Sammi’s Daily: Capitals Future, Panarin’s Golden Response To Trouba’s Captaincy

On Tuesday, the Washington Capitals will see their young guns make major strides, as two prospects kick off their runs at the World Junior Championships. Meanwhile, around the NHL, big news broke Monday night, as the New York Rangers have a new captain.

New York named Jacob Trouba as the franchise’s 28th captain. The Rangers had gone years without a captain following Ryan McDonagh’s departure in 2018. Last season, New York ran with six alternates: Trouba, Mika Zibanejad, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Strome, Chris Kreider and Barclay Goodrow.

The Rangers posted a video on their Twitter of his fellow teammates offering congrats, and Panarin’s tribute and response was by far the best.

“Congratulations, buddy. Happy for you, but I still think I’m better choice,” he joked in the video.

Congrats, Troubs.

We're all proud of you. pic.twitter.com/qV5cYndZTT

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) August 9, 2022

In 81 games last season, Trouba dished 11 goals and 28 assists for 39 points. The 28-year-old did find himself facing controversy at times regarding some questionable hits, including an elbow to the head of Sidney Crosby in Game 5, though he never faced supplemental discipline.

Here are other news and notes from D.C. and across the NHL:

Washington Capitals Links

• The Capitals got the depth they were looking for this offseason, but also have several fringe players still ready to fight for a chance at the big club. (WHN)
• New Washington netminder Darcy Kuemper has had some great career highlights, but one of the best is when he courageously stuck for teammates and took on Matthew Tkachuk. (WHN)
• Here are some answers to burning questions after a busy Capitals offseason, including expectations for the goaltenders, what the lineup may look like, checking in on younger players and more.

NHL Links

• Jonathan Huberdeau continues to have fun with the blockbuster that sent him to the Calgary Flames, this time signing a Tkachuk trading card with a big smile on his face. (WHN)
• The Boston Bruins are getting the old band back together and brought back David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron — will it pay off? (BHN)
• Here’s the latest on the Nazem Kadri situation and how the New York Islanders may be planning to make space for the 32-year-old star. (NYIHN)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Haakon Hanelt and Oskar Magnusson are taking the ice in Edmonton today as the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championships kick off at Rogers Place. Hanelt is representing Germany, while Magnusson is lacing ’em up for Sweden.
• On this day in 1988, the hockey world changed forever, as Wayne Gretzky was traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings as part of the biggest blockbuster in league history. It was also an emotional day for the Great One, who didn’t hold back and was moved to tears following his departure.

• Both Shane Gersich and Daniel Spring remain unsigned entering the late stages of NHL Free Agency.