The Vancouver Canucks have taken an unconventional step by naming six assistant captains ahead of the 2026-27 season, including three players who have already held the role. The move raises questions about team leadership structure and whether it signals a shift in how the franchise approaches captaincy. Among the newly appointed are players with recent experience in the position, while others may be stepping into expanded roles for the first time. The decision could reflect both a recognition of veteran leadership and an effort to distribute influence across the roster.

There are a lot of ways to read the Vancouver Canucks’ decision to name six assistant captains for the 2026-27 season. Three of them—Brock Boeser, Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson—wore…