The New York Rangers, one of the National Hockey League’s Original Six franchises, boast a rich and storied history, woven into the very fabric of New York City’s sporting landscape. From their inception in 1926, the “Blueshirts” have been synonymous with the bright lights of Broadway, their home at Madison Square Garden earning them the moniker “Broadway Blueshirts.” Over nearly a century, countless talented players have donned the iconic blue, red, and white, but only a select few have ascended to the status of true legends, etching their names permanently into the franchise’s record books as its all-time point leaders. These are the players who defined eras, electrified crowds, and delivered countless memorable moments, becoming the very embodiment of Rangers hockey.
At the pinnacle of this illustrious list stands Rod Gilbert. Known affectionately as “Mr. Ranger,” Gilbert epitomizes the heart and soul of the franchise. A right winger whose career spanned an incredible 18 seasons, all with the Rangers from 1960 to 1978, Gilbert holds the franchise record for most career points with an astounding 1,021 points (406 goals, 615 assists) in 1,065 games played. His goal tally is also a franchise record. Gilbert was a dynamic scorer, a gifted playmaker, and a central figure on the famous “GAG Line” (Goal-A-Game Line) with Jean Ratelle and Vic Hadfield. Beyond his statistics, Gilbert was beloved for his infectious enthusiasm, his dedication to the team, and his status as a homegrown star who never played for another NHL franchise. His No. 7 jersey was the first to be retired by the Rangers, a testament to his unparalleled legacy.
Following closely behind Gilbert is arguably the greatest defenseman in Rangers history, Brian Leetch. With 981 points (240 goals, 741 assists) in 1,129 games, Leetch is not only second in all-time points but holds the franchise record for assists. A native of Corpus Christi, Texas, Leetch redefined the offensive defenseman position during his 17 seasons with the Rangers (1986-2004). His effortless skating, sublime puck-handling, and uncanny ability to quarterback a power play made him a perennial Norris Trophy candidate and a cornerstone of the 1994 Stanley Cup championship team. Leetch’s Conn Smythe Trophy win in 1994, as the playoff MVP, further solidified his legendary status, making him the only American-born player to win the award. His smooth, intelligent play and clutch performances cemented his place as one of the most revered figures in franchise history, and his No. 2 jersey hangs proudly in the Garden rafters.
Third on the all-time points list is Jean Ratelle, with 817 points (336 goals, 481 assists) in 861 games. Ratelle, a graceful and supremely skilled center, was the quiet assassin of the “GAG Line,” known for his silky smooth skating, pinpoint passing, and deadly accurate shot. Like Gilbert, Ratelle spent the majority of his Rangers career contributing consistently at an elite level (1960-1975) before being famously traded to the Boston Bruins in the “Christmas Trade” of 1975. Despite finishing his career elsewhere, his impact on the Rangers was profound, and his offensive contributions remain among the franchise’s best. His No. 19 jersey was also retired, celebrating his immense contributions.
The fourth spot belongs to another offensive dynamo from a different era, Andy Bathgate. Playing for the Rangers from 1954 to 1964, Bathgate amassed 729 points (272 goals, 457 assists) in 719 games. A powerful right winger with a booming shot, Bathgate was a true superstar of his time, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy as the league’s MVP in 1959. He was a dominant force on offensively challenged Rangers teams, often single-handedly carrying the load. His trade in 1964 was a seismic event, marking the end of an era for the Blueshirts. His legacy as one of the franchise’s earliest offensive titans is undeniable.
Rounding out the top five is the iconic captain who delivered the ultimate prize, Mark Messier. While Messier only played seven seasons for the Rangers (1991-1997, 2000-2004), his impact was so profound that he quickly ascended the points ladder, accumulating 691 points (250 goals, 441 assists) in 698 games. “The Messiah” arrived in New York with a singular mission: to end the Rangers’ 54-year Stanley Cup drought. His unparalleled leadership, fierce determination, and incredible clutch play, particularly during the 1994 playoff run, transformed the franchise and the city. Messier’s guaranteed Game 6 victory in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals against the New Jersey Devils is one of the most legendary moments in NHL history. His No. 11 is retired, symbolizing not just his statistical output, but his immeasurable impact as a leader and a champion.
The list continues with other legendary figures who left indelible marks on the franchise:
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Walt Tkaczuk sits at sixth with 678 points (227 goals, 451 assists) in 945 games. A long-serving center, Tkaczuk was a remarkably consistent and reliable two-way player, known for his strong defensive play and quiet offensive contributions throughout his 14 seasons in New York (1964-1981).
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Ron Greschner, a dynamic defenseman, is seventh with 610 points (179 goals, 431 assists) in 981 games. Greschner spent his entire 16-season career with the Rangers (1974-1990), known for his offensive flair from the blue line, his physical play, and his remarkable longevity.
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Steve Vickers follows at eighth with 586 points (246 goals, 340 assists) in 698 games. A talented left winger and another member of the “GAG Line” (briefly), Vickers was a consistent goal scorer and playmaker during his 10 seasons (1972-1982) with the Blueshirts, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in 1973.
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Vic Hadfield, the third member of the iconic “GAG Line,” is ninth with 572 points (262 goals, 310 assists) in 841 games. A gritty and determined left winger, Hadfield provided the physical edge and powerful shot that complemented Gilbert and Ratelle perfectly. He notably became the first Ranger to score 50 goals in a single season (1971-72), a remarkable achievement that cemented his place in franchise lore. His No. 11 jersey was also retired alongside Messier’s, a tribute to both players’ profound impact.
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Rounding out the top ten, and the only active player currently on this list, is Chris Kreider. As of the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, Kreider has accumulated 582 points (326 goals, 256 assists) in 883 games. Kreider’s ascent through the ranks has been a testament to his dedication and continued evolution. Drafted by the Rangers in 2009, he has spent his entire career on Broadway, becoming known for his blistering speed, net-front presence, and incredible power-play prowess. He recently passed Adam Graves to become third on the all-time goals list and continues to climb the points ladder, solidifying his status as a modern-day Rangers legend. His journey has taken him from a promising young forward to a respected veteran and alternate captain, embodying the resilience and commitment that define the team.
These players are more than just statistics; they are the heart and soul of the New York Rangers. Their names evoke memories of thrilling victories, iconic moments, and the unyielding passion of the Madison Square Garden faithful. They are the “Broadway’s greatest legends,” whose contributions on the ice continue to inspire generations of Rangers fans and cement their place in hockey immortality. Their banners hanging in the rafters serve as a constant reminder of the excellence they brought to the blue and red, embodying the proud history of one of the NHL’s most storied franchises.
