Edmonton Oilers: Projected Captain and Alternate Captains
Sep 11, 2016; Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Jonathan Drouin (72) with teammates Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) and Connor McDavid (97) during the playing of the National Anthem before a World Cup of Hockey pre-tournament game against Team Europe at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
The professional thing to do in sports is to not assume something until it actually happens, from a players standpoint anyways. However, it seems as though the Edmonton Oilers have every intention to name the man they call Connor McDavid the 17th captain in franchise history.
That much seems certain, and the Oil will have their main man set in the right place. But what about selecting the alternate captains? There are a handful of excellent players on the current roster that have the potential to be the supporting cast leadership group. Here is a projection of the four alternates:
(Bare in mind, some alternates are subject to change throughout the course of the season).
Jan 16, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward Jordan Eberle (14) looks for a pass against the Calgary Flames at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
Jordan Eberle: Alternate Home #1
It’s incredibly hard to believe the 26-year-old Regina native is already a seasoned NHL veteran of 435 games. Just yesterday, he was the dazzling 20-year-old rookie that scored the high-flying goal of the century against the Calgary Flames back in 2010/2011.
Eberle is looked upon as an important piece of the foundation and rightfully so. He has arguably been one of the team’s most consistent offensive contributors over the past 5 seasons and the longest serving Oiler. Now, Eberle is in the midst of his prime years and has more than enough respect and experienced to be looked upon as one of the main leaders In the locker room. He deserves a permanent A on his sweater this season.
Nov 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic (17) warms up before the game against the Arizona Coyotes at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Milan Lucic: Alternate Home #2
Much like Eberle, it is hard to believe that Lucic is already in his late 20’s and in the thick of his prime years. He is Another solid veteran that brings 647 regular-season games, 101 playoff contests and a Stanley Cup to this young Oiler squad.
Lucic is known to be a leader on and off the ice. The veteran winger also hopes to bring positivity to the Oilers locker room and is definitely enthusiastic about playing with Edmonton for the seasons ahead. With his wealth of experience and massive contract, it should come as no surprise that he dons an A this season.
Nov 9, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: USATSI-183520 ORIG FILE ID: 20141109_ads_bm4_234.JPG
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: Alternate Away #1
The former first-overall pick is now on of the longest serving Oilers. Before McDavid, Nuge was the number-one centre and handled the most critical, toughest assignments for the club. Despite no longer being first in line when it comes to centre depth, Nugent-Hopkins is still a vital piece of the core in Edmonton.
He has evolved into a steady two-way forward that leads by example with his excellent decision making and polished skills defensively and offensively. I can see his calm demeanor being widely respected in the dressing room.
Nuge’s experience makes him a terrific alternate candidate and since he’s worn the A before there is no doubt we will see it on his sweater again this year.
Mar 12, 2016; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Andrej Sekera (2) controls the puck against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period at Rexall Place. Arizona Coyotes won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Andrej Sekera: Alternate Away #2
The oldest and most experienced blueliner the Oilers have must always be considered for one of the alternate roles. Sekera played significant minutes for the Oil last season and serves an important role as part of the glue that will hold the blueline together for Edmonton moving forward.
A veteran presence with years of experience, Sekera knows how to lead by example and seems to be a strong voice in the dressing room. Without a doubt, he’s one of the players that gets an A.
Mar 1, 2016; Buffalo, NY, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Matt Hendricks (23) against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Edmonton beats Buffalo 2 to 1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Honourable mentions
Matt Hendricks:
The hard-nosed 35-year-old vet would get a permanent A if he played in all 82 games. However, it is becoming more obvious that he is beginning to slow down. This year Hendricks could be spending the odd game in the press box so there’s no point in giving a player a letter if he’s not playing enough.
Adam Larsson:
I think people are going to be very surprised with the big Swedish rearguard. He will be the go-to guy for the Oil on the blue line for the long term future. In New Jersey, his teammates had nothing but good things to say about him and that he was a great guy in the locker room so that’s a huge positive, especially for an incredibly important player that will see lots of ice time. He could become a very underrated leader.
Mark Letestu:
One of the older guys in the dressing room, Letestu is one of the most experienced Oilers on the roster. He’s donned the A before and it’s only fair that he gets consideration for his contributions and useful skill set as a leader for the club.
More from Oil On Whyte
This article originally appeared on 
