New York Rangers veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba opens up about being the captain of the Rangers, even after all the trade talk.![]()
Trouba shares a storied history of players who wore the "C" including Mark Messier, Ryan McDonagh, Ryan Callahan, and even GM Chris Drury.
Knowing the deep history of the leadership it entails, when it was placed on his jersey he was excited.
«There was obviously excitement,» Trouba said on being named captain. «It was something that I wanted at the time, so to achieve something I wanted to achieve was fulfilling and it was kind of the start of the journey and then I actually started doing the job.»
Trouba has to lead by example and vocalize when the team needs to wake up when playing subpar hockey. That's just the job and the pressure behind it.
«When times are not as great you gotta step up and say something and be a leader They kind of feed into each other, the way you play and the way you carry yourself,» Trouba said. «Just the way you act day-to-day. It's pretty natural being yourself, you can't really force it. You can't be fake about it, it's pretty genuine. Most people can see right through it, so kind of being yourself everyday and be who you are.»
Last season the 30-year-old Captain won the Mark Messier NHL leadership award for players who epitomize leadership in the league. Trouba won it by showing his leadership abilities on and off the ice.
He and his wife Kelly, who has epilepsy, founded the Trouba Creative Expressions Art Program to help connect adults with epilepsy and seizures with art therapist. The couple also took part in promoting the NHL and NHL Players' Association's Hockey Fights Cancer initiative to encourage people to get regular screenings.
What does Trouba think makes him the best Captain for the Rangers at this point in his career?
«I think I am true to myself I guess and who I am,» Trouba said about his leadership qualities. «I think that's how people know me. Just build relationships with everybody and stay true to myself.»,
Since he arrived in the NHL the Rangers have been perennial playoff contenders, which doesn't seem coincidental at all. The team is led by the best.
«I think he's done a fantastic job in that aspect,» Peter Laviolette said. «Our team has been a top team in the league and I do think you need good character, good quality leadership inside of a room and it definitely starts with him. He's done an excellent job.»
The gravity of Trouba's position in as Captain of an original-six team cannot be appreciated enough.
He truly appreciates the ability to be a leader for one of the best teams in the NHL and doesn't take it for granted.
«It was something that I thought a lot about as a kid,» Trouba said about being one of the few captains in the NHL. «Growing up, leadership has always been something I've been interested in, learning more about and watching from other people. It's definitely an honor. There are only so many around the league and to get the opportunity is pretty special.»
This season will be the greatest of the Captain's career if the Rangers can secure a Stanley Cup. Even then, being the 26th Captain of the New York Rangers is something you try your best to hold on to.
