Since the departure of former captain Rick Nash, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been without a leader since 2011-2012. Only having three alternates (Brandon Dubinsky, Scott Hartnell, and Jack Johnson), and as well as others, it was still unknown who would wear the infamous 'C' on the front of their shirt. Of course, that was the last thing to cross each players minds as multiple seasons went by.
This is all about to change. The Columbus Blue Jackets organization has announced that they will announce their new captain, prior to the 2015-2016 NHL season.
President of hockey operations John Davidson stated (per Columbus Business Journal): "We know who it's going to be. We'll name a captain by the start of next season and that's a step forward. He's popped, he's a person that's carried himself with outstanding leadership."
They have also released the names of the top five candidates who are in the running to having the letter 'C' on their jersey. They are Nick Foligno, Boone Jenner, Scott Hartnell, Brandon Dubinsky, and Jack Johnson (per Aaron Portzline-Columbus Post-Dispatch).
The naming of the captain will be the franchise's sixth.
Recent captains since their inaugural season in 2000 include: Lyle Odelein (2000-2002), Ray Whitney (2002-2003), Luke Richardson (2003-2006), Adam Foote (2005-2007), Rick Nash (2007-2008), Adam Foote (2007-2008), Rick Nash (2008-2012).
Although multiple players have had the captaincy more than once, like Adam Foote and Rick Nash, it just shows that whoever is next has stepped up big time and is ready to take on the challenge that these past legends have.