Captain Crisis: Record Number of NHL Teams Start Season Without a 'C'

The NHL is facing an unprecedented leadership vacuum heading into the new season, with a record number of teams taking the ice without an official captain. This isn't just about tradition or ceremony - the captain's role carries real weight in locker room dynamics, player accountability, and organizational identity. The reasons behind this captain shortage reveal deeper questions about how teams are approaching leadership in a modern NHL that's constantly evolving.