The Boston Bruins are entering a new era after trading away their captain, Brad Marchand, to the Florida Panthers at the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the team has made a surprising announcement: they will begin the season without an official captain. Instead, veteran winger David Pastrnak and defenseman Charlie McAvoy will share leadership duties as alternate captains.

The Case for Co-Leadership

McAvoy confirmed the team's plan to forgo naming a captain for the upcoming season. "Going into this year, we're both going to have A's. That's what I know. I don't think there's any fire under them to do anything with that. And guess what? That's totally fine," McAvoy told Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald. He expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Pastrnak, stating, "Me and Pasta are spending the time together, which I've found incredible, learning about him a little bit more, about him as a leader". McAvoy emphasized their shared commitment to the team: "Regardless of letters, we know that this is our team, me and him".

Bruins coach Marco Sturm had hinted at the possibility of starting the season without a captain, wanting to get to know the players better before making a decision. "If you're a Boston Bruin, it's a big deal. If you're not 100 percent sure, then no, you don't [have to name a captain]," Sturm said. He stressed the importance of a mutual agreement between himself and management on the right candidate.

Charlie McAvoy: A Strong Contender

Charlie McAvoy, 27, is considered a strong candidate for the captaincy. He has learned from past Bruins captains like Zdeno Chara, Patrice Bergeron, and Brad Marchand. McAvoy has been a solid presence on the Bruins' blue line and has also contributed offensively. Despite missing time last season due to a shoulder injury sustained at the 4 Nations Face-Off, McAvoy remains an "anchor" for the Bruins.

David Pastrnak: Leading by Example

David Pastrnak, 29, has emerged as a key leader for the Bruins. As the longest-tenured Bruin, having been with the team since 2014, Pastrnak's on-ice performance speaks volumes. He is known for his impressive scoring ability and has become a leading presence in the locker room. While Pastrnak's leadership is undeniable, his style is more "lead-by-example" than the vocal leadership often associated with a captain.

Bruins' Culture of Shared Leadership

The Bruins have a history of cultivating a strong leadership culture. In the past, even when a single player wore the "C", leadership was a shared responsibility. Zdeno Chara acknowledged Patrice Bergeron as a co-captain, recognizing Bergeron's exceptional leadership qualities. This approach reflects the Bruins' belief in teamwork and shared responsibility, extending beyond on-ice play to include the leadership group.

As the Bruins move forward without a named captain, the focus will be on McAvoy and Pastrnak to guide the team. Their ability to work together and lead by example will be crucial in shaping the team's identity and success in the upcoming season.