The Washington Capitals have a lot of questions to answer as they head into a new season, and one surrounds T.J. Oshie.
Oshie's future remains in flux as training camp approaches. The 37-year-old admitted that his back issues and chronic pain have made it difficult to play and that he needs to make a decision regarding his future as he continues to look for a long-term solution for his health.
Right now, given the influx of forwards, number of offseason additions and limited cap space, it appears less likely that Oshie will be in the mix. If that's the case, Washington will have a major void not just in the lineup, but off the ice as well.
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Oshie is an outspoken presence in the locker room, serving as a leader and longtime alternate captain. He's a glue guy, and his contagious energy and determination pushes his teammates to be better.
"He's the motor of our dressing room," goaltender Charlie Lindgren put it best.
If Oshie doesn't return, Washington will be missing another one of its current alternate captains. Nicklas Backstrom remains on long-term injured reserve, and that's also the plan for this upcoming season, leaving John Carlson and Tom Wilson, who captain Alex Ovechkin believes will succeed him, with the "A's."
Related: Alex Ovechkin Believes Tom Wilson Will Be Future Captain Of Capitals: 'Since Day 1, He Shows His Leadership'
The Capitals have carried three alternate captains for a long time, as do most teams in the NHL. So who will get the third "A" if Oshie isn't back?
There are two top candidates: Nic Dowd and Dylan Strome.
Dowd, though he has just one year left on his contract, is a trusted leader and role model, along with a steady veteran presence who has worn the "A" before. He works hard and does everything right on and off the ice, plays a key part on the team and is vocal and beloved in the room.
The same can be said for Strome, 27, who has chosen to stay in D.C. for the long haul and has shown his dedication, drive and growth over the course of his tenure so far.
Martin Fehervary could be another candidate for that job, along with others.
Overall, though, several players play a key role and have a voice in the tight-knit room, and that'll remain the expectation with Oshie in or out of the mix going forward.
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