NEW YORK — Ryan McDonagh is the new captain of the New York Rangers, replacing forward Ryan Callahan, who was traded away late last season.
McDonagh, 25, was selected as the team’s 27th captain, general manager Glen Sather announced Monday night in a news release. Fellow defensemen Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, and forwards Derek Stepan and Martin St. Louis, were chosen as alternate captains.
McDonagh is the fourth-youngest Rangers captain and the 11th defenseman to hold the title. The Rangers joined the Dallas Stars as the only teams to have three consecutive American-born captains. Chris Drury wore the ‘C’ before Callahan was given the honor in 2011.
Callahan was dealt to the Tampa Bay Lightning at last season’s trade deadline in the deal that brought St. Louis to the Rangers. New York went with a trio of alternate captains during its playoff run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Last season, McDonagh was chosen as team MVP and given the Players’ Player Award, which recognizes the Ranger who best exemplifies what it means to be a team player.
Photo via Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports Images
