What happened: Ottawa announced the decision Sept. 30, making Thomas Chabot the 11th captain in Teammates addressed Oct. 1 what his leadership means for the room.

Why it matters: The captaincy settles Ottawa's leadership structure entering the 2026-27 season. Stability at the top matters during preseason when roles and pairings are still being set.

What to watch: Ottawa continues preseason camp with Chabot wearing the C.