3 Potential Candidates To Be Next Blackhawks Captain

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Michael
May 18, 2022 (1:10)

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While it isn't a foregone conclusion that captain Jonathan Toews won't be a part of the Blackhawks next season, it certainly seems more in the realm of possibility than ever before. Toews' comments on playing for a rebuilding team makes it very clear that he doesn't particularly like the idea of that. And so far, Kyle Davidson has kept his word on the rebuilding strategy. So very unlikely that he would stray away for that just to please Jonathan Toews.

So if Toews does end up in a different sweater next season, who should be next man up to captain the Chicago Blackhawks? Here are three potential candidates to be the Blackhawks next captain.

1) Patrick Kane

When the C is on your sweater, there is a certain presence it gives you in the locker room. Few players are able to have that presence without the C on their chest. Patrick Kane is definitely one of those players. Kaner has and always will be one of the most respected guys in the locker room. Making Patrick Kane the captain would just be putting a label on it. He has been behaving and playing like an NHL captain for quite some time now. The only downside to this pick, just like Toews, Kane's future in Chicago is up in the air. It's a big commitment that Patrick Kane should only make and or accept if he plans to finish his career in Chicago. It wouldn't make sense to make him captain, only to try and trade him to a contender at the deadline in a year or two. But finishing up his career in Chicago means riding out this rebuild, something else difficult he will have to be willing to do.

2) Seth Jones

The reactions to Seth Jones first season in Chicago have been mixed to say the least. Say what you want about his season, but at the end of the day Seth Jones checks all the boxes of an NHL captain. He's entering into his 10th season in the NHL, so he is a seasoned veteran. Although he hasn't made it to a Stanley Cup Final, Jones has played a ton of playoff hockey, so he is battle tested when it comes to that. And lastly whether you like it or not, he has 7 more years left on his contract. So he isn't going anywhere anytime soon, and he should absolutely be considered.

3) Alex DeBrincat

This one makes the most sense. Alex DeBrincat should 100% be untouchable throughout this entire rebuild in the mind of Kyle Davidson. DeBrincat is the perfect young player to lead the next generation of Blackhawks hockey. Ask any Blackhawks fans which players they see give the most heart, most of them will have the cat on their list. He really is a player that can do whatever is needed to benefit the team. You know he's produce on offensively. He's not afraid to block a shot if he needs too. He'll even throw some punches out there if needed. Obviously that's not the most popular thing for captains to do, but you see my point. He's willing to do whatever he needs to help his team, which makes him a great option.