Mike Sullivan Weighs Top 3 Candidates To Be The Rangers' Captain

Mike Sullivan’s Early Priorities as Rangers Coach Include Establishing Leadership

Mike Sullivan has hit the ground running as the new head coach of the New York Rangers. Just a week into the job, he’s already begun connecting with players, reaching out to each member of the roster to establish relationships.

At his introductory press conference on Thursday, Sullivan was asked about the team’s vacant captaincy. While he admitted he hasn’t yet discussed the matter with GM Chris Drury, his early conversations with players have left him optimistic about the leadership within the locker room.

"One thing that stands out from these talks is that there’s a strong leadership presence in that room," Sullivan said. "Leadership comes in many forms—whether a player wears a letter or not. From my initial discussions, there’s a lot of character in this group. Chris and I will work through these decisions together."

The Rangers have been without a captain since trading Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on December 6. For the remainder of the season, alternates Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin, and Chris Kreider filled the leadership void.

Trouba had served as captain since 2022-23, following a four-year gap after Ryan McDonagh’s trade to Tampa Bay in 2018. Notably, the past three Rangers captains—Callahan, McDonagh, and Trouba—were all traded by the organization.

As for Sullivan, during his decade-long tenure in Pittsburgh, he coached one of the NHL’s greatest captains, Sidney Crosby, witnessing firsthand what true leadership looks like. 

Now, he’ll help determine who becomes the 29th captain in Rangers history. Here are the top 3 candidates for the Rangers' captaincy

3. J.T. Miller

Despite joining the Rangers midseason, Miller’s leadership is undeniable. A physical, vocal presence, he served as an alternate captain in Vancouver for four years and commands respect league-wide. At 32, with five years left on his contract, he’s a long-term piece—likely wearing a letter next season.

If you're wondering who's the next #NYR Captain will be? Just watch JT Miller. pic.twitter.com/tVCBoXrcSh

— David 🏒 (@DaveyUpper) March 21, 2025

2. Adam Fox

The homegrown defenseman is already a franchise cornerstone, ranking fifth all-time in points among Rangers blueliners. Though quieter in demeanor, his elite play speaks volumes. Sullivan praised Fox’s Norris Trophy pedigree, calling him "an elite player in this league."

1. Vincent Trocheck

A heart-and-soul player, Trocheck emerged as a vocal leader after Trouba’s departure. His media savvy, on-ice intensity, and emotional investment make him the frontrunner. His postgame support of Igor Shesterkin after the 2024 ECF loss—a small but telling moment—underscored his locker-room presence.

“I want to be a part of the reason that we do right the ship,” Trocheck said on breakup day. “We don’t have very many opportunities to win a Stanley Cup and that’s the whole reason why everybody in this locker room plays the game. I’m looking forward to having this summer to figure things out. I have a lot of things in mind that we can work on and get better at. I do take responsibility for a lot of it.”

One thing is for sure, with a mix of seasoned vets and emerging leaders, Sullivan’s decision will shape the Rangers’ identity for years to come. 

Image - Robert Edwards-Imagn