The role of captain is perhaps the most visible leadership position in hockey, recognized by the “C” on their jersey.

With Jordan Eberle of the Seattle Kraken donning that letter in Tuesday’s match, it signifies that, for the first time since the 2010-11 season, every NHL team has appointed a captain.

Last season, there were four teams without captains, and six the year prior. However, this offseason saw the appointment of seven new captains, with some stepping into roles previously held by legendary figures.

This includes Radko Gudas for the Anaheim Ducks, Nick Foligno for the Chicago Blackhawks, and Victor Hedman for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Victor Hedman, selected second overall in the 2009 draft, who has won the Stanley Cup twice with the Lightning, takes over from Steven Stamkos, who entered free agency and joined the Nashville Predators. Hedman was named playoff MVP in 2020.

Veterans Gudas and Foligno are now in their second year with their respective teams. The Ducks were without a captain for two seasons following the retirement of Ryan Getzlaf in 2022, while the Blackhawks went without one last season after not re-signing Jonathan Toews.

Eberle now holds the position of captain for the Kraken, succeeding Mark Giordano, who was traded away in the team’s first season in 2021-22. Eberle was selected in the expansion draft and has played over 1,000 games in the NHL.

“His ability and experience on the ice are undeniable, but it’s how he interacts with others that makes a lasting impression,” said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. “I have complete confidence that Jordan will be an exceptional leader for our franchise.”

The newly established Utah Hockey Club, which took over assets from the former Arizona Coyotes, has named Clayton Keller as its inaugural captain. He led the Coyotes in scoring five out of seven seasons. During their last three seasons, Arizona did not have a captain.

Auston Matthews of Toronto has stepped into the captaincy role for the first time after receiving the “C” from John Tavares. Rasmus Dahlin from Buffalo, the No. 1 pick in 2018, takes the captain position from Kyle Okposo, who was traded to Florida and subsequently retired following their Stanley Cup victory.

Who are the current NHL team captains?

Team, captain, season named

• Anaheim Ducks: Radko Gudas, 2024-25
• Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand, 2023-24
• Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin, 2024-25
• Calgary Flames: Mikael Backlund, 2023-24
• Carolina Hurricanes: Jordan Staal, 2019-20
• Chicago Blackhawks: Nick Foligno, 2024-25
• Colorado Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog, 2012-13
• Columbus Blue Jackets: Boone Jenner, 2021-22
• Dallas Stars: Jamie Benn, 2013-14
• Detroit Red Wings: Dylan Larkin, 2020-21
• Edmonton Oilers: Connor McDavid, 2016-17
• Florida Panthers: Aleksander Barkov, 2018-19
• Los Angeles Kings: Anze Kopitar, 2016-17
• Minnesota Wild: Jared Spurgeon, 2020-21
• Montreal Canadiens: Nick Suzuki, 2022-23
• Nashville Predators: Roman Josi, 2017-18
• New Jersey Devils: Nico Hischier, 2021-22
• New York Islanders: Anders Lee, 2018-19
• New York Rangers: Jacob Trouba, 2022-23
• Ottawa Senators: Brady Tkachuk, 2022-23
• Philadelphia Flyers: Sean Couturier, 2023-24
• Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby, 2007-08
• San Jose Sharks: Logan Couture, 2019-20
• Seattle Kraken: Jordan Eberle, 2024-25
• St. Louis Blues: Brayden Schenn, 2023-24
• Tampa Bay Lightning: Victor Hedman, 2024-25
• Toronto Maple Leafs: Auston Matthews, 2024-25
• Utah Hockey Club: Clayton Keller, 2024-25
• Vancouver Canucks: Quinn Hughes, 2023-24
• Vegas Golden Knights: Mark Stone, 2020-21
• Washington Capitals: Alex Ovechkin, 2010-11
• Winnipeg Jets: Adam Lowry, 2023-24

What does an NHL captain do?

While there aren’t strict definitions, captains provide guidance and act as a bridge between the coaching staff and the team members. They help integrate new players into the lineup and communicate with referees during games. Often, they lead by example and may also be known for delivering memorable speeches.

Most teams typically have two alternate captains, and in some cases, more. Teams lacking a captain in the past often appointed multiple alternate captains.