New York Rangers: Ryan Callahan Leads Team in Informal Practice

Today is only Sept. 2, but the Rangers are already taking steps to get ready for the regular season.

This week, the Rangers participated in a series of informal practices. This may not appear to be significant, but when you see players attempting to bond and develop chemistry this early in the hockey year, it makes you feel warm and fuzzy as a fan.

These practices were player-organized, but according to Rangers beat writer Jim Cerny, Ryan Callahan appears to be the ringleader. This is nice to see from a leader such as Callahan, who is a top candidate for the vacant captaincy.

These practices included the usual cast of characters on the Rangers' roster, prospect Chris Kreider and new additions Brad Richards and Mike Rupp. The fact that Callahan has taken it upon himself to get the team together this early shows he is really serious about being a leader on this team.

I wrote an article a few weeks back stating why Richards would most likely become the captain, but in my mind, I now feel that Callahan should wear the "C."

It is no secret what Callahan brings to the table. He is a player who was made to play in the bright lights of New York City. He has the looks, charm and attitude of a New York Ranger.

Callahan is a homegrown kid from Rochester, drafted by the Rangers in 2004 and a product of the Hartford Wolfpack.

Callahan has many characteristics that make him worthy of being the captain. One of these characteristics is he is a natural leader. In the absence of Chris Drury, Callahan had often been the focus during interviews conducted by media members in the dressing room.

Callahan fielded the tough questions and set the tone of how the team needed to play.

The style of game Callahan plays is a major reason he is adored by the fan base. Callahan is a nitty-gritty player who loves to grind and isn’t afraid to drop the gloves when necessary. 

Callahan missed some key games this year after breaking his hand blocking a shot against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

He later broke his ankle when blocking a Zdeno Chara slapper. It is this attitude, courage, determination and heart that proves that Callahan embodies what it means to be a New York Ranger. 

When you take his leadership abilities both on the ice and in the locker room into consideration, and add the actions of Callahan from this week, there is a strong chance I could be sporting a fresh Callahan sweater with a nice shiny "C."

In other news, the Traverse City Prospect Tournament starts next Saturday. Callahan also happens to be an alum from the tournament. Rangers prospects like Ryan Bourque, Christian Thomas, Dylan McIlrath and countless others will represent the Blueshirts. Pay close attention because these players are the future of the Rangers and the future will be here sooner than you think.

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Tom Urtz is an NHL Featured Columnist and New York Rangers Featured Columnist,

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