Analysts Call For Rangers to Name Surprising New Captain: It Is Not Adam Fox or Artemi Panarin

The New York Rangers moved Jacob Trouba last season, and now The Hockey News have called for Vincent Trocheck to be named as his replacement.

The past 18 months have been absolutely chaotic for the New York Rangers, and in that time, they've completely transformed the makeup of their team, trading veterans like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider while also dealing Filip Chytil and Kaapo Kakko, players that were once seen as crucial to the future of the team.

Despite moving out all this talent, the Rangers are still set up for success in 2025/26, and while there's a few lineup related things they need to work out in season one under Mike Sullivan, perhaps the most important thing is naming a new captain.

Many expected veteran Chris Kreider to be named captain after dealing Jacob Trouba, but now that he's joined the defenseman in Anaheim, there's several candidates for the role, with the expectation being that a star like Artemi Panarin or Adam Fox or even the returning J.T. Miller could find their way into the job.

Now however, The Hockey News have put forth a very intriguing candidate in Vincent Trocheck, who was clearly beloved by his teammates and the fans in New York even through a tough 2024/25 campaign, becoming a fantastic option for the role.

In their latest piece, these are the five reasons given by The Hockey News as to why it should be Trocheck as opposed to one of the other players for such a critical role;

1. Leadership comes naturally for Trocheck. It's a role he embraces both publicly and privately.

2. He is highly respected in the Rangers locker room. Vinny has built a reputation as someone who is reliable.

3. He is a vocal leader. Trocheck is always willing to speak, a quality trait for your captain to obtain.

4. Trocheck talks the talk but he also walks the walk. From offensive production, to corner battles, to blocking shots, to sticking up for his teammates, you know who you will find in the middle of the action.

5. He is a positive influence on younger players. He took Will Cuylle under his wing, which proved successful. Gabe Perreault could learn a thing or two from a guy like Trocheck.

Some fans have called for this in recent times as well, and now, with Trocheck likely to be the top line centre in 2025/26, he may be taking on some extra responsibility too.