The Capitals will see Tom Wilson take on more responsibility.
With Nicklas Backstrom stepping away from hockey, the Washington Capitals have a vacancy for an alternate captain and head coach Spencer Carbery has already decided who will fill that void.
Carbery announced that T.J. Oshie, one of the team's current alternates, will be alternating with Tom Wilson when it comes to who will wear Backstrom's "A." It's a notable step forward for No. 43, who has been an alternate captain on a few occasions over the last couple of seasons amid injuries but now appears to have a more permanent role and voice in the leadership group.
Backstrom told his teammates on Wednesday that he will be taking an indefinite leave from the organization with his hip not responding the way he had hoped following hip resurfacing surgery in 2022. The news left his teammates in shock and emotional, as they acknowledged that it leaves big shoes to fill.
"To not have 19 on the bench next to you, that's a massive hole that can't be filled... selfishly, you just want him out there with you," Oshie said, adding, "It's going to be different in so many different aspects, as far as leadership, as far as a super close friend. His support on and off the ice is second to none for a lot of guys in this room. My career kind of got resurrected because he was my centerman.
"To not have 19 on the bench next to you, that's a massive hole that can't be filled... selfishly, you just want him out there with you," Oshie said, adding, "It's going to be different in so many different aspects, as far as leadership, as far as a super close friend. His support on and off the ice is second to none for a lot of guys in this room. My career kind of got resurrected because he was my centerman."
Wilson, who signed a seven-year extension with D.C. in August, is a beloved presence and one of the most influential voices in the Capitals dressing room and is expected to be the next captain when Alex Ovechkin's time comes to hang 'em up.
Wilson, Oshie and John Carlson are now the official alternates with Ovechkin still donning the "C."
It remains to be seen whether or not Oshie or Wilson will be wearing the "A" against the New York Islanders on Thursday.