“I am extremely proud and honored. It means more to me than I think anyone will ever know to be able to wear a ‘C’ for this team,” said Brad Marchand, former captain player of the Boston Bruins. It was back in 2023 when Marchand replaced Patrice Bergeron to take over the leadership role. Well, this still gives us chills! Brad Marchand had attached himself to the Bruins’ bandwagon since 2006 and never had to look back. Becoming the captain for the Bruins was his rite of passage. Until now, that is.

The Bruins had their best moments with him at the helm, but then came the worst nightmare—Marchand leaving Boston and moving to Florida! Without their true captain, the Bruins will never be the same again. As much as it has been heartbreaking news for everyone associated with the sport, especially the Bruins fans, the pertinent question arises. Who is Marchand’s successor? Even though the team’s general manager, Don Sweeney, said that they would not appoint any new captain for the rest of the season, David Pastrnak, the right winger, had something to reveal.

“On the level of friendships and human nature, obviously it’s been tough…professionally, you have to flip the page…there’s a group you have to lead so that’s my focus,” expressed Pastrnak very emotionally while mentioning his new roles to the media. The Bruins’ officials posted it on X. But, wait, he is talking like he’s stepping into the captain’s role; is it true that Pastrnak is the new captain?

After Marchand’s exit from the Bruins, a team without a captain is as good as a headless chicken. Someone has to take over the reins and that someone, in obvious light for the Bruins is David Pastrnak. Pastrnak stepped up to the occasion and took over without a second thought despite his personal inhibitions of not wanting to be the captain. Well, hold on—he’s just the alternate captain, not the permanent one yet! But why was he emotional? Pastrnak stressed on two important things.

Firstly, he mentioned the absence of key players that made the recent events personally difficult for him! And, secondly, his words took on a much more confident and optimistic tone in light of the Bruins’ dominant 4-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. When he said, “I thought the Tampa game was a great step one,” he’s likely referring to the team’s strong start and the way they executed their game plan effectively. Despite the emotional weight, he believes he must move forward and focus on the team’s success now that there’s a group he has to lead, reinforcing his role as an alternate captain!

Overall, his words reflect both confidence and responsibility, but they also leave curiosity among fans about the Bruins’ leadership dynamic. Even though he’s embracing his role as an alternate captain, it cannot be fulfilled completely without directly claiming the top leadership spot, right? And here’s another plot twist! Do you know what adds another layer to these ongoing discussions and conversations? Charlie McAvoy’s potential as a captain! Yes, you heard that right.

David Pastrnak isn’t the only eligible one to lead!

However, the Bruins have made it clear. They aren’t in a hurry to name a new captain just yet. With Sweeney confirming that the decision will come at a later date, all eyes are on the two most obvious candidates—Pastrnak and McAvoy. McAvoy, at 27, has built a reputation as a leader in the sense that he is accountable, dependable, and someone his teammates rally around! This makes him a good potential, but there’s one factor that could influence the decision—McAvoy’s return!

McAvoy’s current shoulder injury sidelined him from the 4 Nations Face-Off. While he doesn’t have a clear timeline for his return, there’s no urgency as such for him to rush back. But his absence could play a role in the team’s leadership dynamics. If McAvoy had been healthy and active, perhaps the choice would be more difficult, but with Pastrnak consistently leading on the ice, it strengthens his case. Pastrnak, at 28, has been with the team for over a decade now. This makes him the longest-tenured player on the roster. Also, fans see his offensive dominance and outgoing personality much like Marchand, making him the natural leader of the team! Nevertheless, McAvoy’s leadership qualities are undeniable too, and once he returns, there are high chances that the conversation will likely heat up again!

And as for Pastrnak himself, he isn’t letting the speculation get to him. When asked about the possibility of wearing the ‘C,’ he simply said, “I don’t think about it, honestly. I got the ‘A’ and I haven’t changed a bit. The role changed a little bit, you lead more.”