Top 3 candidates likely to lead the Capitals in 2024-25

We are inching closer than ever to the Washington Capitals drop of the puck and one question on everyone's mind as we gear up for the fall is who will don the alternate captain positiion if John Carlson or T.J. Oshie couldn't play right away?

Look no further than Dylan Strome or Nic Dowd, says Sammi Silber of The Hockey News. Heck let's even throw Charlie Lindgren into the mix.

Charlie Lindgren

We know what Chuck can do. His performance at goaltending was the reason the Caps got into the playoffs. With his trusted glove named Josie, Lindgren was the Caps good luck charm as they kept winning games down the stretch in order to qualify for playoff competition.

This Caps franchise always has something to prove and Lingren seized the opportunity. And even if he doesn't wear the alternate A we've seen how vocal he is in the locker room especially after he pitches a shutout against a quality opponent.

Lindgren had a total of SIX shutouts on the season. And three important wins down the stretch to ensure the Caps could get into the playoffs. Goaltending is always a hot topic around here and here's hoping Lindgren can have a solid training camp.

Dylan Strome

We all know what Dylan Strome can do offensively and the versatility is also a really big plus. He's like Lightning McQueen the way he controls the puck. Look no further than a buzzer beater overtime winner against Buffalo.

Strome is just 27 and can pack a one two offensive punch and he can win face-offs to boot. With 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points last season, he showed he still has the offensive upside one year after signing a midseason extension for up to five years. He also suited up for all 82 games.

The previous year it was 81 games and he recorded 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points per Hockey Reference.

Oh and let's not foreget about the face off winning percentage. Last season Strome won 52.8 percent of his draws. Overall with the Caps he's won 51 percent of his draws in 163 games. That is astronomically impressive. It's also an improvment from when he was with the Chicago Blackhawks and the Arizona Coyotes who are now the Utah Hockey Club.

Strome's 52.8 face off win percentage is also a big improvment from 48.8 percent the previous year.