The NY Rangers could make a call on a new captain before the start of this upcoming season. While the club has several worthy candidates, one stands out, per Larry Brooks of the NY Post.
Specifically, Brooks has called for the NY Rangers to name veteran J.T. Miller as their new captain. In an August 9 piece in the Post, Brooks urges the team to anoint Miller with the C on his chest.
Miller rejoined the Rangers after spending time with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vancouver Canucks. He was the club’s first-round pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. In 2018, Miller was part of a blockbuster trade that sent him with Ryan McDonagh to the Lightning.
Since then, Miller moved on to Vancouver before being traded back to New York. Upon his return, Miller hit the ground running. He notched 13 goals and 35 points in 32 games. Moreover, his leadership on the ice has been evident. The 32-year-old provided the stability the team needed following Jacob Trouba’s departure.
Brooks argued his case by stating:
“The captain’s sweater is not just another piece of laundry. It represents the organization’s ethos. The Rangers acquired J.T. Miller to change the team culture. The 32-year-old is hard-edged and can be abrasive. That is the identity the Blueshirts should adopt.”
That hardworking ethos was something that seemed to get lost under Peter Laviolette last season. Mike Sullivan’s arrival this upcoming season promises a return to the core values that made the NY Rangers a Presidents’ Trophy team in 2023-24.
NY Rangers Face Tough Decision Regarding Captaincy
J.T. Miller is not the only candidate worthy of the captaincy on the NY Rangers’ roster. Other stars like Artemi Panarin and Adam Fox are solid choices.
Panarin’s current contract situation could hurt his candidacy. He’s entering the final year of his deal. As such, the uncertainty surrounding his future in New York could deter the NY Rangers from naming him captain.
However, if Panarin re-signed, the team could have a compelling case to name him captain.
Adam Fox, meanwhile, would be a solid choice. He’s got the experience and the leadership qualities needed to lead. Plus, his resume speaks for itself.
Then, there’s Vincent Trocheck. He could be somewhat of a dark horse candidate. But he’s another veteran player who’s shown his leadership skills and commitment to the club throughout his tenure. So, fans should hear his name ring in captaincy conversations.
Blue Shirts Could Play Season without Naming a Captain
The NY Rangers could go the entire season without naming a captain. After all, the club could be looking to avoid naming a captain for the sake of doing so. While Fox, Miller, or Trocheck would be just fine, the club may want to avoid a potentially uncomfortable situation.
Moreover, Mike Sullivan taking over this season could play a key role in delaying a captaincy decision. Sullivan may be need to see his team in action before making his choice for the C.
That situation could take several weeks, if not months, before Sullivan and GM Chris Drury feel confident in naming a new captain. As a result, the NY Rangers could run out the season before making a final call on the captaincy.
