Brady Tkachuk's fallout with the Senators has left one major question unanswered

According to Bruce Garrioch, internal conversations about a successor have picked up steam over the past couple of weeks, with Ottawa hoping to have its next captain named before training camp opens on September 16.

President and general manager Steve Staios is working through the decision alongside head coach Travis Green, and three names have emerged as the most realistic candidates: defensemen Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson, and center Tim Stutzle.

Chabot has spent his entire 569-game NHL career in Ottawa since being drafted in the first round over a decade ago.

He stepped into the No. 1 defenseman role after Erik Karlsson's departure in 2018 and served as a steady presence throughout Tkachuk's five years wearing the "C."

His deal carries an $8 million cap hit through 2027-28, with an extension conversation looming next summer that could tie directly into this decision.

Sanderson, locked in through 2032 at $8.05 million annually, offers the kind of contractual stability a rebuilding-turned-contending franchise often wants in its captain.

Stutzle, meanwhile, carries the highest cap hit on the roster at $8.35 million through 2031 and remains Ottawa's top offensive centerpiece.

Whoever gets the nod inherits a locker room still adjusting to Tkachuk's abrupt exit, with the Senators aiming for a third straight playoff appearance.

It is not going to be an easy situation to inherit. Although the player who embraces the moment will forever be loved in Canada's capital.

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