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As the 2026-27 NHL season fast approaches, the New York Islanders will have a decision to make regarding their captaincy. The departure of Anders Lee means the Islanders will need to name their 16th captain in franchise history down the line. Speaking with the media on Wednesday, general manager and executive vice president Mathieu Darche lent some insight into the decision. The New York Islanders Captain Going Into 2026-27 “I think there’s a strong chance we’ll have a captain this year,” Darche said. “There’s been talks that we’ll just go with assistants, but we’ll discuss.” He added the likes of head coach Peter DeBoer and fellow front-office members will drive the decision forward. However, the discussions will begin once DeBoer returns to the Long Island-area in the coming days. As the process begins, the Islanders’ roster has its share of leaders from their time with the team or, in some cases, with other franchises. With the decision on the captaincy looming large, here’s an overview of the candidates to fill the role. Players with Captain’s Experience The Islanders are unique from the standpoint that they have two players who have previously held captaincies with other teams. Those players being Bo Horvat and Brayden Schenn. Horvat was named the 14th captain in Vancouver Canucks history in 2019, serving that role up until his trade to New York in 2023. Schenn served as the 24th captain of the St. Louis Blues for three seasons prior to his departure at this year’s trade deadline. With both players having their share of time as captains, they both have strong cases to earn the role. Horvat didn’t immediately enter the team’s leadership group after his trade, but he was named an alternate captain ahead of the 2024-25 season, his third with the team. This season, he was named the Islanders’ Bobby Nystrom Award winner, awarded to the player who, “best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication.” Even if it took time for him to receive a letter on his jersey, he was still a vocal figure in the locker room to go along with his abilities on the ice. Bo Horvat got the honor of being named the #Isles alternate captain. Today his coach also compared him to a certain hockey Hall of Famer. @IslesMeetups @NYIUKSupporters @IslesGirl3 @RTaub_ @rdel76 pic.twitter.com/Rekf7mqw39 — Kevin Maher (@KMaherNews12) October 9, 2024 Schenn took on a leadership role almost immediately after his trade to the Islanders, particularly with one of their young forwards as he did in St. Louis. He consistently played on a line with forward Cal Ritchie, and he’s taken it upon himself to assist in his development. “When you’re young in this league, you need help,” Schenn said in March. “It’s a man’s game, and it comes at you fast. When I got to St. Louis, I felt like I owed it to the next guy. Jake Neighbours lived at my place. Jimmy Snuggerud lived at my place. You help the young guys as much as they want help.” Time will tell how the relationship progresses into this season, but odds are he could at the very least enter the leadership group this season. Alternate Captain Candidates In addition to Horvat and Schenn, a handful of Islanders have also been in leadership roles as alternate captains. Behind Lee, Kyle Palmieri and Ryan Pulock served as alternates in addition to Horvat. Palmieri and Pulock each wore the “A” after the Brock Nelson trade in March 2025 during home and away games, respectively, and will likely remain in those roles. Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Scott Mayfield each held the distinction previously, most recently during the 2023-24 season. However, a handful of Islanders players also held leadership roles elsewhere, particularly with the New Jersey Devils. In addition to his Islanders days, Palmieri was also an alternate captain during his time with New Jersey from the 2018-19 season until his trade to the Islanders in 2021. Additionally, Ondrej Palat was also an alternate captain the past three seasons with New Jersey. Given the several established leaders in this group and his expiring contract status, Palat may not get a letter on his jersey, but he could still remain a valued voice in the locker room. Options for a New Era With the discussions of a captain ongoing, some will turn their attention to the newest face of the franchise in Matthew Schaefer. In addition to his skill on the ice, the Calder Trophy winner showcased maturity beyond his years during his first NHL season. However, it would be a disservice to rush him into a high-profile role such as the captain. Rather, it may be best to let the 19-year-old continue to grow into the role naturally. It feels certain he will eventually earn his way into a leadership role and, ultimately, the captaincy, but just not this season. Others may turn their eyes to some of the longer-tenured members of the team. Notably, Mathew Barzal has never held any formal leadership title despite his 10 seasons on Long Island. Another name is longtime forward Casey Cizikas, who never wore a letter during his 15 seasons with the club. However, both have been known as vocal presences in the room to go along with their play on the ice, Barzal for his offensive instincts and Cizikas for his two-way style. Neither are necessarily favorites to win the role, but they each provide different forms of leadership on and off the ice and will still make their mark on the team. The Last Word It seems likely that either of the two former captains, Horvat or Schenn, is the strongest contender to earn the nod. In contrast, given Horvat’s tenure with the franchise, he seems like the ideal fit for this position, with Schenn likely not far behind as a potential new alternate. Despite the pending decision regarding the captain’s position, the team still has a variety of leaders on the roster. From the current alternates in Palmieri and Pulock to those without a letter, such as Barzal, Cizikas and an up-and-coming Schaefer, the team has a wide variety of strong voices. In a year of potential transition, the team will benefit from having a voice at the top, and Horvat is the right person to guide them into this season and beyond. Other News and Notes from Around the NHL: Mathew Barzal 2026-27 Point Total Predictions The New York Islanders Franchise Unlikely Heroes Columbus Blue Jackets Season Preview Main Photo Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images