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New York Rangers search for next Captain continues with or without playoffs

By Steve Sanin

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2019 in New York City. The Oilers defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 12: Mika Zibanejad #93 of the New York Rangers skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden on October 12, 2019 in New York City. The Oilers defeated the Rangers 4-1. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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New York Rangers
Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Artemi Panarin: A Debut For The Ages

It is safe to say, even with the prospect of an early end, that Artemi Panarin‘s debut season has been one of the most impressive in franchise history. New York Rangers fans have not seen this sort of first season success since Jaromir Jagr broke the team’s single-season goal record in 2004-05 with 54.

Not only has he been the Blueshirts best player this season, but he has easily been one of the best in the entire league. Tied for second with Connor McDavid for assists (63), and David Pastrnak for points (95) proves exactly how good the “Eleven Million Dollar Man” has been so far. As unfathomable as it might seem on the surface, Panarin might be a bargain for the production he’s had.

But much like Mika, his influence reaches far beyond the score sheet. Look no further than the success of Ryan Strome for proof. Strome went from an expendable middle-six forward to a player that is likely to get an extension this off-season. The reason? He’s been paired up with an unstoppable play-making force known as The Bread Man.

For proof, check out Panarin’s goals created numbers, which have him sixth in the league at 34.1. Panarin’s ability to create offense is breathtaking. Every single shift he’s on the ice has the potential to be a showstopping performance. If you believe that a team’s best player should be their captain, look no further than Artemi Panarin for the Rangers future leader.

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