When the Devils kick off the 2015-16 season by hosting the Winnipeg Jets at The Prudential Center tonight, they’ll have a new captain. Earlier today, the Devils announced that Andy Greene will be named the 11th captain in franchise history.

The 32-year old veteran defenseman is an excellent choice to lead the rebuilding Devils. After playing four years at Miami University of Ohio, he was signed as a rookie free agent. Similar to Rangers blueliner Dan Girardi, Greene has developed into a steady top pair defensive defenseman. In nearly a decade, he’s played his entire NHL career with New Jersey tallying 31 goals with 140 assists for 171 points in 559 games. That includes 45 postseason games including the club’s run to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final.

Greene takes over as captain. The Devils also tabbed Patrik Elias, Travis Zajac, Mike Cammalleri and Adam Henrique as alternates. In what could be Elias’ swan song in Newark, the franchise scoring leader starts the season on IR with a knee injury. His 1,017 points (406-611-1017) are the most in Devils history. Elias has also played in 162 playoff games posting 45 goals and 80 assists for 125 points.

The Devils host the Jets in Newark. Cory Schneider gets the start.