Andrew Ference gives up 'C' for Oilers; four alternate captains announced
The speculation can end in Edmonton now: Andrew Ference will no longer be the captain of the Oilers.
Ference will, however, be one of the team’s four alternate captains this season, along with Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Matt Hendricks will take Eberle’s spot for the time being as he recoups from a shoulder injury.
What is it with Todd McLellan and captains? The the 2015-16 Oilers will mark the second straight season the head coach has guided a captain-less ship.
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As a new regime took charge in Edmonton, led by general manager Peter Chiarelli, the question of changing the leadership situation came up.
“We had ongoing discussions about this, starting this summer. Some initiated by me, some by Todd (McLellan), some by Andrew,” Oilers general manager Peter Chiarelli said.
“We had philosophical discussions about a leadership group, captains and assistants and we decided as a group this was the way we want to go. You would be amazed at the influence guys have with and without letters on their jerseys within the room.”
Ference was named captain in Sept. 2013, two months after the Oilers signed him to a four-year, $13 million deal.
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Ference won’t be a regular player like he had been in Edmonton, so the change makes sense. And just because the “C” isn’t stitched on his jersey won’t mean he can’t have an influence in the locker room. By spreading out the leadership responsibilities to three of its young players, the Oilers can allow Hall, Nugent-Hopkins and Eberle to grow into those roles, and maybe a true captain develops.
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Sean Leahy is the associate editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Sean_Leahy
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