“I had goosebumps” – Jacob Trouba announced as New York Rangers captain, first since Ryan McDonagh in 2018


“I had goosebumps” – Jacob Trouba announced as New York Rangers captain, first since Ryan McDonagh in 2018

Jacob Trouba becomes the new captain of New York Rangers

American ice hockey defenceman Jacob Trouba has been announced as the new skipper of the New York Rangers ahead of the upcoming National Hockey League (NHL) season. The 28-year-old admitted that he was at a loss for words when the Rangers general manager Chris Drury handed him his No. 8 blue sweater with a ‘C’ stitched on the front. 

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The Michigan native was an alternate captain last season and stood out among New York’s leadership group, resulting in the honour on Tuesday. Trouba, who was acquired from the Winnipeg Jets in a trade in June 2019, is entering his fourth season with the Rangers.

“I told him I had goosebumps,” Trouba said on Tuesday, as quoted by NHL.com. “Me and my wife laughed about that after because I didn’t know what to say. But he told me, and I was excited.”

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“Trouba just looked like a leader”

Jacob Trouba becomes the new captain of New York Rangers
Jacob Trouba becomes the new captain of New York Rangers

Jacob Trouba, who earlier signed a seven-year, $56 million contract with New York, had 27 points (seven goals, 20 assists) in 70 games in 2019-20 and 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) in 38 games in 2020-21. However, he went on to better his performance last season with 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) in 81 regular-season games, setting NHL career highs in goals.  

He played 101 games last year for us and he prepares himself,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “The young players, he took under his wing and helped them be better players. He just looked like a leader. He looked like a character guy and a leader.

“He played his game every night and it didn’t affect him. Last year, we talked about it all the time. We didn’t discuss it one day and forget about it. We talked about it during the season. We talked about it during the offseason. We just think now is the right time.”

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