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Who should be the next captain of the New York Rangers?

By Gregory Gullo

Jan 22, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) celebrates his goal with New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) and left wing Chris Kreider (20) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-3 in a shoot-out. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) celebrates his goal with New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) and left wing Chris Kreider (20) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period at the PPG Paints Arena. Pittsburgh won 4-3 in a shoot-out. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal at 9:49 of the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 27, 2021, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 27: Alexis Lafreniere #13 of the New York Rangers celebrates his goal at 9:49 of the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on April 27, 2021, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Skilled but young

Many Ranger fans have suggested that the team names one of its young stars to be its next captain. These names include Adam Fox, Alexis Lafrenière, Kappo Kakko and Ryan Lindgren. While all of these players are certainly talented it is way too early to give any of them leadership roles.

Lafrenière and Kakko already have enough pressure to step up into top six roles. Making either of the two captain would hinder their development and put more weight on their shoulders than they already have.

Ryan Lindgren could be a candidate because of his willingness to stand up for his teammates, but the young player that I could see making an argument for is Adam Fox.

Fox is the reigning Norris Trophy winner and has also received tons of praise from his teammates for his hockey IQ. However, it is best for him to just continue his elite play from last year and not to put any added pressure on himself.

Making a 23-year-old captain is unconventional and pressure is certainly one of the reasons why. Better that he be a potential candidate to receive an A on his sweater. That would be better for a young star such as Fox than a C.

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