Who Should Be The Next Sharks Captain?

Logan Couture is about to announce that he can no longer play because of injury. Now, the question has to be asked: Who should be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks?

Couture has dealt with a deep groin injury that has limited him to six games over the past two seasons. On Monday, the Sharks announced a press conference for Couture and general manager Mike Grier, at which he will officially announce his retirement.

Couture has been the Sharks captain since the 2019-20 season. The center will step away from hockey with 933 games played, all for the Sharks. He scored 323 goals and 378 assists and was a top performer in the playoffs.

Option No. 1: Tyler Toffoli

Tyler Toffoli could be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks. Since signing a four-year contract last summer, Toffoli has scored goals and been a terrific mentor to the Sharks’ young players.

At 32 years old, the former Stanley Cup Champion has become a popular figure for rookies Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith to be around. The iconic sleepover moment against the Buffalo Sabres is a perfect example of his leadership.

Toffoli has been on record for buying into what Mike Grier and the San Jose Sharks are building.

“When I came here, I knew it was going to be an adjustment. At the same time, I was told that it’s going to start going the other way,” Toffoli said after the trade deadline. “I read something yesterday that Mike said that it is the last year that something like that will happen.”

Making Toffoli the captain instead of someone like Celebrini would provide the rookie more time to develop in the NHL. Celebrini is still just 18, and his development as a player is the most important thing for the Sharks’ future.

Toffoli has won in the NHL. He commands attention in the locker room and works every day. His leadership has already been seen throughout the locker room.

Option No. 2: Macklin Celebrini

Macklin Celebrini will probably be the captain of the San Jose Sharks at some point in his career. Given his age, making him captain for the 25-26 season would be a mistake in development.

Giving Celebrini the “C” in year two of his hopefully long and successful career could put a lot on his plate. He’s shown he can be a game-breaker on the ice and a leader for the group, but allowing him to grow fully into the NHL is critical.

The Sharks are hoping to build off of their successes from this season and be active in free agency, but naming the franchise cornerstone captain too soon is something the franchise needs to keep in mind.

If the Sharks feel he’s ready to take on the role as team captain, then go for it.

Option No. 3: William Eklund

William Eklund is a sneaky option to be the next captain of the San Jose Sharks. The winger has shown some strong leadership skills during his breakout campaign. With 17 goals and 41 assists, Eklund has become a key player for coach Ryan Warsofsky.

At 22, Eklund still needs to learn more about the NHL and the Stanley Cup Playoffs. If he were to be named captain, it would likely not be for next season.

The Sharks could easily wait to name the next captain until they feel someone steps up correctly. Eklund’s name should be tossed into the running if that is the case.

Read more Sharks Hockey Digest news and stories with the links below! Bookmark the page and follow Sharks Hockey Digest on Twitter @SharksHKYDigest!

• Sharks & Logan Couture Holding Press Conference On Tuesday To Announce Retirement
• Tyler Toffoli Sticking With The Sharks For The Long Haul
• Collin Graf Is Always Paying Attention During Sharks Practice
• EXCLUSIVE: William Eklund Shares His Sharks Off Day Routine
• Sharks Send Collin Graf To AHL; Couture Unfollows & Refollows