The New York Rangers’ all-time top 25 players
The New York Rangers, one of the Original Six teams of the National Hockey League, have a rich history filled with iconic players who have left indelible marks on the franchise and the sport itself. Identifying the top 25 players in Rangers history requires considering not only their statistical achievements but also their impact on the team’s culture, leadership, and legacy in New York City. The Rangers have seen legends of the game, dynamic forwards, stalwart defensemen, and inspirational goalies throughout their history. Their stories span decades, from the early days of the NHL through to the modern era.
Starting at the very beginning, one cannot discuss Rangers greatness without mentioning Frank Boucher. Boucher was a dominant center in the 1920s and 1930s, a player whose elegance and skill earned him multiple Lady Byng Trophies for sportsmanship and ability. He was instrumental in the Rangers’ first Stanley Cup championship in 1928, both as a player and later as a coach. His playmaking and leadership helped set the tone for what the franchise would strive to be, a team known for skillful, hard-working hockey.
Another foundational figure is Bill Cook, the Rangers’ first captain and the team’s first star. Cook was a prolific scorer during the 1920s and early 1930s and is credited with leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup victory. His scoring ability and leadership helped establish the team’s winning culture. Alongside him, his brother Bun Cook was also a key contributor during this era, known for his speed and scoring touch. The Cook brothers formed one of the most formidable forward lines of their time.
Fast forward to the 1940s and 1950s, the Rangers had the talent of players like Bryan Hextall Sr., a gritty forward known for his scoring and toughness. Hextall was a consistent offensive threat and a team leader during a period when the Rangers faced stiff competition but still managed to remain competitive. His son, Bryan Hextall Jr., would later also become a notable NHL player, but the senior Hextall’s contributions remain firmly rooted in Rangers lore.
Perhaps the most beloved Ranger of all time is Rod Gilbert, whose number 7 was retired by the franchise. Gilbert, who played from the 1960s into the mid-1970s, was the team’s all-time leading scorer for many years and embodied the spirit of the Rangers during an era of both struggles and flashes of brilliance. Known as “Mr. Ranger,” he was a creative, agile right winger with a nose for the net and was a mainstay on the Rangers’ top line for more than a decade. His dedication to the club off the ice also helped cement his status as a true franchise icon.
Alongside Gilbert, Jean Ratelle was a pivotal figure for the Rangers. Ratelle, a center with excellent vision and scoring ability, was a crucial part of the team during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Paired with Gilbert and Vic Hadfield, Ratelle helped form one of the most potent offensive lines in the NHL. The “GAG line” (Goal-A-Game line) was feared across the league and helped push the Rangers to playoff prominence. Ratelle’s finesse and consistency made him a favorite of fans and teammates alike.
Vic Hadfield, the left winger of the famed GAG line, brought a gritty edge to the team’s offense. His physical play combined with scoring prowess made him a dangerous player in the 1970s. Hadfield was the first Ranger to score 50 goals in a season, a milestone that stood as a benchmark for offensive excellence within the franchise. His tenacity and leadership helped the Rangers remain competitive during an era of increasing parity in the NHL.
In goal, Eddie Giacomin was a towering figure for the Rangers. Giacomin, known for his acrobatic style and fiery temperament, was arguably the best goaltender in Rangers history until the arrival of later stars. Playing primarily in the 1960s and early 1970s, Giacomin’s ability to steal games and his passionate play made him a fan favorite. His style, coupled with his willingness to stand up for teammates, helped the Rangers through many tough seasons and playoff runs.
Moving to the modern era, the arrival of Mark Messier in 1991 marked a turning point for the franchise. Messier, already a proven winner and leader with the Edmonton Oilers, brought a no-nonsense, hard-driving style to New York. His leadership was the catalyst for the Rangers’ long-awaited 1994 Stanley Cup victory, ending a 54-year drought. Messier’s clutch performances and vocal presence in the locker room have immortalized him as one of the greatest Rangers ever to don the jersey.
Alongside Messier during the 1994 championship run was Brian Leetch, one of the best defensemen in NHL history and a Ranger legend. Leetch was a dynamic two-way defenseman who combined elite offensive skills with solid defensive play. His performance during the 1994 playoffs, including the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, solidified his place as a franchise icon. Leetch remains the all-time points leader among Rangers defensemen and is remembered as one of the most skilled and reliable players in the team’s history.
