Story Summary
Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2, making him the most recent player to receive the role. Ten teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks and Vancouver Canucks, do not currently have a captain. Sidney Crosby is the longest-serving current captain, having held the position with the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007.
Key Facts
- Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2.
- Ten teams do not currently have a captain: Anaheim Ducks; Boston Bruins; Chicago Blackhawks; Columbus Blue Jackets; Detroit Red Wings; Los Angeles Kings; New York Islanders; Ottawa Senators; San Jose Sharks; Vancouver Canucks.
- Sidney Crosby has been captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007 and is the longest current-tenured captain.
- The current captains include Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres), Mikael Backlund (Calgary Flames), Jordan Staal (Carolina Hurricanes), Gabriel Landeskog (Colorado Avalanche), Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Aleksander Barkov (Florida Panthers), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals).
- Boston Bruins — Vacant
- Buffalo Sabres — Rasmus Dahlin
- Calgary Flames — Mikael Backlund
- Carolina Hurricanes — Jordan Staal
- Chicago Blackhawks — Vacant
- Colorado Avalanche — Gabriel Landeskog
- Columbus Blue Jackets — Vacant* (listed as vacant in source)
IHM Discussion
The captaincy list offers a snapshot of formal leadership assignments across the league. Long-serving captains such as Sidney Crosby sit alongside recent appointments such as Robert Thomas, while ten clubs currently have no named captain. The named group includes established stars Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers, Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Alex Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals.
Why It Matters
The list provides a clear reference point for each club’s formal captaincy status. It also shows the contrast between teams with an established designated leader and those currently operating without a captain.
Mini Q&A
Which player was the most recent to be named captain?
Robert Thomas was named captain of the St. Louis Blues on Sept. 2.
How many NHL teams are without a captain according to the list?
Ten teams are listed as without a captain.
Who is the longest current-tenured captain in the NHL?
Sidney Crosby has been captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins since May 31, 2007 and is the longest-tenured current captain.
Which notable star players are listed as captains?
The list includes Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers), Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning) and others.
Coach Mark Comment
A vacant captaincy does not prevent a club from having strong leadership within its player group. Clear standards and communication still have to come from the dressing room, whether or not one player wears the C.
IHM Final View
The current captaincy picture combines established leaders with ten vacancies. Thomas is the latest appointment, while Crosby remains the league’s longest-serving current captain.