Earlier this week we took a look at those in the Western Conference who have currently captain vacancies, helping make up the 10 total NHL teams in that position, which is thought to be the most at one time in NHL history. Having covered Anaheim, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Jose, St. Louis, and Vancouver, now it’s time to do the same for their counterparts in the East; Boston, Columbus, New York (Islanders), and the Ottawa Senators.
With the West offering obvious choices like Macklin Celebrini in San Jose, to what could be an eventual toss up for St. Louis between Robert Thomas or Colton Parayko, how did each vacant Eastern Conference team lose their past leader, and who stands out to be next in line?
Boston Bruins
After 14 unforgettable years of Zdeno Chara‘s “C”, Hall of Famer Patrice Bergeron only got two years of time before his retirement, followed by Brad Marchand who got 143 games leading the storied franchise before his May 2025 trade to Florida. Two prominent figures who both had shorter tenure than they deserved, Boston lacked a captain this past season, the first time since 2001-02, the period between Jason Allison and Joe Thornton.
Just as unsurprising as it was for them to name Bergeron and Marchand in the past, the Bruins have two more obvious choices in David Pastrňák and Charlie McAvoy. Faces of the post-Bergeron era, they wore the “A” this past year as leadership by committee, and both are signed until at least 2029-30. Management watched closely to see who emerged between the two during the past campaign, a season where the Bruins were dispatched in the first round by Buffalo.
In that series McAvoy egregiously slashed Zach Benson well after the whistle, down 4-1 with 91 seconds left in their season. The action earned him a six game suspension, and while captains have certainly been suspended before, it was a stain on his reputation. Looking past that, however, the defenseman was a warrior managing to suit up for 69 games despite numerous injuries.
Either he or Pastrňák make perfect sense, but the minute-eating defenseman who played through not only a broken jaw but also a broken hand in the playoffs this past season, made quite the case to be the 28th captain in Boston.
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)