Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith told media on Sunday that the team will not have a captain for the 2020-21 season, and will instead use the season to figure out who their next captain will be.
Smith did narrow the decision down however, stating that the two choices to earn the «C» are defenceman Thomas Chabot and forward Brady Tkachuk. It will be a difficult decision for the coach, who acknowledged that when speaking to the media, but made it clear that he won't rush to a decision and will allow the season to play out before making up his mind.
Both of these players are extremely talented and will be a huge part of the Senators team going forward. Chabot, 23, was selected 18th overall by the Sens at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. In 205 career games, he has 29 goals and 119 points. He set career highs during the 2018-19 season with 14 goals and 55 points in 70 games.
Tkachuk, 21, was selected fourth overall at the 2018 NHL Entry Draft by the Sens. In 142 career games, he has 43 goals and 89 points. Leadership clearly runs in his family's blood, as his brother Matthew will undoubtedly become the Calgary Flames' next captain whenever Mark Giordano's time is up, and his father Keith was also a captain in the NHL.
Taking time to evaluate this important decision is a smart move by Smith. Though this Senators team isn't expected to make the playoffs this upcoming season, they have a very talented young group and should be able to turn themselves into a contender within the next few years. Having a captain the dressing room respects will help with that.
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