It's been a summer of change this offseason in the NHL for a lot of big names, but it seems like the big moves have finally stopped and now everyone has their sights set on training camps starting up, as well as the upcoming season.
There's one question that some teams have to answer, though, heading into the 2019/20 campaign and it's a very important question that shapes the culture of the team going forward. If you haven't guessed what the question is, it's "Will we name a Captain and if so, who?"
As it stands right now, at this very moment, 8 teams have captain vacancies and while we don't know when or if these teams will even name captains before the start of the season, we can still give you our best guesses as to who could wear the "C" for these teams.
Toronto Maple Leafs - John Tavares
The Toronto Maple Leafs haven't had a captain since Dion Phaneuf back in 2015/16 and with all of the hype, as well as the high expectations surrounding this team, it seems like the perfect time to name a captain.
There are a number of candidates, but John Tavares is the player we're giving the "C" to because he's a former captain and locked up for the long term.
Other Candidates: Auston Matthews, Morgan Rielly
Ottawa Senators - Brady Tkachuk
Let us preface this by saying it seems unlikely the Ottawa Senators name a captain this season considering how young of a team they are.
If they do name a captain, though, why not start young and give it your first-round pick from a year ago in Brady Tkachuk, who recorded 45 points in 71 games as a rookie.
Other Candidates: Mark Borowiecki, Thomas Chabot
Vancouver Canucks - Bo Horvat
Even with Alexander Edler back in the fold, this seems like an easy choice the Canucks should have no problem making. Bo Horvat is 24-years-old and had a career-high 61 points last season.
Other Candidates: Alexander Edler, Brandon Sutter
Carolina Hurricanes - Sebastian Aho
As we mentioned earlier, as of right now, the Hurricanes technically don't have a captain because Justin Williams is still a free agent. If the 37-year-old doesn't return, giving the face of their franchise, Sebastian Aho, the "C" could be the move.
Other Candidates: Jordan Staal
Detroit Red Wings - Dylan Larkin
Young star or veteran for the "C"? That's the question the Red Wings will have to answer and if we were in their shoes, we'd go the young star route and name Dylan Larkin captain.
Larkin had a career-high 73 points last season and is just 22-years-old.
Other Candidates: Trevor Daley, Justin Abdelkader
New York Rangers - Chris Kreider
The New York Rangers have missed the playoffs in two-straight seasons, but there's a ton of hype and new faces that could lead them back to the postseason.
This was the toughest "C" to guess, but we resisted the urge to give it to Marc Staal and instead went with another player who is wearing an "A" in Chris Kreider.
Other Candidates: Marc Staal, Mika Zibanejad
San Jose Sharks - Logan Couture
Joe Pavelski took his talents to Dallas and left San Jose with an open "C" to give out. As of the moment, Joe Thornton hasn't signed with the Sharks, but even if he was under contract, Logan Couture is the best chance as captain for the long term.
Other Candidates: Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic
Vegas Golden Knights - Jonathan Marchessault
The Vegas Golden Knights' captain decision is even more significant because whoever it is would be the first in team history. Jonathan Marchessault is the player we think deserves that honour.
Other Candidates: Mark Stone