The New York Rangers have a slew a major decisions to make this off-season, including whether or not to name a new captain, and, if so, which player should wear the "C" moving forward.
After Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6, the Rangers went without a captain the rest of the season, with alternates Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider the letter wearers and de-facto leaders.
The Rangers could go the same route this season, with four players wearing the "A" and no one named captain. Remember, the Rangers went four years between Ryan McDonagh in 2018 and Trouba in 2022 without naming a captain . So, there is precedent within the organization for that approach.
But it feels like general manager Chris Drury, a former Rangers captain himself from 2008-11, prefers the more traditional set up regarding the leadership group. He may also want to shake up that leadership core a bit, and it's unlikely — for various reasons — that any of the four returning letter wearers will be named captain.
That opens the door for two players, who helped fill the leadership voice after Trouba was traded. One is Vincent Trocheck, the other is his buddy J.T. Miller.
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Leadership is something that comes naturally to Trocheck, who'll be 32 next season and has three years remaining on his contract . It's also a role he embraces, whether publicly or behind the scenes
Trocheck was asked about stepping up as a leader and the pressure that comes with that on Rangers break-up day . His response impresed.
"I wouldn't even look at it as pressure. I want to – I want to be part of the reason we do right the ship," Trocheck explained .
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Trocheck plays for the name on the front of the jersey. He isn't chasing the spotlight, he's the one doing the dirty work. Whether battling in the corners, blocking a shot, hustling to back-check, or sticking up for a teammate, Trocheck is always first in line. That's leading by example. It's a part of Trocheck's DNA.
He's willing to stir things up on the ice to fire up the bench, an edge that not every player has to their game. Even when things aren't going well, Trocheck holds himself accountable, backs up his teammates, and doesn't let the moment get too big — an overall attitude that is also "C" worthy.
His intensity, fire and passion burns. Trocheck wears his heart on his sleeve and is the true definition of heart-and-soul Ranger.
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Whether it's in the locker room, on the bench, or in an interview, Trocheck is a respected voice on the Rangers roster. And after Trouba departed, Trocheck stepped up as the go-to spokesman among the players. Even during the worst of times this past season, Trocheck made himself available to the media to answer hard questions in a direct, honest manner.
By taking on that sometimes uncomfortable task, Trocheck made life easier for his teammates, who quite often didn't have to answer the tough questions because of his selflessness. You better believe Trocheck's teammates appreciate that quality.
On the ice, Trocheck is constantly directing traffic, getting teammates fired up, encouraging the younger ones, and chirping opponents. His energy is unmatched on the Rangers.
Being a longtime friend of Miller's is a plus, as well. The respected and intense veteran would have Trocheck's back, and the two would form the heart of New York's leadership group. They would set the standard together, with Miller likely more comfortable if Trocheck was in the spotlight as captain instead of him.
Trocheck isn't just respected inside the Rangers locker room, he's respected around the League. Former coaches have praised his commitment, intensity, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. From Flordia, to Carolina, and now New York, Trocheck built a reputation as somebody coaches and teammates can trust and rely on.
Inside the locker room, the respect is just has strong. Teammates look up to him, not just because he speaks up, but because he backs it up. Trockeck earns his flowers through his play, and when he talks, people listen.
