Five Possibilities for the New York Rangers’ Captaincy in 2025-26
The New York Rangers have long been a storied franchise in the NHL, known for their passionate fan base, rich history, and commitment to excellence. Central to any team’s identity is its captain—a leader both on and off the ice who embodies the team’s values, inspires teammates, and carries the mantle of responsibility during pivotal moments. As the Rangers look toward the 2025-26 season, the question of who will wear the “C” remains a topic of intense speculation.
In this article, we explore five primary possibilities for the Rangers’ captaincy in 2025-26, analyzing their current status, leadership qualities, and potential to lead the franchise into its next chapter.
Adam Fox, the reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman, has established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic blue-liners. Drafted 66th overall in 2016 by the Rangers, Fox’s rise to stardom was marked by his exceptional hockey IQ, skating ability, and leadership qualities. Since becoming a full-time NHL player in 2019, Fox has been a cornerstone of the Rangers’ defensive unit.
Fox’s leadership is rooted in his intelligence, work ethic, and calm demeanor. He is known for his poise under pressure and his ability to elevate teammates’ play—traits essential for a captain. Despite his relatively young age (born in 1998), Fox exudes maturity and professionalism beyond his years, often serving as a voice of reason in the locker room.
Should Fox continue his development trajectory, he is a prime candidate to assume the captaincy. His style of play aligns with the modern NHL captain—skilled, cerebral, and respected by peers. If the Rangers prioritize a defenseman as captain, Fox’s name rises to the top of the list.
The main challenge for Fox is his age—by 2025-26, he will be only 27 or 28, still relatively young for a captaincy role. However, some teams have successfully appointed younger leaders, especially if they demonstrate maturity and leadership beyond their years. His continued growth and leadership within the team will influence the decision.
Mika Zibanejad, the Swedish center, has been a pivotal figure for the Rangers since his arrival in 2016. Known for his scoring ability, leadership, and work ethic, Zibanejad has evolved into the team’s offensive anchor and a natural leader in the locker room.
Zibanejad’s leadership is characterized by his professionalism, dedication, and resilience. He’s spoken openly about his commitment to winning and his desire to elevate the team’s culture. His experience as a captain with the Swedish national team and his role as a veteran presence in the locker room lend credibility to his candidacy.
If the Rangers seek a captain with proven NHL leadership and offensive prowess, Zibanejad might be the ideal candidate. His age (born in 1993) positions him as a mature leader, and his playing style commands respect. As a consistent point producer and team leader, Zibanejad could provide stability and experience during the franchise’s next phase.
While Zibanejad is respected, some may argue that his style is more about leading by example rather than vocal leadership. The decision could also hinge on whether the organization feels he is best suited to be the face of the franchise long-term or prefers a different profile for captaincy.
Artemi Panarin, the talented Russian winger, arrived in New York in 2019 and quickly became a fan favorite. His exceptional skill, vision, and creativity make him one of the most exciting players in the league. While he is not the traditional vocal leader, his influence on the ice and in the locker room is undeniable.
Panarin’s leadership style is more influence-driven than authoritative. He leads by example through his play and work ethic. Known for his positive attitude and team-first mentality, Panarin has earned respect from teammates and coaches alike.
If the Rangers want a captain who embodies flair, creativity, and a modern leadership style, Panarin could be a candidate. His popularity and influence could translate into a captaincy that emphasizes inspiration and culture-building.
However, Panarin’s background as a non-native English speaker and his less vocal leadership style might be considered less traditional for a captaincy role. Additionally, the team’s existing leadership structure and whether they see him as the long-term face of the franchise will influence this possibility.
Both Caco and Lafrenière represent the future of the Rangers. Selected early in the 2019 and 2020 drafts respectively, they are seen as the next generation of franchise players.
– **Kaapo Caco** (born in 1999) has shown flashes of high-end skill and physicality, with the potential to develop into a top-line winger.
– **Alexis Lafrenière** (born in 2002), the first overall pick in 2020, has faced challenges but possesses elite talent and leadership qualities.
While still early in their careers, both players have demonstrated maturity and a willingness to lead. Lafrenière, in particular, has shown resilience and a team-first attitude, earning respect in the locker room.
It’s conceivable that the Rangers could opt to develop a “leadership by example” approach with their young core, eventually naming one of these players as captain once they have matured and proven their leadership skills.
Both Caco and Lafrenière are still developing physically and mentally. Their suitability for captaincy will depend on their growth over the next few seasons and how the organization perceives their readiness to lead.
While the previous four candidates are internally developed or current players, the Rangers might consider an external appointment—either by promoting an experienced veteran or bringing in a new leadership figure.
– **Ryan Reaves:** The enforcer and locker room presence, Reaves is highly respected for his leadership and mentorship qualities.
– **A veteran free agent signing:** The Rangers could target a seasoned leader known for their leadership qualities, such as a former captain or respected veteran.
This approach is common in the NHL when a franchise seeks immediate leadership impact or cultural change. A veteran outsider can bring a different perspective, experience, and gravitas to the locker room.
External appointments can sometimes disrupt existing team chemistry, especially if the player isn’t a long-term part of the organization. The Rangers would need to weigh whether such a signing aligns with their future plans.
The quest to identify the next captain for the New York Rangers by the 2025-26 season involves weighing various factors: leadership style, age, team culture, and future potential. Here’s a brief recap of the five possibilities:
| Candidate | Current Position | Strengths | Potential Challenges |
|————–|———————|————–|————————|
| **Adam Fox** | Defenseman | Intelligent, calm, respected | Young age for captaincy, still developing as a leader |
| **Mika Zibanejad** | Center | Experienced, prolific scorer, veteran presence | More of a quiet leader, traditional vs. modern style debate |
| **Artemi Panarin** | Winger | Charismatic, creative, influential | Less vocal, language considerations |
| **Caco / Lafrenière** | Wingers | Young, high upside, leadership potential | Still maturing, need more time to prove leadership qualities |
| **External Veteran** | Free agent / outsider | Experience, immediate impact | Cultural fit, long-term plans |
Several factors will influence the team’s choice:
– **Player Development:** How Caco and Lafrenière progress will impact whether they’re ready for leadership roles.
– **Organizational Philosophy:** Whether the Rangers prioritize a veteran leader or focus on internal development.
– **Team Success:** A competitive team that contends for the Stanley Cup might lean toward established leadership.
– **Player Maturity and Leadership Growth:** The emergence of new leaders within the locker room or the rise of alternative candidates.
The Rangers are at a pivotal moment. With a talented core of young stars, seasoned veterans, and promising prospects, they have the ingredients for sustained success. The captaincy will be a crucial symbol of their identity, values, and aspirations.
While it’s impossible to predict with certainty who will wear the “C” in 2025-26, the possibilities are exciting. Whether it’s the steady, cerebral Adam Fox, the resilient Mika Zibanejad, the charismatic Artemi Panarin, or a rising star like Lafrenière, the next captain will embody the spirit of a franchise committed to excellence.
As the team continues to build and evolve, one thing is clear: leadership will remain at the heart of the New York Rangers’ quest for another Stanley Cup. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely in the coming seasons, eager to see who emerges as the ultimate leader to take the franchise forward.
