Arizona Coyotes: Candidates For The Club's Next Captain

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Mar 16, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Shane Doan (19) reacts against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center. The Kings defeated the Coyotes 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

As the trade deadline has come and gone, the future of the Arizona Coyotes has begun to take shape.

However one of the blurred parts of the organization’s future is the on-ice leadership.

19-year-veteran Shane Doan‘s contract is set to expire at the end of this season. The deal is expiring just as he’s enjoying a resurgent 23 goal season after a disappointing 2014-15.

Should the Arizona Coyotes’ management decide to resign him, it would essentially ensure that Captain Coyote retires with the franchise that drafted him and the conversation for the next captain would remain a distant thought.

However, in the situation that Doan either decides to retire or chooses to seek out another team in free agency, the current roster is brimming with leadership options for the coaching staff to sort through.

Here’s a breakdown of who head coach Dave Tippett and his staff are likely to consider for the next captaincy, given the current roster:

Next: Martin Hanzal

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Martin Hanzal

Martin Hanzal is currently wearing an ‘A’ on his jersey and has been with the Coyotes organization since being drafted 17^th overall in 2005.

Antoine Vermette

Antoine Vermette is an interesting story and the only multi-franchise option I can identify with a realistic leadership opportunity.

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Journeying from Ottawa through Columbus to Phoenix, then to Chicago at the end of last season for a Stanley Cup, Vermy has found himself back in the desert once again.

While his production is down and there is some palatable speculation regarding his return beyond the 2016-2017 season, Vermette is a potential bridge option should Doan retire after this season.

It would allow more development time for Domi, Anthony Duclair, and other blue-chip prospects like Dylan Strome and Brendan Perlini.

They could grow without the pressure of an advanced leadership role weighing down on them. Meanwhile, Vermette would be there to provide those same players the experience of a Stanley Cup winning captain.

Next: Max Domi

Max Domi

Max Domi is an intriguing option because of the precedent set by other teams.

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There are notable examples in Chicago and Pittsburgh of franchises making bold moves, naming young players captain early in their careers.

Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby both led their teams to Stanley Cup titles while captaining at a young age, so it’s a possibility for the young forward.

Domi has the opportunity to ascend to the captaincy as early as next season should Shane Doan retire at the end of the 2015-2016 season.

His strong rookie campaign, chemistry with fellow rookie Anthony Duclair and leadership in the team’s youth movement are all endorsements of a Domi captaincy.

Domi also provided leadership experience on a team of young stars, captaining the London Knights to three successful seasons during his tenure in the OHL.

Next: Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Oliver Ekman-Larsson was drafted by the Coyotes 6^th overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut during the 2010-2011 season.

Since then, he’s played a total of 402 games and posted 202 points.

Final Analysis

Whether Captain Coyote decides to ride off into the sunset this season or the not, there is a plethora of options awaiting the coaching staff upon Doan’s departure.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is the only true option on defense for a leadership role, while a variety of forwards remain poised to assume the captaincy after the number 19 is retired and hung in the rafters of whatever stadium the Coyotes decide to inhabit.

With both Antoine Vermette and Martin Hanzal entering contract years next season they seem like precarious choices to lead a youth movement. On the other hand, Hanzal’s production and Vermette’s Stanley Cup winning background both solidify them as serious options to the lead the team into the future.

Another sensible option is to cater directly to the youth. The Coyotes could name future face of the franchise Max Domi captain, giving him a distinct voice in the direction of the team’s bright future.

In the end, it comes down to the direction Dave Tippett wants to take; aggressive youth movement or bridge the team until the young guns are.

Next: Resurgent Shane Doan Still Pushing Arizona Coyotes Forward

If I were in charge, Domi would have the ‘C’ with Vermette and Ekman-Larsson holding the ‘A’s, but I don’t believe that’s what will happen.

I foresee Coach Tippett mixing both paths and making OEL the next Arizona Coyotes’ captain, assisted by Max Domi and Martin Hanzal.

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Arizona Coyotes: Candidates For The Club’s Next Captain

The Arizona Coyotes have received many years of great service from Shane Doan as their captain. When he hangs up the skates, which Coyotes player will take his place?