No More Excuses: Why Utah's First Year as NHL Team Absolutely Should Include Playoff Hockey As we approach the 2024-25 NHL season, six teams currently lack a captain. This undoubtedly has the potential to change before the upcoming campaign, as teams often pick their next leaders during training camp. Because of this, let's discuss one player from each of the six teams who could be named their club's next captain now. ANAHEIM DUCKS: TROY TERRY, RW Cam Fowler is a potential captain candidate for the Ducks, as he has spent all 14 of his NHL seasons with the franchise and is a crucial member of their defense. However, two seasons have passed since former captain Ryan Getzlaf retired, so I feel if Fowler were the Ducks' captain choice, he already would be. Thus, I could see the Ducks going down the younger route with a player like Troy Terry. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5Nzk5NDU0NjM3NzYyMTc2/usatsi_20432258.jpg] The 26-year-old Terry has blossomed into a star for the Ducks over the last few seasons and is locked under contract until the completion of the 2029-30 campaign. Thus, he would be a long-term answer for the Ducks' captaincy if given the role. One other player to watch is youngster Mason McTavish. BUFFALO SABRES: RASMUS DAHLIN, D Before the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline passed, the Buffalo Sabres traded Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers. Since then, the Sabres have been without a captain, but that has the potential to change shortly. When looking at the players on their roster, star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is a prime captain candidate. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAxNTY3MDY2MTQ1MTcwODE3/usatsi_21633575_168400847_lowres.jpg] Dahlin is not only the Sabres' top star but has also grown as a leader while serving as Buffalo's alternate captain. While a player like Alex Tuch would also be a justifiable choice, I think the Sabres will go with Dahlin because he is the superstar they are building around. CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS: NICK FOLIGNO, LW Superstar forward Connor Bedard should undoubtedly become the captain of the Chicago Blackhawks in the future. However, it is possible that the Blackhawks could have Nick Foligno as their short-term captain while the 19-year-old Bedard continues to adjust to the NHL level. Foligno has been a magnificent leader for the Blackhawks since his arrival and was previously captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA0NjU0NzYyNjk0NTUxMzE0/usatsi_22182089.jpg] Connor Bedard and Nick Foligno Foligno has embraced the Blackhawks' rebuilding process, as evidenced by the 36-year-old signing a two-year, $9-million contract extension with Chicago back in January. With this and his well-known leadership qualities, he would be a perfect pick for the Blackhawks' captaincy. SEATTLE KRAKEN: JORDAN EBERLE, RW Since the Seattle Kraken traded Mark Giordano to the Toronto Maple Leafs during the 2021-22 season, they have not had a captain. However, they have had Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson and Jaden Schwartz as their alternate captains every year since their inaugural season. Thus, this quartet stands out as the favorite for the captaincy. Out of the four players, Jordan Eberle might be the most likely option. Jordan Eberle [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAyODYxNzYwMTQ1Nzk0MDYw/usatsi_21913861_168400847_lowres.jpg] Jordan Eberle Eberle is entering his 15th NHL season, so his plethora of experience could be helpful to the club's young players. In addition, he showed loyalty to the Kraken by signing an extension with them before last season's trade deadline. Perhaps the captaincy could be in his future because of this. TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING: VICTOR HEDMAN, D The Tampa Bay Lightning made a big decision by allowing longtime captain and franchise legend Steven Stamkos to leave through free agency. The Lightning have some great candidates to be their next captain, such as Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli. However, star defenseman Victor Hedman is the clear frontrunner. Victor Hedman [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA3NTY1OTc2NjIxODE5MTY1/usatsi_23129355_168400847_lowres.jpg] Victor Hedman Hedman has spent the entirety of his 15-year career with the Lightning and has been the heart of their blueline throughout it. In addition, he has been one of their most important leaders for several years now, so it would be shocking if he is not their next captain. UTAH HOCKEY CLUB: CLAYTON KELLER, RW The Utah Hockey Club is entering its first season and could use a captain to build around. When looking at the players on Utah's roster, star forward Clayton Keller stands out as a prime captain candidate. Keller was the most dominant forward on the Arizona Coyotes for multiple years before the move to Utah and is now entering his ninth season. Clayton Keller [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA1Njk4NzUwMzI3MzAxNjYx/usatsi_22996595_168400847_lowres.jpg] Clayton Keller Utah has other options, such as Lawson Crouse, Nick Bjugstad and newcomer Mikhail Sergachev, but Keller, who has experience as an alternate captain, stands out as the top player.
