March 19, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports
The New York Rangers had 27 players proudly wearing the C on their chest as team captains before announcing Jacob Trouba as number 28 in their long history.
So what kind of captain will the hard-hitting defender be? If we listen to the words of another leader and use last season as a barometer, Trouba will be a good one.
“You’ve been doing the job for a while now,” Chris Kreider said. “It’s nice to finally see that letter stitched onto your shirt.”
Trouba, 28, had 39 points in 81 games last season for the Blueshirts and added 5 points in 20 playoff games. He is now entering his fourth season with the team after being traded from the Winnipeg Jets in 2019.
“I know I’m ready for this. There will be challenges, we will face adversity, but I will give you everything I have. Trouba wrote a letter to the fans. “Our goal is to bring a Stanley Cup to this city. And although I can’t promise it, I can promise you that I’ll give you all my heart to try.
Service as captain of the New York Rangers
When you look at the history of the Rangers captaincy, the average number of years to hold the honor in New York is 3.6 years.
Trouba can exceed that number if he lasts the full term of his contract. who still has four years remaining.
A deeper dive into the Blueshirts’ captains shows nine players have held the honor for two years or less. Nine others have worn the C for at least three seasons.
Ryan McDonagh, the last Rangers captain, was one of four players to hold him for at least four seasons.
The magic number for Stanley Cups on Broadway seems to be at least five years of service. Three of the five players to captain for as many seasons have brought Rangers a title.
Only Barry Beck and Bob Nevin have worn the C for at least five years without a title.
Bill Cook, the franchise’s first and oldest captain at 11, has won it twice. Art Coulter won it all in 1940, which lasted 54 years before Mark Messier ended the curse in 1994.
Messier is also the only player in Rangers history to captain on two different tours. His first run was six seasons from 1991 to 1997 before leaving via free agency for the Vancouver Canucks. After a three-year hiatus, he returned and served as captain from 2000 to 2004 until his retirement.
Brian Leetch held the C for Messier until his return.
| New York Rangers Captain | Years as Captain |
| Ryan McDonagh (2014-2018) | 4 |
| Ryan Callahan (2011-2014) | 3 |
| Chris Drury (2008-2011) | 3 |
| Jaromir Jagr (2006-2008) | 2 |
| Marc Messier (1991-97/2000-04) | ten |
| Brian Leetch (1997-2000) | 3 |
| Kelly Kisio (1987-1991) | 4 |
| Ron Greschner (1986-1987) | 2 |
| Barry Beck (1981-1986) | 6 |
| David Maloney (1978-1980) | 3 |
| Walt Tkaczuk (1980-81) | 1 |
| Phil Esposito (1975-1978) | 3 |
| Brad Park (1974-1975) | 2 |
| Vic Hadfield (1971-1974) | 3 |
| Bob Nevin (1965-1971) | seven |
| Camille Henri (1964-1965) | 2 |
| Andy Bathgate (1961-1964) | 3 |
| George “Red” Sullivan (1957-1961) | 4 |
| Harry Howel (1955-1957) | 2 |
| Don Raleigh (1953-1955) | 2 |
| Allan Stanley (1951-1953) | 3 |
| Frank Eddolls (1950-1951) | 2 |
| Buddy O’Connor (1949-50) | 1 |
| Neil Colville (1945-48) | 4 |
| Ott Heller (1942-1945) | 3 |
| ArtCoulter (1937-1942) | 5 |
| Bill Cook (1926-1937) | 11 |
