New York Rangers: Top 30 Draft Picks of All-Time

With a long and illustrious franchise history, the Rangers have had more than a few draft picks in their history.

Like any other franchise, they’ve found their fair share of successes and had their fair share of absolute busts, too. (Pavel Brendl or Jamie Lundmark: who is the worst pick in Rangers history?)

But who are the 30 best picks in the history of the New York Rangers?

From Mike Richter to Brad Park and Steve Vickers to Alex Kovalev, this is your comprehensive list for the best picks the Rangers have ever made. Of course, when you put together a list like this, there are bound to be a few names on the list that might not stand out, but most assuredly deserve a spot.

Keep in mind: some of the greatest Rangers ever weren’t picked by the team, nor did they even start their career in New York. That includes Mark Messier, Rod Gilbert and many other Ranger greats. So think about that before you tell us how much this list sucks in the comments.

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Here’s our criteria: obviously, picks who suited up and contributed heavily to the actual on-ice success of the Rangers will make this list but those who were picked and eventually traded for assets that helped the Rangers succeed on the ice were considered for the list as well.

So for every pick like Brian Leetch that had an impact while in a Rangers sweater, there is someone like Doug Weight who could make the list for bringing back something good in trade.

Without further ado, here are the 30 best draft picks in the history of the New York Rangers.

Next: #30 Kim Johnsson

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Kim Johnsson – 11^th round (286^th overall), 1994

Kim Johnsson made a splash in the Rangers’ defense during his time in 1999 and 2001.

And not defensively either. Johnsson had 36 assists in two seasons with New York and 11 goals.

Johnsson was drafted in the 12th round by the Blueshirts, number 286 overall. Five years later he was in the NHL.

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The Swedish born hockey player was not a big guy, only 6’1 and weighing 193 lbs. But again, he did not need size to make an impact on the ice.

His time in New York was good, but the player has was traded for was the interesting thing. He was moved for Eric Lindros.

Now, Lindros was not the same player he was in New York as in Philly, age will do that, but his presence was still heavily felt through the line up and around the League.

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Johnsson also had won a New York Rangers team award, which was the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award, for being the best rookie in training camp.

Although he did not play in New York for very long his impact was felt as well. Obviously some players will have different and greater impacts than others. However, his impact was felt somewhere and shaped the Rangers in some way.

Next: #29 Dominic Moore

May 16, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Dominic Moore (28) celebrates with New York Rangers center Derick Brassard (16) after scoring the game-winning goal to defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in game one of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Dominic Moore – 3^rd round (95^th overall), 2000

One of the most appreciated Rangers has to be Dom Moore. The veteran center is well respected by his teammates and fans alike.

Moore was a Blueshirt in 2003 and 2004, but ended up splitting time with the Penguins, Wild, Maple Leafs, Sabers, Panthers, Canadiens, Lighting, and the Sharks.

His grit and determination allowed him to be very valuable for a bottom six center, and became a very big part of the Rangers’ penalty killing and big faceoffs.

Moore has never been an extreme point scorer, although he has had a few high scoring seasons, he has remained a constant force deep in the lineup.

But what really hits a sad note is what happened to his wife, who died in 2013 due to liver cancer. He came back after that, which was incredible, and made a splash in the NHL doing so.

After coming back to the Rangers, he has again become a big fan favorite and has been a key to the penalty killing unit. Without Moore, late game faceoffs are not won, tight games are lost, and bad special teams goals are given up. Moore is beyond integral to this team now, he is necessary to succeed.

Next: #28 Artem Anisimov

Artem “The Marksman” Anisimov

Artem Anisimov – 2^nd round (54^th overall), 2006

When Rangers fans think of Artem Anisimov, generally one things come to mind: shoot the goalie.

The Blueshirts drafted the Russian center in 2006, their 54th pick in that draft. He was called up two years later for his first NHL game.

Coming in at 6’4, Anisimov is a big enough center to play a solid defensive game, but also could put the puck in the back of the net too.

His first full season came in 2009-2010, a season where Anisimov finished with 12 goals and 16 assists. The following season would be his best as a Ranger scoring 44 points. His final season in the Blueshirts’ sweater came the following year, scoring 36 points.

His offensive numbers were enough to win the coaches over, but his two way game was very impressive. There is something a little more interesting to him though.

Anisimov had a run in with the Lightning in 2011-2012, after scoring a goal he skated to the blueline, turned around, and held his stick like a sniper rifle, and motioned like he shot the goaltender.

This did not fly well with the Lightning, and a fight ensued. However, it was moments like this where players became fan favorites.

