"Kucherov hates everybody" "Easy Hedman": NHL fans debate on who should be Tampa Bay Lightning's captain in post-Stamkos era

Every Tampa Bay Lightning fan will remember Steven Stamkos' name. He spent 16 seasons playing for the franchise since joining the team as number 1 draft pick in the 2008 NHL draft. He became a captain in 2014 and led the Lightning to two Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021.

Stamkos, now 34 years old, signed with the Nashville Predators on a four-year, $32 million contract on July 1, 2024. This has left Lightning in a conundrum about deciding their next captain. NHL Network raised this question on X, projecting four possible options for the team: Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh.

"Who should be the Tampa Bay Lightning's first captain in the post-Stamkos era?" NHL Network captioned the post on X.

Soon NHL fans started reacting to the question concerning the next Tampa Bay Lightning captain.

"Point. Kucherov hates everybody and Hedman is too old," one fan said.

"Easy Hedman," another fan said.

"The obvious answer is Hedman even though I don't think McDonagh is getting enough consideration by fans. Personally, don't really think the bolts need a new C right away. Give those two and point an A and call it a day," one fan said.

Here are some more reactions from fans:

"Point-Captain Guentzel-A. Captain Kucherov-A. Captain," a fan said.

"I think Hedman/Kuch is the right answer, but they are near the end of the road. I would go with Point and let him have it for a while and build that post Stammer era," another fan said.

"Pointe (or Cirelli). Both are younger, have four years on their contract and Pointe in particular is deserving. Hedman is also a good choice (also signed 4 yrs) as long as they stick by him," one fan said.

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Ryan McDonagh ready for Tampa Bay Lightning training camp after trade from Nashville

Ryan McDonagh is preparing to return to Florida for the Tampa Bay Lightning’s training camp next month. McDonagh is entering his 15th NHL season and feels more focused than ever. He was traded from the Nashville Predators on May 21 and previously played five seasons with the Lightning, including their Stanley Cup wins in 2020 and 2021.

McDonagh pointed out his previous experiences in Tampa, where his children were born, during an interview at Da Beauty League.

“It’s a very special place for me and my family,” McDonagh said (via NHL.com). “Two of my kids were born there. Between that and winning, those were some big moments I had there. And it’s a great community. A great place to raise your kids and a great market to play hockey, with an organization that’s behind you. They’re always going to go for the Cup, so it’s fun to be a part of that again.”

This offseason, the Tampa Bay Lightning added new forwards but will miss Steven Stamkos, who signed with Nashville.