Can Jacob Trouba last more than 3 years as Rangers captain?
The New York Rangers have had 27 players proudly wear the C on their chest as team captain before announcing Jacob Trouba as number 28 in their long history.
So what type of captain will the hard-hitting defenseman 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 awhile now,” Chris Kreider said. “It’s nice to finally see that letter sewn on your jersey.”
Trouba, 28, picked up 39 points in 81 games last season for the Blueshirts and added 5 points in 20 playoff contests. He is now entering his fourth season with the team after being acquired in a trade from the Winnipeg Jets in 2019.
“I know I am ready for this. There will be challenges, we will face adversity, but I will give you all I have,” Trouba penned in a letter to the fans. “Our goal is to bring a Stanley Cup to this city. And while I can’t promise it, I can promise I will give you my entire heart trying.”
Service as New York Rangers captain
When you look back at the history of the Rangers captaincy, the average number of years to hold the honor in New York is 3.6.
Trouba can surpass that number if he lasts the duration of his contract, which has four more years remaining.
A deeper dive into Blueshirts captains shows that nine players have held the honor for two years or less. Another nine wore the C for at least three seasons.
Ryan McDonagh, the last Rangers captain, was one of four players to hold it 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 hold the captaincy for that many seasons brought a title to the Rangers.
Only Barry Beck and Bob Nevin wore the C for at least five years with no title.
Bill Cook, the first captain of the franchise and longest serving at 11 years won it twice. Art Coulter won it all in 1940, which stood for 54 years before Mark Messier ended the curse in 1994.
Messier is also the only player in Rangers history to serve as captain in two different tours. His first run lasted six seasons from 1991-1997 before he left via free agency to the Vancouver Canucks. After a three year hiatus, he returned and was captain from 2000-2004 until he retired.
Brian Leetch held the C for Messier until he returned.
| NY Rangers Captain | Years as Captain |
| Ryan McDonagh (2014-2018) | 4 |
| Ryan Callahan (2011-2014) | 3 |
| Chris Drury (2008-2011) | 3 |
| Jaromír Jágr (2006-2008) | 2 |
| Mark Messier (1991-97/2000-04) | 10 |
| Brian Leetch (1997-2000) | 3 |
| Kelly Kisio (1987-1991) | 4 |
| Ron Greschner (1986-1987) | 2 |
| Barry Beck (1981-1986) | 6 |
| Dave 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) | 7 |
| Camille Henry (1964-1965) | 2 |
| Andy Bathgate (1961-1964) | 3 |
| George “Red” Sullivan (1957-1961) | 4 |
| Harry Howell (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 |
| Art Coulter (1937-1942) | 5 |
| Bill Cook (1926-1937) | 11 |
NHL News and Rumors
- J.T. Miller and Canucks not close on new deal
- A look at the 7 NHL teams without a captain
- Golden Knights looking for a goalie with Robin Lehner out for season
- NHL Rumors: Isles have an offer for Nazem Kadri on table
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