Coach Paul MacLean introduced Spezza as captain, saying that while each player on the team is expected to lead the leadership group was expected to represent that leadership as well as the team's management and coaching staff. He also offered the fact that that Spezza is a 'family man' who had chosent to put down roots in Ottawa as a factor in the decision to make him Captain - likely an important point as the franchise begins the process of wooing Spezza into staying with the team when his contract expires in a couple of seasons.

Spezza, who found out about the choice at the morning practice, said that being captain of an NHL team was a childhood dream come true, and said the thing that excited him most was the chance to work closely with 'Philly and Neiler' in the leadership roles. He credited Daniel Alfredsson by name for setting an example of how to be Captain, and how a Captain is expected to carry himself in the community - but he also said they've always lead together, and that makes him feel comfortable in the role as a natural step forward. He said childhood idols like Steve Yzerman and Mario Lemieux were also examples, and said he see's Yzerman as "an offensive guy like me, who went on to win Stanley Cups as the Captain of his team."