New York Rangers: Top 20 Goal-Scorers in Franchise History

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

7. Brian Leetch

Along with Mark Messier, there are few names more synonymous with the New York Rangers than Leetch.

The ninth overall pick in 1986, Leetch wasted little time before he was one of the premier offensive defensemen in the NHL. His first full season with the Rangers, he netted 23 goals, a huge total for a defenseman. He would accomplish the feat of scoring 20 another four times in his career.

Leetch was at his best in 1993-94, tying his career-high with 23 goals and leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup in 54 years, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy thanks to his 11 goals and 34 points in 23 games that post season.

Leetch would remain one of the best offensive defensemen in the NHL for nearly the entirety of his career, which spanned 17 seasons with the Rangers as well as one each with the Maple Leafs and Bruins.

Though there are a few on the Rangers’ all-time goal-scoring list higher than him, Leetch’s 240 goals in just over 1100 games is an impressive enough feat. But given defensemen historically haven’t scored like he did, it is made all the more impressive.

Messier may have gotten all of the attention for his daring guarantees and leadership, but many would argue that those Rangers teams went as Leetch went and it’s certainly hard to argue given his outstanding play for the Rangers back then.

Next: #6 Adam Graves