Sabres name 4 alternate captains

The Buffalo Sabres will begin the new season with a group of leaders.

The four-man group of Ryan O'Reilly, Zach Bogosian, Kyle Okposo, and Jack Eichel will wear the "A"s for the Sabres this season, the team announced Thursday.

The news comes just two days after the Sabres signed Eichel to an eight-year, $80-million extension, making him the face of the franchise.

Brian Gionta, who remains an unrestricted free agent, captained the Sabres for the past three seasons. O'Reilly and defenseman Josh Gorges served as alternate captains last year.