to select an up-and-coming superstar to anchor a franchise rebuild or a veteran player to provide stability and mentorship to younger teammates, according to hockey operations analysts.
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