Top 10 New York Rangers of All Time

The New York Rangers are one of the NHL’s Original Six franchises, and their history is filled with legends who defined eras, carried teams through adversity, and delivered unforgettable moments at Madison Square Garden. From the early championship squads of the 1920s and 1930s to the electrifying teams of the 1970s and the iconic 1994 Stanley Cup run, the Rangers have featured some of the greatest players the game has ever seen. This list looks at the top ten players in franchise history — and to keep it historical, active players are not eligible. These selections are based on individual dominance, championships, longevity, leadership, and overall impact on the organization. Whether it’s a Hall of Fame goaltender stealing a series, a defenseman redefining the position, or a captain guaranteeing victory in the biggest moment, each name on this list helped shape what it means to wear the Rangers sweater.

10) Ron Greschner

Ron Greschner was one of the most productive and offensively gifted defensemen in New York Rangers history prior to the Brian Leetch era. Playing his entire 16-year NHL career (1974–1990) with the Rangers, Greschner redefined what it meant to be an attacking defenseman at Madison Square Garden. In an era when blue-liners were primarily valued for defense-first responsibilities, Greschner consistently generated offense from the back end.

He recorded four 20-goal seasons, including a career-high 27 goals in 1980–81 — an impressive total for a defenseman in that era. Over his Rangers career, he tallied 610 points (179 goals, 431 assists) in 981 games. At the time of his retirement, he held the franchise record for career points by a defenseman, a mark later surpassed by Brian Leetch in the late 1990s.

Beyond statistics, Greschner provided stability and leadership during transitional years for the franchise. His durability, offensive instincts, and power-play contributions made him one of the premier defensemen of his generation in New York.

The Legend of Ron Greschner

9) Brad Park

Brad Park was one of the most complete defensemen in NHL history and arguably the Rangers’ best blueliner prior to Brian Leetch. Acquired in 1968, Park immediately became the cornerstone of the Rangers’ defense throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s.

In the 1973–74 season, Park scored 25 goals and recorded 82 points — both franchise records for a defenseman at the time. Throughout his Rangers tenure, Park combined physicality, puck-moving skill, and leadership. He was a five-time Norris Trophy runner-up while with New York, often finishing behind Bobby Orr — widely considered the greatest defenseman in hockey history.

Park helped lead the Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final and was a dominant presence in all situations. His poise under pressure and ability to control the pace of play made him one of the elite defensemen of his era.

Though his career continued successfully in Boston, his prime years with the Rangers solidified his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.

The Legend of Brad Park – Part 1

8) Mike Richter

Mike Richter was the backbone of the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup championship and remains one of the most beloved goaltenders in franchise history. Drafted in 1985, Richter spent his entire 14-year NHL career with the Rangers (1989–2003).

His defining moment came during the 1994 Eastern Conference Final against the New Jersey Devils. In Game 6, Richter made 42 saves — including a memorable penalty-shot stop on Pavel Bure in the Stanley Cup Final — keeping the Rangers alive after Mark Messier’s famous guarantee. He followed that performance with strong play in Game 7 and throughout the Cup Final.

Richter ranks second in franchise history with 301 career wins and was a three-time NHL All-Star. His 1995–96 season was outstanding, and his 1997 playoff run helped carry the Rangers to the Eastern Conference Finals again.

Richter’s combination of athleticism, clutch performances, and leadership made him one of the most impactful players in Rangers history.

Mike Richter’s Most Ridiculous Saves in His Rangers Career | New York Rangers

7) Bill Cook

Bill Cook was one of the founding legends of the New York Rangers and an essential figure in the franchise’s earliest championships. He scored the first goal in Rangers history on November 16, 1926, in a 1–0 victory over the Montreal Maroons.

Cook played 11 seasons with the Rangers and was instrumental in leading the team to Stanley Cup championships in 1928 and 1933. In the 1933 Final, he scored the overtime Cup-winning goal, cementing his legacy in franchise lore.

Alongside his brother Bun Cook and center Frank Boucher, Bill formed one of the NHL’s most dominant forward lines of the era. He led the league in goals twice and was known for his powerful shot and scoring instincts.

Cook was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1952. His contributions helped establish the Rangers as a competitive force during the league’s early years.

