Peter Laviolette suggests two players who could be named New York Rangers’ next captain

The New York Rangers are in the midst of a new era under head coach Peter Laviolette, who has inherited a team with high expectations, a talented roster, and a desire for leadership. One of the most pressing questions surrounding the Rangers is who will succeed the iconic Ryan McDonagh as the team’s next captain. McDonagh, a steady and dependable leader for many years, was traded away in 2018, leaving the Rangers without a permanent captain ever since.

For the better part of a half-decade, the Rangers have been without a captain, relying on alternate captains and a group-based leadership model. However, with the team’s young stars maturing and the franchise looking to make a serious playoff push, it seems like the time has come for the Rangers to name their next captain. Recently, head coach Peter Laviolette hinted at two players who he believes could be candidates to wear the “C” for the Rangers.

In this article, we will dive into Laviolette’s suggestions, evaluate the candidates, and explore the broader context of the Rangers’ leadership situation.

Peter Laviolette’s Comments: The Search for Leadership

In a recent interview, Peter Laviolette, who took over as head coach of the Rangers in 2023, discussed the importance of leadership and what it means for a team to have a designated captain. While Laviolette didn’t directly name the next captain in his comments, he did offer two players who could potentially fill that role.

“I think there are two guys on this roster who really stand out in terms of leadership qualities,” Laviolette said. “They’ve both been leaders in their own way, and they each bring something unique to the table. It’s about finding the right fit for this team, and I think those two guys would be at the top of that list.”

While Laviolette did not explicitly identify the two candidates, his remarks sent the hockey world into a frenzy of speculation. The Rangers have a wealth of leadership potential on their roster, and it’s clear that Laviolette sees two players in particular as prime candidates to wear the “C.” So, who are these two players, and why might they be the best choices to lead the Rangers into the future?

Candidate 1: Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin, the Rangers’ star winger and one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, is a strong candidate for the captaincy. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players. With his electrifying skill, playmaking ability, and high hockey IQ, Panarin is a player who can change the course of a game in an instant.

But what makes Panarin a potential captain is not just his offensive prowess. Over the years, Panarin has become a vocal presence in the Rangers’ locker room. His commitment to his teammates, his work ethic, and his ability to elevate others around him are qualities that make him a natural leader. Panarin is respected by his peers for the way he approaches the game and his willingness to step up in big moments.

Panarin’s leadership style is often described as calm and collected, but it is also rooted in the passion he plays with. While he may not be the most vocal player on the ice, his performance speaks volumes. Panarin is a player who leads by example, showing his teammates the level of commitment and skill required to be successful at the highest level.

However, the question surrounding Panarin as captain has always been whether his more reserved personality would fit with the traditional image of a captain. While he is respected in the locker room, he has never been the most outwardly vocal leader, especially when compared to other potential candidates who are more demonstrative in their leadership.

Despite this, Panarin’s influence on the ice and in the locker room cannot be understated. His consistency, dedication, and ability to perform under pressure make him a strong candidate for the role of captain. If Laviolette sees Panarin as someone who can continue to grow into a more vocal leadership role, he could very well be the Rangers’ next captain.

Candidate 2: Jacob Trouba

Jacob Trouba, the Rangers’ captaincy frontrunner, is another strong contender for the role. The hard-hitting defenseman, who was named an alternate captain shortly after joining the Rangers in 2019, is one of the most vocal and physical leaders on the team. Trouba is known for his physical presence, his leadership in the defensive zone, and his ability to inspire his teammates through sheer effort and intensity.

As a leader, Trouba is not afraid to speak his mind, and he has shown a willingness to hold his teammates accountable. He has the kind of in-your-face leadership style that often makes an impact in the locker room. Trouba is the type of player who gets in front of the net, blocks shots, and does whatever it takes to make life difficult for the opposition. His commitment to playing hard every night is infectious, and his leadership has been widely praised by teammates and coaches alike.

One of the most memorable moments of Trouba’s leadership came in the 2021 playoffs, when he delivered a massive open-ice hit on the Boston Bruins’ Brendan Carlo, setting the tone for the Rangers’ physical play. Trouba is not just about big hits, however. He is also a steadying presence on the blue line, capable of playing in all situations, whether it be on the penalty kill or in high-pressure moments late in games.

Despite his leadership qualities, some have questioned whether Trouba’s more physical style is best suited for the captaincy. His role as a defenseman often means he is less involved in offensive situations, and there are concerns that he might not have the same offensive influence on the ice as other potential candidates like Panarin. Additionally, some question whether Trouba’s brash leadership style could rub some teammates the wrong way.

Nevertheless, Trouba’s leadership presence is undeniable, and his ability to elevate his game in important situations makes him a strong candidate for the captaincy. His physical play, combined with his accountability and passion, makes him an ideal fit for a team that values hard work and resilience.

Comparing Panarin and Trouba: The Leadership Debate

So, what is the case for and against each candidate? Let’s break it down further.

Artemi Panarin: The Offensive Leader

• Strengths: Panarin is one of the most talented players in the league. His ability to make plays, create scoring chances, and score goals makes him an undeniable asset to the Rangers. His leadership style is calm, but effective, and his influence on the ice cannot be overstated.
• Weaknesses: Panarin’s reserved nature and lack of overt vocal leadership could be seen as a limitation for the role of captain. As captain, a player is often expected to take charge in the locker room and hold others accountable. Panarin has not been known for being the most vocal leader, which raises questions about his fit for the captaincy.

Jacob Trouba: The Physical Presence

• Strengths: Trouba is a natural-born leader who thrives on being vocal, physical, and emotionally invested in every game. His leadership on the ice is evident, as he plays with intensity and consistently holds himself and his teammates to a high standard. His physical style and accountability make him a perfect fit for a team that emphasizes grit and defensive responsibility.
• Weaknesses: While Trouba’s leadership is undeniable, some may question whether a defenseman should be the team’s captain. He does not have the same offensive influence as Panarin, which could be a factor in the debate. Additionally, Trouba’s brash leadership style may not resonate with every player on the team.

The Bigger Picture: What the Rangers Need in a Captain

Ultimately, the Rangers need a captain who can bring the team together, lead both on and off the ice, and be a representative figure for the franchise. The next captain must be someone who embodies the identity of the team and can rally the troops when times get tough.

The Rangers are entering a critical period of their rebuild, with a group of talented young players who are looking to make a deep playoff run. The captaincy needs to go to someone who can not only perform on the ice but also provide guidance and leadership to the team’s next generation of stars.

Given their unique leadership styles, Panarin and Trouba each bring different qualities to the table. While Panarin may be a more reserved, skill-driven leader, Trouba’s physicality, vocal leadership, and defensive presence make him an ideal fit for a team that values grit and accountability. Both players have earned the respect of their teammates, and it’s clear that Laviolette sees them as key figures moving forward.

The Future of the Rangers’ Leadership

Peter Laviolette’s comments have thrown the spotlight on two of the Rangers’ most important players: Artemi Panarin and Jacob Trouba. Both players have demonstrated leadership qualities throughout their careers, but choosing the next captain of the Rangers will depend on which qualities the team values most in its leader.

Will the Rangers go with the offensive brilliance and quiet leadership of Panarin, or will they turn to the vocal, physical presence of Trouba to lead them into the future? Only time will tell, but it’s clear that the future of the Rangers’ leadership is in capable hands, with both Panarin and Trouba standing out as potential candidates for the coveted “C.”

Let me know if you’d like any adjustments or additional details about specific aspects of the Rangers’ leadership situation!