Captain Candidates: Eastern Conference

Columbus Blue Jackets

After wearing the “C” for the past five seasons, formerly longest-tenured Blue Jacket Boone Jenner‘s tenure ended quietly as he signed with the Capitals in free agency. By the time July 1st rolled around, it seemed as if Columbus made no sustained effort to re-sign the 33-year-old who debuted with the team in 2013.

Not even one full month since officially becoming captain-less, it may take some more time in Columbus for whoever comes next, same as it did 14 years ago post-Rick Nash. Ending the season with scathing comments from head coach Rick Bowness on the team’s culture, there could require some blood and sweat to earn the “C”. Superstar Zach Werenski doesn’t seem so likely given his uncertain future, even despite vetoing a trade to Dallas. 31-year-old Sean Monahan, who has endeared himself to the Blue Jackets faithful through his tributes to the late Johnny Gaudreau, would be a nice story if he stays for the long haul. Charlie Coyle made a strong enough impression in Year 1 that he wore an “A” and fetched a six-year extension. It’s all over the place for who could be next for the Blue Jackets, but another well deserving name who can’t be forgotten is Mathieu Olivier. The undrafted 29-year-old forward found a home in Columbus through 2030-31 thanks to his heart and soul effort each night. If there’s any Jacket Bowness was not throwing shade at, it surely would have been the fan favorite.

New York Islanders

Much like their Metropolitan Division foes outlined above, New York saw one of their longest tenured players walk away this summer as Anders Lee hung up his captain Islanders sweater and moved on to Utah in free agency. The 35-year-old was an immediate replacement for John Tavares in 2018, and much like it was the case eight years ago, the team doesn’t seem to be in need of a drawn out process to find their next captain.

Uniquely, the Islanders feature two recent past captains in Bo Horvat (Vancouver) and Brayden Schenn (St. Louis). With all respect to the former Blue who is signed on Long Island for two more seasons, and will undoubtedly be a key leader for the group, Horvat stands out as being locked up for five more seasons. Already having three under his belt to earn the respect of his teammates, the 31-year-old center is in prime position to be 16th captain in franchise history by Opening Night. If so, he’d have the honor of being the leader of two franchises, after his 2019-23 tenure for the Canucks.

Ottawa Senators

Forward Brady Tkachuk had the honor of replacing Erik Karlsson as captain in 2021, becoming the youngest captain in franchise history at just 22. Anybody who has even remotely followed NHL storylines this summer knows how the Sens are now featured on this list. No longer such a beloved figure in Canada’s capital, still, one can’t deny the forward’s knack for impacting the game as captain for five years before his trade to Florida.

There’s plenty of candidates in Ottawa to choose from, but as they deal with the frustration of their leader wanting out of town, the Senators may keep the vacancy into the fall. If they instead opt for a “bridge” route of sorts, look no further than Claude Giroux. The 38-year-old was captain for the Flyers for a decade before ending up with his hometown Senators. Despite the tumultuous off-season, he re-signed on a one-year deal, showing real loyalty, a decision which warrants him earning the “C” for a great ending on his career. As for others, whether it’s now or after he retires, young superstar defenseman Jake Sanderson stands out for his quiet leadership efforts, although his critical comments on goaltender Leevi Merilainen are something the 24-year-old would have to avoid down the road. A case can be made for Thomas Chabot or Tim Stützle as well, but if we were to go strictly off who would be best for the upcoming season, with everything the team went though this summer, it’s hard to pass on Giroux.

Image Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images (Olivier), Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images (Giroux)