Schaefer is the Islanders' next team leader

NHL Vacant Captaincies

Nearly a third of the league enters the new season without an officially designated captain, with several organizations seemingly hesitant to rush the appointment while they evaluate team identity.

Islanders Captaincy

New York Islanders appear poised to name a new team leader, with the decision coming down to whether to entrust the responsibility to their rising young star immediately or wait for further development.