Another standout defenseman is Harry Howell, whose longevity and steady play made him a cornerstone for the Rangers during the 1950s and 1960s. Howell was known for his calm and composed defensive style, rarely making mistakes and providing stability to the Rangers blue line. His dedication and consistency earned him a place in the Hockey Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
In goal, Henrik Lundqvist emerged as one of the most beloved and talented players in Rangers history. Lundqvist, known affectionately as “King Henrik,” was a dominant presence in net for nearly two decades. His athleticism, positioning, and calm under pressure made him one of the elite goaltenders in the NHL. Lundqvist’s loyalty to the Rangers and his consistent excellence helped the franchise remain competitive through much of the 2000s and 2010s. He set numerous franchise records and was named an All-Star multiple times.
On the forward side, Mike Richter was the primary goalie during the early 1990s Stanley Cup run. Richter’s clutch saves and calm demeanor in high-pressure moments helped propel the Rangers to their 1994 championship. His acrobatic style and quick reflexes made him one of the premier goaltenders of his era. Beyond his on-ice success, Richter is also remembered for his leadership and community involvement.
Looking at some of the more recent stars, players like Pavel Buchnevich and Artemi Panarin have made significant impacts, but the greatest Rangers players tend to be those who combined skill with leadership and lasting influence. Brian Boyle, while not a top scorer, is remembered for his grit and community work, exemplifying the type of character the Rangers value.
Going back to earlier eras, Eddie Shore, although more famously associated with the Boston Bruins, had a brief but impactful time with the Rangers. His rugged play and toughness were hallmarks of the NHL’s golden era. Other players who deserve mention include Tony Granato, who contributed scoring and intensity during the 1990s, and Rod Gilbert’s contemporaries like Vic Hadfield and Jean Ratelle, who helped define the Rangers’ style and success in their time.
The Rangers’ history also features many role players and unsung heroes who contributed to team chemistry and success. Players like Adam Graves, whose leadership and physical play were critical during the 1994 Stanley Cup season, represent the heart and soul of Rangers teams. Graves’ tenacity and clutch goal-scoring earned him a place in Rangers history as one of their toughest and most reliable players.
More recently, Ryan McDonagh, a defenseman known for his leadership and steady play, served as captain and was a key figure in the Rangers’ defensive core. His ability to play big minutes against the league’s top players and contribute offensively made him a vital part of the team.
Chris Drury, another Rangers captain, was known for his clutch scoring and leadership during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Drury embodied the hard-working, competitive spirit the Rangers prized, and his postseason heroics made him a fan favorite.
In the realm of offensive firepower, Mark Messier aside, players like Jaromir Jagr brought star power and skill to the Rangers. Jagr’s time in New York showcased his ability to dominate offensively, and although he never won a Stanley Cup with the Rangers, his individual talents helped elevate the team’s performance.
Mike Richter and Henrik Lundqvist together represent two generations of great Rangers goaltending, with each playing pivotal roles in their respective eras. Their styles differed, with Richter known for his acrobatics and Lundqvist for his calm, technical proficiency, but both were instrumental in the Rangers’ success and beloved by fans.
In defense, Nicklas Lidstrom, although he never played for the Rangers, is often mentioned when discussing elite defensemen in NHL history; for the Rangers, players like Brian Leetch and Harry Howell stand as the definitive blue-liners who shaped the franchise.
The Rangers’ history also includes some legendary coaches, but the greatest players often transitioned into coaching or front-office roles, further contributing to the franchise’s legacy. Frank Boucher, for example, went on to coach the team, shaping future generations.
Players like Rod Gilbert, Jean Ratelle, and Vic Hadfield left lasting legacies not only because of their on-ice skill but also due to their roles in fostering team culture. The camaraderie and grit displayed by these players helped the Rangers survive challenging eras and laid foundations for future success.
In total, the New York Rangers’ all-time top 25 players list blends pioneers like Frank Boucher and Bill Cook, mid-century stalwarts like Eddie Giacomin and Harry Howell, offensive dynamos such as Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle, modern legends like Mark Messier, Brian Leetch, Mike Richter, and Henrik Lundqvist, and numerous other influential figures who have all contributed to the fabric of this storied franchise.
Each player’s contributions have helped shape the identity of the Rangers, a team known for resilience, passion, and connection to the city of New York. From the first Stanley Cup wins in the late 1920s to the dramatic and emotional victory in 1994, and the competitive teams of the 21st century, these players have left a legacy that continues to inspire fans and players alike. Their names are etched in Rangers history, celebrated in the stands at Madison Square Garden, and remembered for generations as the heart and soul of one of hockey’s most iconic franchises.
