TEMPE, ARIZONA - MARCH 07: Clayton Keller #9 of the Arizona Coyotes skates with the puck during the third period of the NHL game at Mullett Arena on March 07, 2024 in Tempe, Arizona. The Wild defeated the Coyotes 5-2.ˆ (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY – Just under a month before the Utah Hockey Club’s Inaugural season begins on October 8, franchise star and forward Clayton Keller was spotted at the NHL Player Media Day Event with an “A” on his sweater.
Clayton Keller spotted with the “A” on his sweater at the NHL Media event.#UtahHockeyClub #NHL pic.twitter.com/alxDIvs7m0
— Cole Bagley (@BagleyKSLsports) September 10, 2024
Every season, NHL squads generally pick several leaders to represent the team during games. While most teams usually have a specific captain who wears a “C” on their sweater, they are usually accompanied by several alternate captains who rep an “A”. These individuals are allowed to speak to the officials about certain calls and generally participate in certain ceremonial puck drops.
As for the former Arizona Coyotes, the organization hasn’t named a clear captain since the 2020-21 season. However, they have named several alternate captains, including Keller who has repped the “A” since partway through the 2021-22 campaign.
Before fans make the assumption that Keller will continue to serve as an alternate captain, the team has yet to specify their leadership plans for this season. There is a very real chance that this is simply a continuation of his role from previous seasons and that the team has yet to internally make a decision for this new era of Utah hockey.
As the face of the franchise and one of the most tenured players, Keller is a clear frontrunner to wear the “C” if the club names a captain this season.
Who Should Be Utah Hockey Club’s First Captain?
If the club does name a captain, it will likely be in the next few weeks.
Fans can watch Keller’s first game with the Utah Hockey Club on October 8 against Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks. Click here for the full schedule.
