Coyotes name leadership group of 5 alternate captains

The Arizona Coyotes are not rushing to name a new captain.

Instead, defensemen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Niklas Hjalmarsson will serve as alternate captains to begin the 2017-18 NHL season, while centers Derek Stepan and Brad Richardson, as well as defenseman Alex Goligoski, will serve as a third alternate on a rotating basis.

"After numerous discussions and thorough evaluation during training camp, (head coach) Rick (Tocchet) and I have decided that it's best to go with five alternate captains to start the season," general manager John Chayka announced Wednesday.

"With a new head coach and several new players joining the organization, this will be a transition year as far as leadership is concerned. Fortunately, we have a very strong leadership group in our dressing room and collectively, we're confident that these players will do an excellent job leading our team on and off the ice."

The Coyotes are a young squad, and Tocchet - who will decide game-by-game who wears the third "A" - will rely on his veterans to provide guidance in the room and on the ice.

"This is a great opportunity for Oliver, Nik, Derek, Brad, and Alex to step up and demonstrate their leadership abilities," Tocchet said. "We need everyone in our room to lead but these five players are all great people and have the necessary NHL experience to collectively guide our team. I'm excited for them and the challenge ahead."

The captaincy was left vacant when Arizona announced it would not re-sign longtime leader Shane Doan.

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