When two-time Stanley Cup champion Brooks Orpik retired over the offseason, it opened up several holes on the team. Batya’s absence gave a roster spot for a defender on the third pairing. It also left a hole on the team’s leadership committee, as Orpik served as an alternate captain for the team.

Tuesday morning, the Washington Capitals officially announced that John Carlson would be Orpik’s replacement.

Carlson joins captain Alex Ovechkin and alternate captain Nicklas Backstrom as one of the team’s leaders on the ice.

The Washington Capitals have named John Carlson as an alternate captain for the 2019-20 season, joining Nicklas Backstrom (A) and Alex Ovechkin (C). pic.twitter.com/HtFsFVYH7Y

— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) October 1, 2019

According to Todd Reirden, Capitals forward TJ Oshie was also a finalist for the position. According to The Athletic’s Tarik El-Bashir, the Capitals had Carlson and Oshie wear the A last season depending on if a defenseman or forward was out.

“Either way, we’re not going to go wrong,” Reirden said. “We’re in a great spot.”

Reirden also said that Tom Wilson could end up with the A on his chest this season too if there are injuries.

The "A" is here to stay!

Congrats, @JohnCarlson74! #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/4AFmCefuq3

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) October 1, 2019