Oilers make leadership change as Mike Babcock reveals new captaincies

The Oilers confirmed Thursday that Hyman and Bouchard have been named alternate captains, joining captain Connor McDavid and fellow alternates Leon Draisaitl and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins as the club works through the opening days of main camp.

The move fills the gap left behind by Darnell Nurse, who spent eleven years in Edmonton and wore an A for seven of those seasons before his departure this past summer.

For Hyman, this recognition has been a long time coming.

Since arriving as a free agent in 2021, he has been considered a quiet leader in the room even without a letter stitched to his sweater.

His 54 goal season in 2022-23 and his relentless style on the forecheck have made him one of the most respected voices on the roster, and now that respect comes with an official title.

Bouchard's promotion marks the first time in his NHL career he has worn a letter.

Drafted tenth overall back in 2018, the Oakville native has grown into one of the league's premier offensive defensemen, coming off a 95 point season in 2025-26.

His booming shot has earned him the nickname Bouch Bomb, and his growth on and off the ice made him an obvious pick to round out this group.

With McDavid, Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins already established as steady hands, adding Hyman and Bouchard gives Edmonton a five man leadership core built for a deep playoff run this season.

Fans will look forward to see how it all plays out.

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