Ryan McDonagh named New York Rangers captain
The New York Rangers named 25-year-old defenseman Ryan McDonagh their captain for the 2014-15 season, the team announced Monday night.
McDonagh is the 27th captain in team history. He's the fourth-youngest captain in team history and the 11th defenseman to earn the title. He replaces Ryan Callahan, who was traded from the team late last season. Fellow defensemen Dan Girardi and Marc Staal, as well as forwards Derek Stepan and Martin St. Louis, were selected as alternate captains.
“Ryan McDonagh exemplifies what we want a New York Ranger to be,” Glen Sather, the Rangers' president and general manager, said in a statement. “He has earned the respect of his teammates through his commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice, and the passion with which he plays on a consistent basis. He is the ideal choice to lead our team as its captain.”
McDonagh, who will be entering his fifth season in the NHL this year, set career highs in goals (14), assists (29), and points (43) with the Rangers last season. He also tied a team record for short-handed goals by a defenseman in one season (3).
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-Brett LoGiurato