Canada becoming land without captains

VANCOUVER The Vancouver Canucks could be without a captain this season and they may not be the only Canadian team to forgo a designated leader. The Canucks have said there is no rush to replace Henrik Sedin, who wore the “C” before retiring with his twin brother Daniel at the end of last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens are also currently without captains.

“I don’t think there has to be a rush to name a captain,” said Vancouver coach Travis Green. “I think if you do, I think you’re making a mistake. You gotta make sure whoever’s named the next captain is the right choice and is ready for the responsibility.”

Coaches and management will consider their options at training camp this weekend, but the role could go unfilled this year, said general manager Jim Benning.

“We’re going to see the group and see who steps up. We don’t necessarily need to name a captain this year, if that’s what’s best for our team,” he said.

Bo Horvat is one name that has circulated in talks of leading the team into a new era. The centre is entering his fifth NHL season — all with the Canucks — and posted 22 goals and 22 assists last year.

If the Canucks choose not to hand out the “C” this season, they may not be alone.

Toronto has gone captain-less since 2015-16, choosing instead to name three alternates. This season, the alternates chosen were Patrick Marleau, Morgan Rielly and John Tavares, who signed a seven-year, US$77-million deal with the team on July 1.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Coyotes named 27-year-old Oliver Ekman-Larsson as their new captain on Thursday and the Carolina Hurricanes gave the role to 36-year-old right-winger Justin Williams.