When Lindy Ruff returned as head coach of the Buffalo Sabres prior to the 2024-25 season, he named Rasmus Dahlin as the captain. He also named four players as alternate captains, that included Tage Thompson, Mattias Samuelsson, Alex Tuch, and Dylan Cozens.
Since then, the Sabres have lost Dylan Cozens and Alex Tuch in consecutive seasons via trade, leaving only Mattias Samuelsson and Tage Thompson as the alternate captains. While Ruff didn't replace Cozens before last season, he may consider naming another alternate captain ahead of this season.
If the Sabres' coach decides to bring the group back to three, there are a few players who stand out as likely candidates.
The first is Owen Power, who was the first overall pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and has played in 323 games over five seasons. This past season was arguably his most complete performance on both ends of the ice. However, if Power is the pick, the Sabres would have three defensemen among their captains, and Ruff may elect to have an even split between forwards and defensemen.
Josh Doan has quickly emerged as a leader for the Buffalo Sabres
While Josh Doan may not have as much experience as Jason Zucker, Beck Malenstyn, Peyton Krebs, or even Josh Norris, he is the perfect pick to replace Alex Tuch as alternate captain. Doan is pure hustle every time he is on the ice and leads by example with the way he plays.
Last season, Doan had a career season in his first with the Buffalo Sabres with 25 goals and 27 assists while also finishing in the Top 5 in the NHL in takeaways with 46. In a recent interview, Zach Benson described Josh Doan as a 'dream player' to play with.
Right now, the Sabres have stability for their captains with Rasmus Dahlin, Tage Thompson, and Mattias Samuelsson under contract for the foreseeable future. The Sabres don't necessarily need to replace Tuch as an alternate captain, but if they decide to, then Josh Doan seems like the best choice.
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