Who will be the next captain of the Bruins?

Who will be the next captain of the Boston Bruins?

Whether current Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara returns for a 15th season with the organization remains to be seen. The time, however, is coming sooner rather than later that he won’t be a presence in the Bruins locker room or on the ice.

When that time comes, there will be the need for a new captain of the Bruins. There are a number of possible candidates, but who gets the nod? Let’s take a look at three possible candidates.

1. Patrice Bergeron

This is by far and away the obvious choice. He is the longest-tenured Bruin with 16 years in a Bruins uniform and he would be the fans No. 1 choice. He has played in 1,089 games for the Black and Gold and anchors the top line at center. He has won four Selke Trophies and was a key member of the 2011 Stanley Cup championship team.

He is one of, if not the most, respected teammate in the Bruins locker room and he has paid his dues. He has two years remaining on his current contract. At 35 years old and not showing signs of slowing down, it would be a surprise if he’s not wearing the “C” next.

2. David Krejci

Krejci just finished his 14th season with the Bruins and he anchors the second line. He is one of the league’s best playmakers and makes everyone around him better. In 911 career games, he has 479 assists. His best postseason was during the 2011 run to the Stanley Cup championship. He had 12 goals and 11 assists in 25 games.

Another veteran that has been through the ups and downs over the last decade-plus in Boston. He leads by example on the ice and should be the No. 2 choice behind Bergeron.

3. Brad Marchand

Ah yes, the little ball of hate. If he’s on your team, you love him. If not, then you hate him. With that said, something tells me he has the respect of everyone in the Bruins locker room. It is hard to believe that he’s only been in the league for 11 years, but he is quickly becoming one of the Bruins’ most consistent point producers.

Over the last few years, his antics have been kept to a minimum and he has quietly become a playmaker of the first line with 221 assists in the last four years. He not only is a key member of the league’s second-ranked power-play unit, but is also a key penalty killer as well. This would be the longest shot of the three to get the “C”, but you never know. It could happen.

Regardless of who ends up getting the nod as the next captain, one thing is for sure, there is not a lack of options for the Bruins to choose from. That day will come sooner rather than later that Chara hangs it up for the final time.