Blue Jackets alternate captains just want to be themselves

With many youthful moving parts to the franchise this season, one area remains constant for the Blue Jackets: the alternate captains. All three members of the "A" team exemplify what it truly means to be a Blue Jacket.
Zack Werenski, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Gustav Nyquist were recently named alternate captains for the 2021-22 season, with Boone Jenner donning the "C".
The four team leaders have shown already that they embody the qualities new head coach Brad Larsen is looking for -- hard work and pride for the team. Although two of the three alternate captains are well under 30 years old, they make up in experience what they lack in years.

Werenski, a Michigan native, was selected by the Blue Jackets as the No. 8 pick in the 2015 draft. Since his debut in the 2016-17 season, Werenski has played 335 career games for the Blue Jackets, making a name for himself in Columbus.
Already the franchise's all-time leader in goals by a defenseman and a 2018 All-Star, Werenski chose to stay here this summer when he signed a six-year contract extension, determined to bring a Stanley Cup to Columbus.
"I've already put a lot of time into this organization, and I have a lot more time here, hopefully," Werenski said. "I'm excited for it. I want to put my mark on this organization, this city and this team."

Oliver Bjorkstrand, a third-round pick for the Blue Jackets in 2013, has appeared in 302 NHL games and has been a consistent presence on the ice since his first full NHL season in 2017-18. With a five-year contract extension in Columbus kicking in this season, Bjorkstrand -- whose 85 goals are already eight in franchise history -- will certainly have time to prove his leadership role on the team.
As for Gustav Nyquist, he is not a lifetime career Blue Jacket; however, he has stepped up and made a place for himself in Columbus. In the midst of his four-year contract signed in the summer of 2019, Nyquist has proven his leadership role on the team and will continue to do so.
None of the alternate captains seems to be the most outgoing guy in the room, but they have one common goal -- to lead by example.
"I think there are different ways of being a leader. Some guys are better at being more vocal and outgoing but that's just not my strong suit," said Bjorkstrand, who has seven points in the first four games this season. "It's definitely something I could improve on, but I don' t think you should try to be something you're not. For me, my actions on and off the ice and how hard I work is what I think Lars has seen from me."
Nyquist has learned what it takes to be a leader from his time on the ice in Detroit and San Jose but says his goal is the same as his fellow alternate captains.
"I'm not going to change anything," said Nyquist, whose presence was clearly missed a season ago when he was out with a shoulder injury. "I'm going to be the same guy since the first day I showed up here. I'm going to do the right things on and off the ice."

Even though these Blue Jackets are just now sporting a letter on their sweaters, they have proven experience as part of the team's core leadership. These veterans have demonstrated time and time again their passion and dedication for the franchise.
"I'm super excited," Jenner said when asked about the trio of alternates. "I think all three of them are so deserving, and being here with Borky and Z since they came in, you can see the growth of them every year. They seem to take on a bigger role every year, more leadership, and they're so ready and a lot of guys look up to them in the room.
"I'm super excited to be a part of it with them. It's not a one- or four-man thing. It's going to take everyone. Everyone has to be pulling the same direction, and we want to be at the forefront and doing it the right way."