Since the trade deadline, the New York Rangers have faced numerous questions:
Who';s staying? Who's leaving? How will the team look after the draft lottery?
How will a new coaching staff flip the script and turn the franchise around?

Over the course of the offseason, many of these questions have been answered.
Veterans such as Ryan McDonagh and Rick Nash have been ushered out. Henrik
Lundqvist has stated unequivocally that he intends to stay with the club. The
team made history through the draft, selecting three players in the first round
 for the first time in franchise history. The new coaching staff has a proven
track record, not to mention past relationships with multiple players on the
roster.

While the puck has yet to be dropped on the 2018-19 season, fans can breathe a
small sigh of relief. After so much uncertainty the team has finally begun to
take shape. However, there is one question that is still being asked: Who will
be the next captain?

Or, more importantly, do they need one right now?Ushering in a New Era

The Rangers needed to make a change. That much was made clear after the
disappointment of last season, with the club missing the playoffs for the first
 time in eight years. The team's championship window had finally closed. In
response, management sent an open letter to the fanbase, warning them of the
adjustments to come. From that point on, the rebuild was in full effect.

At the trade deadline, the Rangers lived up to their promise, shipping out
numerous familiar faces, including their captain, McDonagh, who was dealt to
the Tampa Bay Lightning. It marked the second time in four years that the
Rangers had traded their captain to the Lightning at the deadline, Ryan
Callahan was traded in 2014.Former New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh.
(Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

In the offseason, the club put itself back together, piece by piece. On May 23,
 former Boston University bench boss David Quinn was hired as the new head
coach and right from the start, he faced questions about candidates for the
position. In a conversation with NHL.com, Quinn made it clear that it wasn't a
must, saying:

"We've talked about it as an organization. I think a captain emerges. You don't
 want to put a burden on somebody that isn't ready for it. So, I think that
will just happen one way or the other. It either will happen that someone will
emerge and separate themselves as someone who is clearly going to be the
captain, or it won't happen. I think that will take care of itself."

Still, there are a few Rangers players that come to mind that may fit the
description.Mats Zuccarello

One of the Rangers'; most popular players, the 30-year-old has been a mainstay
since the 2012-13 season. The Broadway Blueshirt is the only NHL jersey the
Norwegian has ever donned. He has also consistently been one of the Rangers';
top producers, leading the team in points in each of the previous three
seasons.Mats Zuccarello has led the Rangers in points in each of the last three
 seasons. (Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports)

While he lacks Steven Stamkos or Connor McDavid';s flare, his work ethic and
reliability have made him admired in any locker room. Should a captain be named
 this season, don';t be surprised if Zuccarello gets the nod.Chris Kreider

Following an injury-riddled season, where he was forced to watch the implosion
of his team from the press box, Kreider is back at 100%. Rejuvenated, he brings
 his positive outlook to each and every game while registering 20+ goals more
often than not. Kreider is crucial to the Rangers core and the winger has a
history with Quinn, which makes him, potentially, an important factor in the
team's acceptance of the new coach's system.Brady Skjei

Skej is the most unlikely of candidates. Touted as one of the Rangers' future
stars, the 24-year-old defenseman averaged just over 21 minutes of ice time per
 game last season and has been vocal about the club's younger players stepping
up. If management wants to re-enforce the notion that there is a youth movement
 underway in Manhattan, Skjei could become the message, as captain. With the
ink still drying on a new six-year deal, he's pencilled in long-term.To Captain
 or Not to Captain?

While the Rangers have enough talent to name a captain, why bother? Naming a
captain doesn';t ensure success. In fact, given the way things have ended for
the last two players to wear the C, it may bring the opposite for whoever is
chosen.

Analyzing the changes made this offseason, it comes down to youth. The younger,
 faster players, will be looked to in order to right the ship and to bring many
 deep postseason runs. But, those things take time. Rookies and less-tenured
Rangers will go through an adjustment period, dealing with the pressures of the
 NHL. On top of that, they will be doing so under a microscope in Rangerstown.
Do they really need the burden of the captaincy as well?Brady Skjei, New York
Rangers, Mar. 22, 2018. (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

There is no doubt that Zuccarello or Kreider (or any veteran for that matter)
would be fine choices for the captaincy. However, if the goal of the rebuild is
 to make major changes, why not let this season play out, at least in part,
before thrusting it upon a player? Quinn doesn';t think it's necessary.

And, there's a team in Toronto that's enjoyed a turn-around in recent years
without a captain of their own. Why not do the same? What's the harm?
Ultimately, the team will do whatever it feels is best moving forward. If that
includes naming a captain in the near future, great! If it doesn't, perfect.

When it comes to naming the 29th captain in New York Rangers history, just
relax. It's bound to happen at some point.

 

The post Rangers Shouldn';t Rush Filling Vacant Captaincy appeared first on The
 Hockey Writers.

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