Expert: T. Martina - 3/22/2008

Question
Hi,

I know that each team much have either a Captain, and 2 Alternates, or 3 Alternates...

However, last NHL Season the Buffalo Sabres had co-captains in Drury and Briere, it only dawned on me now that each team is only allowed one.

Any insight?

Answer
Hi Mike,

You are correct that if a team has a Captain (C) it can then have 2 Alternates (A), or 3 Alternate's if there is no designated Captain.

I checked the rules and there is no rule that states you can't have "rotating Captains" which is what I think was the case for Buffalo.  The rules state that only one person wears the C in a game, but nothing about switching that duty around between games.

I've been on many teams that did this before, but it's not too common in the NHL.

Hope this helps!

T