Why Marc Del Gaizo earned ‘C’ nine games into AHL career before Rangers call-up

Marc Del Gaizo was named captain of the Hartford Wolf Pack after only nine games in his first AHL season, then earned a call-up to the New York Rangers. The 27-year-old defenceman’s quick rise reflects the impression he made at training camp and his strong start in Hartford.

Del Gaizo had 11 points, the most among Hartford defencemen, early in the 2026-27 season. He is playing the first year of a two-year, two-way contract with the Rangers, who recalled him as defensive cover while Sean Durzi is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and Alberts Smits is week to week with an upper-body injury.