Since Ryan Callahan was sent off to Tampa Bay at the 2014 NHL trade deadline, the Rangers' captaincy has been vacant.

Until now.

In an understated press release, Blueshirt general manager Glen Sather announced, Monday night, that defenseman Ryan McDonagh will wear the "C" this year.

“He has earned the respect of his teammates through his commitment to excellence, both on and off the ice," the statement read after simply stating the truth that became clear last year. “Ryan McDonagh exemplifies what we want a New York Ranger to be."

The 25-year-old has been the expected choice since Callahan was traded for Martin St. Louis, and the announcement left few fans surprised.  He will be joined atop the team's leadership by four assistant captains: Marc Staal - who might have contended for the top spot had contract negotiations with the Rangers not come to a halt earlier this summer - Dan Girardi, Martin St. Louis, and Derek Stepan.

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