There has been ample speculation around the Ottawa Senators since Erik Karlsson was shipped to the San Jose Sharks in return for what has turned out to be a historic haul: Who will be named as the next Captain of the team? Most of the smart money sits with Brady Tkachuk or Thomas Chabot, but it appears that we’ll have to wait a little while longer for a firm answer.
The team announced today that Tkachuk, Chabot, and newly-acquired Erik Gudbranson will serve as alternate captains for this shortened season:
The #Sens have announced that Thomas Chabot, Erik Gudbranson and Brady Tkachuk will serve as alternates this season. pic.twitter.com/9oXepHrFkM
— Ottawa Senators (@Senators) January 2, 2021
With the decision seemingly having been made to not name a Captain this year, the designation of Tkachuk and Chabot as alternates comes as no surprise; these two represent the next generation that will hopefully lead this team to future on-ice success. On the other hand, and on the surface, naming Gudbranson as alternate does come as a bit of a shock given his grand total of zero games played in a Senators jersey. However, upon closer inspection, there are a couple factors that suggest it might be a fit.
First, it’s important to remember that Gudbranson is Ottawa-born. Before being drafted third overall by the Florida Panthers in 2010, he played his minor and junior hockey right at home in Ontario. While it’s not like that’s a particularly unique story, it does mean that he’s as close to a homegrown talent as there can be. That’s an easy narrative to sell to the fan base.
Secondly, the Senators acquired Gudbranson specifically with leadership qualities in mind. Pierre Dorion’s quote on the acquisition per the NHL.com news release was as follows: “He's a reliable veteran who plays an intimidating style of game and someone who will add a combination of grit, energy and, most importantly, leadership to our lineup.… Most importantly.
The benefits associated with most of the qualities Dorion referenced above are likely overblown, especially within the context of the negative on-ice results that Gudbranson has generated over the course of his career. Simply put, that intimidating style and energy haven’t combined to move the puck in the right direction or keep it out of Gudbranson’s team’s net. But, leadership? The benefits of that one for a young team could certainly have value. After more than 500 NHL games – some of them in a Canadian market – Gudbranson has been there, seen that, and done that. Having him around to mentor the young Senators off the ice probably isn’t a bad thing.
At the end of the day, this announcement isn’t likely to move the needle on the ice for the Senators, but it does signal that we are one step closer to seeing them back in game action. That’s a good thing.
As always, thanks for reading.