Leadership Through the Eras: The Development of the New York Rangers Captaincy

Mayor Jimmy Walker Presents Hockey Trophy to Team
Mayor Jimmy Walker Presents Hockey Trophy to Team | George Rinhart/GettyImages
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We've seen Jacob Trouba leave the franchise. It's been a short tenure filled with unarrest due to his contract being worth more than the player, but the New York Rangers have a rich history of leadership, with 28 different captains throughout their history. You can see through the eras the kind of players this great organization and franchise have attracted. This franchise has changed the course of history in the NHL, and the leaders of these teams reflect this.

So, how have the players leading the Blueshirts changed through the years? While Jacob Trouba wasn't the most outstanding player, several players that have donned the captaincy of the Rangers have ventured into the hall of game, but being a great player doesn't mean you're a great leader. Some great players have been great leaders, but some aren't fantastic with the puck, and some of the best Rangers ever didn't wear the "C."

I wanted to look backward as we discuss who the next Rangers captain might be. There are debates about who should take over the leadership role at the core. Adam Fox, Chris Kreider, and Vincent Trocheck are candidates to replace some of the most outstanding leaders in the franchise's history. Still, there will be younger fans who do not know anything before Ryan Callahan or perhaps even just Ryan McDonagh. Let's change that.

So, let's change that. There have been several eras of the New York Rangers captaincy, and the Blueshirts remain one of the iconic franchises in the NHL. Each captain has had something that has made them stand out. Some have become league icons, and a few will be names you recognize hanging from the rafters at Madison Square Garden, but their tenures as captains of the New York Rangers may be forgotten by any modern-day fans.

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