The Edmonton Oilers have solidified their leadership group for the 2017-18 season, naming Adam Larsson an Alternate Captain. In doing so, Larsson has become the first Swede in Oilers history to have a letter on his jersey.

Larsson will join Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic as guys with an “A” while Connor McDavid continues to rock the “C” on his chest. RNH and Lucic were alternates last year along with Jordan Eberle, who was dealt to the New York Islanders over the off-season.

According to Todd McLellan, the three captains and the team’s coaching staff were unanimous in giving Larsson the honour.

When Eberle was dealt, I assumed Leon Draisaitl was going to be given the new “A”, but Larsson certainly isn’t a wrong choice. It also says a lot about what the team and organization feel about the rugged defender.

When the Oilers acquired Larsson in a one-for-one swap for Taylor Hall last summer, it was met with a lot of shock and some disappointment. But it didn’t take long for Larsson to endear himself to the fanbase, and, clearly, the rest of his teammates.

Larsson played in 79 games last season, bringing a calming presence to the Oilers blueline alongside countryman Oscar Klefbom. Then, in the playoffs, he stepped up and looked like a top defender. He plays hard in front of the net and always sticks up for Cam Talbot when opposing players get physical in the crease. It doesn’t seem like much when you’re watching on TV, but stuff like that goes a long way in a dressing room.