Though many believed the Rangers would choose a captain prior to this season, they opted to go with four alternates instead. During the first half of the season, it seemed Chris Kreider was emerging as the true leader. However, as the Rangers enter the final weeks of the regular season it appears Jacob Trouba could be making a case of his own.
Streaky Chris Kreider was there when the Rangers needed him
The Rangers had a very slow start to the season with their veterans struggling. That included Mika Zibanejad. During the first half of the season, Artemi Panarin also took a leave of absence due to a political hit job.