Ryan McDonagh may be named New York Rangers’ captain
By Phil Watson
According to a report, New York Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh is the odds-on choice to be named the new captain of the Blueshirts when training camp opens later this week.
The New York Daily News reported that McDonagh, who was one of two players the Rangers sent to the NHL’s season-opening media tour last week, was selected because he’s about to get the promotion.
McDonagh said he’s ready to take the job if selected.
"“I think I’ve progressed into being a go-to guy, someone teammates can look up to and someone they can count on,” McDonagh said. “I think guys see I’m willing to do whatever it takes to win. It’s a big responsibility, too. It’s not just about on the ice but how you carry yourself off of it and represent the organization.”"
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The captaincy has been vacant since Ryan Callahan was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning last spring.
McDonagh had 14 goals and 43 points last season for the Rangers and added four goals and 17 points as New York made a run to the Stanley Cup Final last season.
McDonagh was the 12th overall pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2007 Entry Draft and his rights were dealt to the Rangers in June 2009 along with Chris Higgins and Pavel Valentenko in exchange for Scott Gomez, Tom Pyatt and Michael Busto.
The Minnesota native played three seasons at the University of Wisconsin before signing with the Rangers in 2010.