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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 – MARCH 22: Mika Zibanejad #93and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrate their 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 22: Mika Zibanejad #93and Chris Kreider #20 of the New York Rangers celebrate their 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres at Madison Square Garden on March 22, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

The top candidates

There are only a couple of players who are worthy of the captainship and there is one who truly deserves it. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad are the two longest-tenured players with the Rangers.

Mika Zibanejad would have more of a case to be captain if he was not set to become a free agent next year. The Rangers are in talks to lock him long-term so he should be a Ranger for the foreseeable future.

But until both sides agree to a deal, Zibanejad will hit the open market in 2022. Nonetheless, Mika Zibanejad is an amazing player who brings consistent skill and electricity to the Rangers with 50 points during the COVID shortened season and 75 points in 57 games in 2019-2020. Expect him to have the A on his sweater this season.

Kreider has been with the team since their 2012 playoff run. He has scored some of the most iconic goals in franchise history including his game-tying playoff goal in 2015 against the Washington Capitals with the season on the line.

Kreider has always been there for the new young talent that the Rangers bring in. When former Ranger Pavel Buchnevich first came to North America and into the NHL, Kreider, who speaks Russian, helped Buchnevich learn English.

Without Kreider’s help, Buchnevich may not have become an NHL regular and the language barrier may have permanently hindered his development. However, because of Chris Kreider’s leadership to be there for his teammates, Buchnevich became a top-six forward for the Rangers until he was ultimately traded during the offseason to St.Louis.

Even today, Chris Kreider continues to support young and coming players. He was seen attending the Rangers development camp and supporting his potential new teammates. He is also the only NHL player to attend the camp thus far.

There is no better option to serve as the Rangers’ Captain than Chris Kreider. His long-term contract means he will be with the Rangers until 2027.  With his great play, leadership, and respect within the organization, there is no better option for the next leader of the New York Rangers.

Must Read. Some more candidates for a tryout. light

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