Artemi Panarin explains why he doesn’t want to be New York Rangers captain

Artemi Panarin is unquestionably the New York Rangers best player. There’s no debating it, and it has nothing to do with the fact he’s one of the highest paid players in the NHL. Only Connor McDavid makes more per season.

Ever since the Breadman opted to sign with the Blueshirts, he’s been the straw that stirs the drink. In his first season, he was a finalist for the Hart Trophy but lost out to Edmonton’s other star, Leon Draisaitl. Last year, he missed 9 games after unproven allegations of assault from a former Russian coach forced him into a leave of absence.

Who knows, if he doesn’t miss those games the Rangers may have made the playoffs. One thing that is statistical fact would be his 1.38 points per game average since hitting Broadway. That number is third best over the last two seasons in the entire league with only McDavid and Draisaitl ahead of him.

It does make Panarin a logical choice to be considered for the next Rangers captain, except he doesn’t want it.

Panarin does not want to be captain

The 29 year-old Panarin proudly wears an A on his jersey, but has no desire to make that a C. “It’s not just putting a letter on the sweater and walking around taking pictures, it’s a lot of work in the locker room,” he said according to Russian outlet Championat. “It’s not just about playing good hockey.”

Panarin noted that the captain’s main job is to motivate players with lots of work in between periods. Something that requires excellent communication skills.

Former GM, Jeff Gorton recently joked on the Cam and Strick Podcast that Panarin spoke perfect English, but he’s obviously not comfortable doing so. He even pointed that out as a concern.

“I’m just afraid that I won’t be an effective captain. I don’t really speak English,” he said. “How can I motivate? I can influence the game on the ice and they will listen to me without any letters.”

Panarin believes there are other “worthy candidates”