The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio, United States. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Blue Jackets began play in 2000 as an expansion franchise. As of May 2011, 173 players have appeared in at least one game with the Blue Jackets: 15 goaltenders and 158 skaters (forwards and defensemen).
Five players have served as the Blue Jackets' captain. Each NHL team may select a captain, who has the "sole privilege of discussing with the referee any questions relating to interpretation of rules which may arise during the progress of a game".[1] [2] Captains are required to wear the letter "C" on their uniform for identification, which is 3inches in height.[1] Lyle Odelein was named the team's first captain in the inaugural season of 2000–01. Rick Nash, the second-most recent captain, is the team's franchise goal scoring leader.[3] The captaincy is currently held by Boone Jenner.