Fisher, Neil Among Worthy Candidates for Ottawa Senators' Assistant Captaincy

Over the years the Ottawa Senators have been criticized for a lack of leadership on and off the ice—and with Dany Heatley's trade request there could quite possibly be an opening for a new assistant captain.

Whether or not Heatley is dealt before the upcoming season there's no question that coach Cory Clouston will tear the 'A' right off No. 15's jersey should he attend training camp in September.

Heatley was named assistant captain last fall under Craig Hartsburg who was relieved of his coaching duties 48 games into a three-year contract. After Clouston took over the team's play improved heavily as Heatley's role was minimized.

Quite frankly, this could potentially change the culture of the team as a whole.

The Senators have been looked at as a soft team in recent memory. Though they have had the pieces of an offensive powerhouse they have never possessed the toughness and grit necessary to be a successful playoff team.

The 2007 Stanley Cup Finals clearly demonstrated will over skill as the trio of Heatley, Jason Spezza, and Daniel Alfredsson were outplayed by the likes of Samuel Pahlsson, Travis Moen, and Rob Niedermayer.

Here's the look at some of the players in Ottawa who can step in and fill a leadership role in 2009-10:

Mike Fisher 

Fisher is one of the more likely candidates on the list. He has worn the 'A' and 'C' before in the absence of other captains and has been an integral part of this team during the past few seasons.

Though he has not put up stunning offensive numbers he is a reliable two-way forward who never takes a shift off. His work ethic alone would be enough to put a letter on his jersey sooner rather than later.

Chris Neil

Like many fans I was bothered by the fact that Chris Neil was not under contract heading into the free-agency period.

Neil is as solid as they come, both on the ice and in the dressing room. Though his potential is maxed out as a third-line winger his determination is unparalleled by anybody on the Senators roster. If the Sens' brass are considering rebuilding this is one of the guys that you would want around your youngsters in upcoming years.

Jason Spezza

This may strike many as a surprise seeing as Spezza has been very inconsistent over the last two seasons. But if Heatley is moved before the season begins coach Clouston will definitely consider Spezza to assume the role of a leader.

During the Heatley saga Spezza has shown signs of maturation. In interviews about his friend's trade request—as well as being left off the olympic orientation roster—he has stated that his will to improve as a complete player has risen. His play at the World Championship this spring could back up that sentiment.

Anton Volchenkov

We all know the big Russian defenseman for his bone-crushing hits and willingness to block shots.

Unfortunately, that's all we know.

The man known as the "A-Train" is a pretty quiet guy and his work often goes unheralded. He has been part of the Senators' top shutdown unit with Chris Phillips and lays it on the line (literally) every game. You can slap a letter on his chest and I don't think anybody would complain.

Jason Smith

Smith is a veteran player who is a proven leader. If this were 10 years ago, he would be a sure bet to wear the 'A' for the Senators.

The Calgary native is turning 36 in February and has a $2.6 million cap hit. There is a good chance he could be dealt, or even bought out by the Senators to make room along the blueline.

The Sens currently have seven defenseman signed heading into next season and Erik Karlsson could also crack the top six. This may lead to Smith being the odd man out come October.

Who do you think should be assistant captain? Leave your thoughts and opinions as well as your candidate(s) for the position.