The Ottawa Senators find themselves in a transition. That transition is predominantly based on leadership, that is, Tim Stutzle’s leadership. Brady Tkachuk’s departure has left a vacancy in the team’s captaincy. And it’s also left a power vacuum. Chatter notwithstanding, Tkachuk was an important locker room piece for Ottawa.
With Tkachuk out of the equation, the focus, insofar as leadership is concerned hones in on the team’s next captain.
I’ve advocated for a veteran like Claude Giroux to get the “C”. The 38-year-old would be a fine choice. But there’s a problem. He hasn’t signed with the team long-term. Even if he had signed a three-year deal instead of a one-year pact, it would make sense to anoint the veteran forward while younger stars gain more experience.
Since Giroux is only guaranteed for one season, it would make sense for the Senators to anoint someone who will be with the team for a while. And Tim Stutzle would be the best choice.
While there’s a case to be made for Jake Sanderson, and we’ll make it in due course, Stutzle seems like the most evident choice.
Stutzle has been the Senators’ best player for the last couple of seasons. He’s been the on-ice leader, playing a key role in the team’s back-to-back playoff appearance. And because of that, he’s the player best suited to take over the captaincy.
In a way, it’s like passing the torch to this current Senators core.
Stutzle should remain with Senators for the long haul
Beyond Stutzle’s on-ice performance, his contract should play a major factor in his captaincy candidacy. He’s still under contract for five more seasons and is just 24. The former third-overall pick will be 29 when his deal expires, and should be in line for another long-term contract.
None of us knows the future, of course. Things could be very different in 2031 when Stutzle’s deal is up. But assuming the Senators remain a competitive club even then, it wouldn’t be a shock for the organization to bring him back on another long-term deal.
That’s why Stutzle jumps to the top of the pile as team captain.
If anything, such a decision would just reaffirm that the Senators are now Stutzle’s team. Slapping the “C” on his chest would only confirm what Ottawa fans already know.
While I’ve also said the Senators should play without a captain next season, the fact is that it may just be a matter of time before the organization chooses its new figurehead. Perhaps waiting until after training camp to make an official announcement could be a good idea.
There’s no rush. That’s why it wouldn’t hurt to tread carefully with this decision.
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