1933 Stanley Cup Final , Toronto Maple Leafs – New York Rangers 4 game

6) Jean Ratelle

Jean Ratelle embodied consistency and class throughout his 16 seasons with the Rangers (1960–1975). He ranks third in franchise history with 817 points and second in goals with 336 at the time of his departure.

Ratelle was the offensive engine behind the famed “GAG Line” (Goal-A-Game Line) alongside Rod Gilbert and Vic Hadfield in the early 1970s. During the 1971–72 season, Ratelle scored 46 goals and 109 points before suffering a late-season injury. He still finished second in Hart Trophy voting and helped lead the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final that year.

He was voted the team’s Players’ Player four consecutive seasons beginning in 1967–68 and was a two-time team MVP. Ratelle’s intelligence, two-way play, and quiet leadership defined an era of Rangers hockey.

He remains one of the purest examples of a franchise cornerstone.

Jean Ratelle finished career sixth all-time in points

5) Eddie Giacomin

Eddie Giacomin was the Rangers’ backbone in net throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. Undrafted and initially overlooked, Giacomin became one of the league’s elite goaltenders after joining the Rangers in 1965.

From 1967 to 1970, he recorded four consecutive 30-win seasons. Between 1967 and 1971, he won 138 games and posted 30 shutouts. During his eight years as the Rangers’ primary starter, the team never missed the playoffs — a testament to his consistency and reliability.

Giacomin led the Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final and was a five-time All-Star. His fiery competitiveness and ability to carry heavy workloads made him a fan favorite.

Inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1987, Giacomin remains one of the greatest goaltenders in Rangers history.

Eddie Giacomin’s Acrobatics & Feistiness Made Him a New York Rangers Legend

4) Andy Bathgate

Andy Bathgate was the Rangers’ offensive centerpiece during the 1950s and early 1960s. Spending 12 seasons with the team, Bathgate combined scoring touch with strong playmaking ability.

In 1958–59, he won the Hart Trophy as league MVP after recording 40 goals and 88 points — remarkable numbers for that era. Bathgate was an eight-time All-Star and served as team captain during his tenure.

He finished his Rangers career with 272 goals and 701 points in 915 games. Bathgate’s leadership and offensive production kept the Rangers competitive during a difficult period in franchise history.

He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978, cementing his place among the game’s greats.

Andy Bathgate had it all: talent, toughness, looks

3) Rod Gilbert

Rod Gilbert is the all-time leading scorer in Rangers history with 406 goals and 1,021 points. Spending his entire 18-year career with the team (1960–1978), Gilbert became the face of the franchise.

He posted career highs of 43 goals and 97 points in 1971–72 and matched that 97-point total again in 1974–75 at age 33. Gilbert was a key member of the GAG Line and helped lead the Rangers to the 1972 Stanley Cup Final.

A nine-time All-Star, Gilbert’s longevity and loyalty made him one of the most beloved players in franchise history. His No. 7 hangs in the rafters at Madison Square Garden.

New York Rangers Rod Gilbert Tribute

2) Brian Leetch

Brian Leetch is the greatest defenseman in Rangers history and one of the most skilled blueliners of all time. In his rookie season (1988–89), he scored 71 points — including 23 goals — setting a rookie defenseman scoring record and winning the Calder Trophy.

Leetch holds franchise records for goals (240), assists (741), and points (981) by a defenseman. His defining achievement came in 1994 when he won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP after leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years.

Leetch’s skating, vision, and offensive instincts made him one of the most dynamic defensemen of his generation.

Brian Leetch first American to win Conn Smythe

1) Mark Messier

Mark Messier’s impact on the Rangers transcends statistics. Acquired in 1991, he changed the culture of the franchise and delivered on the biggest stage.

In the 1994 Eastern Conference Final, with the Rangers trailing 3–2 to the Devils, Messier famously guaranteed a Game 6 victory — then delivered a hat trick. The Rangers won the series in seven games before defeating the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Final.

Messier finished his Rangers career with 250 goals and 691 points in 698 games and served as captain during the championship run.

He ended the franchise’s 54-year Stanley Cup drought and remains the most influential player in Rangers history.

Brian Leetch first American to win Conn Smythe