Stars’ Pete DeBoer Sheds Light On 2022-23 Leadership Group

When Head Coach Pete DeBoer was asked about his potential leadership group during training camp, he said he had started to have conversations with a few players. Now with one day left before the season opener, those conversations are still ongoing. 

“We met with a group during camp that was probably eight guys deep,” DeBoer said. “We still haven’t decided whether we are going to expand that yet, we are having those conversations.”

One thing that we know is that DeBoer and his staff do not want to rush anything. They believe in a clean slate for all players and will be sure to take their time to ensure their decisions are the right ones. 

“We know that group, and I think there are some other guys that belong in that group,” he continued.” But we’re going to let the season start to develop and me get to know these guys better. Everything’s happened so quickly, we need some time.” 

What we do know is that all players that wore a letter last season, will do so again in 2022-23. Luckily, only one player will need to be replaced from last year’s group. 

We also know that DeBoer will roll out a similar approach to Rick Bowness, meaning that different players will wear the “A” of alternate captain on the road versus at home. 

“It’ll be the same. Joe Pavelski will replace [John] Klingberg's letter. Same guys will wear letters other than that change,” DeBoer said. 

Here is what the potential leadership group could look like this season (bold is guaranteed):

Captain: Jamie Benn

Alternates: Joe Pavelski, Tyler Seguin, Esa Lindell , Miro Heiskanen, Luke Glendening, Ryan Suter, Jason Robertson