If the Florida Panthers have appointed their captain, they've kept the matter internal. But all signs point to that honor being bestowed on veteran fourth-line forward and penalty-killing specialist Derek MacKenzie - not Aaron Ekblad.
During Florida's trip to West Point Military Academy - where it was reported head coach Gerard Gallant would announce his leadership core - it was MacKenzie sporting the badge for the preseason clash with New Jersey.
Ekblad and forward Jussi Jokinen served as alternates.
If MacKenzie is indeed captain, as George Richards of the Miami Herald expects, it's definitely a head-scratcher. Because while the journeyman may have presence in the room, he simply does not have the on-ice impact characteristic of an NHL captain. To wit: MacKenzie averaged a little more than 13 minutes in 64 games last season, less than Dave Bolland was entrusted with in his 24 appearances.
MacKenzie signed a two-year contract extension in the offseason, which pays him $1.35 million annually, meaning Ekblad - the presumptive lock - might be a fifth-year professional before earning the role.
