In a move that has electrified fans and reinvigorated the locker room, New York Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan officially announced today that star forward Artemi Panarin will serve as one of the team’s alternate captains for the upcoming NHL season.
Panarin, affectionately known as “The Breadman,” has long been a cornerstone of the Rangers’ offense and a fan favorite since his arrival in 2019. The announcement marks a new chapter in the leadership core of the Rangers, as Sullivan—brought in this offseason after a successful tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins—continues to shape the team’s identity.
A Leadership Role Earned, Not Given
Coach Sullivan praised Panarin’s leadership qualities, saying, “Artemi has consistently led by example on and off the ice. His work ethic, passion for the game, and commitment to this team make him a natural fit for a leadership role. This was an easy decision.”
Panarin, 33, tallied an impressive 110 points last season and continues to be a driving force behind the team’s offensive success. While he’s never worn a letter on his jersey during his time in New York, teammates and staff have often spoken of his quiet leadership and the respect he commands.
Locker Room Buzzing
The news was met with enthusiastic support from teammates. Veteran defenseman Jacob Trouba, the current team captain, said, “Panarin is the heartbeat of this team. He’s not always the loudest voice, but when he speaks, everyone listens. He brings an energy to the rink every day that’s contagious.”
Goalie Igor Shesterkin echoed the sentiment, noting, “He’s a leader in the way he plays and how he treats everyone around him. This is what we could hope for—someone who inspires us to be better every day.”
A New Era for the Rangers
With Sullivan at the helm and Panarin stepping into a more prominent leadership role, the Rangers are clearly signaling their intent to build a strong, cohesive culture focused on accountability, competitiveness, and unity.
The team is coming off a playoff run that ended earlier than hoped, but with key roster improvements and a renewed sense of direction, expectations are high heading into the 2025–26 season.
Panarin himself remained humble, saying simply, “I’m honored. I love this team, this city, and I’ll do everything I can to help us win. It’s not just about a letter—it’s about showing up for each other every day.”
Looking Ahead
As the Rangers prepare for training camp, fans can expect to see a more vocal, more visible Panarin, not just as a scoring machine but as a key leader in what many hope will be a deep run toward the Stanley Cup.
If this is what the future holds, then Rangers fans have every reason to be excited.
Leave a Reply