Ryan McDonagh sets before a faceoff against the Detroit Red...

Ryan McDonagh sets before a faceoff against the Detroit Red Wings in the second period of a game at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 9, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke

Ryan McDonagh, the 25-year-old defenseman from Minnesota who was voted the Rangers' MVP last season, last night was named the 27th captain of the team. He will become the fourth-youngest player to wear a "C" for the Rangers.

McDonagh posted career-high numbers in goals (14) and assists (29) last season and finished eighth in the voting for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top defenseman.

The University of Wisconsin grad, who played for the U.S. Olympic team in Sochi, succeeds Ryan Callahan, who was named captain in September 2011 and traded to Tampa last March for Martin St. Louis.

McDonagh signed a six-year, $28.2-million contract extension in July 2013. He had been the clubhouse favorite to be given the "C" since then.

St. Louis and Derek Stepan were named as alternates, joining current alternates Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.

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