The New York Rangers have a lot to prove coming into the 2021-22 season after missing the postseason this year and purging the front office and coaching staff toward the end of the regular season.
The team's new General Manager, Chris Drury, spoke with the media on Tuesday addressing a number of questions about what lies ahead, including whether or not the team would name a captain for the upcoming season. His response indicated that it was more likely than not.
"It's a priority, but at the end of the day, it has to be the right person," Drury said, also acknowledging that it's "a big piece" of helping the team to elevate itself to the next level.
The Rangers have no shortage of worthy candidates, including the four players who currently wear an "A" on their sweater. Those players are
Chris Kreider,
Jacob Trouba, Artemiy Panarin and Mike Zibanejad. An argument could even be made for a guy like
Ryan Strome, who enjoyed a career year in 2020-21, putting the team on his back at points during the season when the Rangers were missing Panarin due to his potential legal troubles back home in Russia.
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Beyond the veterans, the Rangers also have a potential future captain in 2020 1st-overall pick Alexis Lafrenière to consider, as well as Norris Trophy finalist
Adam Fox to consider.
Despite the fact that some are suggesting that Drury could be leaning toward
Jacob Trouba, if I had to go with my gut here, I'd suggest that
Chris Kreider is likely the early favourite. That said, I certainly wouldn't bat an eyelash if someone like Zibanejad or Panarin donned the "C" on opening night either.
Whichever way the Rangers might lean, it's safe to say that there is no shortage of potential leadership in The Big Apple.
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