He is another player that was sad to see let go, he was traded for Rick Nash in the 2011-2012 offseason.

Next: #27 Lucien DeBlois

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Lucien DeBlois – 1^st round (8^th overall), 1977

For the course of six season, Lucien DeBlois seemed to have been a mainstay on right wing.

A Quebec native, DeBlois was drafted eighth overall by the Rangers in the 1977 draft and played in 326 games with the club.

His rookie year (1977-1978) was an impressive one goals wise, where he had scored 22 in 71 games. DeBlois also had eight assists that year, bringing his point total to 30. He would play in 62 games the following season, scoring 28 points. His next season would be his last as a Blueshirt for six seasons in Colorado.

His return to New York promoted another chance, and he did just that. Scoring 11, 30, and 33 points from 1986 to 1989 DeBlois got back into that column and played well again.

A downfall to DeBlois was his playoff production, never lifting to be an elite player there.

That seems to be the story of many players, they do well during the regular season but not do anything after that, and vice versa.

His last game came against the Penguins, a game in which the Rangers lost in the playoffs on April 9th, 1989. Three years later, DeBlois would retire from the NHL, but many New York Rangers fans still remember him for his tenure in New York.

Of course, the upside to his short tenure in New York is that he was traded for Barry Beck, a two-way mainstay defenseman for nearly a decade.

Next: #26 Carl Hagelin

Apr 2, 2015; Saint Paul, MN, USA; New York Rangers forward Carl Hagelin (62) celebrates a goal scored by forward Dominic Moore (not pictured) during the first period against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Carl Hagelin – 6^th round (168^th overall), 2007

One of the fastest skaters in the NHL has to be a Swede named Carl Hagelin.

After being drafted in the 6th round by the Blueshirts in 2007, no one saw how fast (quite literally) Hagelin would develop.

His first professional taste of NHL action was against the Flyers in the 2011-2012 season. Right from the start, fans could see something.

Whether it was his super fast skating or his ability to hop on loose pucks like it was nobody’s business it was a great addition to a strong hockey team. He brought an energy and enthusiasm to each shift that Rangers fans hadn’t been accustomed to in quite a long time.

Having career years every season, never scoring less than 24 goals and assists each, including a lock out year, screamed potential. The Rangers appeared to have something of a breakout star on their hands.

He probably should have gotten more ice time on the power play though, for coach John Tortorella claimed he was “too jumpy”. This was not true.

Sadly, Hagelin was dealt to the Ducks in exchange for Emmerson Etem. His presence and speed was sorely missed by the Blueshirts, but seem to be okay with Etem.

Next: #25 Sergei Zubov

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Sergei Zubov – 5^th round (85^th overall), 1990

The 1990s, for the NHL, could be defined by one word: Russian. One of the players who was key to the Stanley Cup winning New York Rangers was Sergei Zubov.

The fifth round selection for the Rangers ended up being Zubov, 85th overall. Little did the Blueshirts know what they had gotten with that pick.

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Regarded as one of the best offensive minded defenseman in the NHL history books, Zubov was a favorite in New York.

His rookie season was only a slight glimpse of what he could produce. With 31 points in 49 games in 1992-1993, this was only the beginning for Zubov. The following season brought 89 points, 77 of which were assists. The year the Rangers brought the cup home was the best of his career, never scoring more than 71 points after that.

As mentioned, Zubov is regarded as one of the best offensive minded blueliners the game ever had. However, his concentration and vision on the ice was unmatched, much like Brian Leetch. Rangers fans remember Sergei Zubov for his great offensive play, but really for bringing the Stanley Cup back to the Garden.

Next: #24 Chris Kreider

May 22, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Rangers left wing Chris Kreider (20) skates with the puck during the third period of game four of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Kreider – 1^st round (19^th overall), 2009

The New York Rangers’ play style is a quick, fast paced game. What better player to suit that than Chris Kreider?

The 6’3, 226 lbs forward out of Massachusetts is one of the fastest players in the game. And he has a lot of potential too.

A lot of fans thought that this would be Kreider’s season to come out of the gate hard, but it has not been that way.

Scoring 37 points in 2013-2014, and then 46 points last season, this season was expected to be even better.

But more than a third of the season is done with, but Kreider has only 15 points. It is not bad and there is still a lot of time to go, but it is a bit of a let down. He can use his speed but is not using it often enough to remain deadly.

There are moments of brilliance on the ice and then there is a lot of points where you see flaws in his game, mainly in taking bad penalties.

He is still a young one, at 24 years old he can grow but the Rangers need him to grow ASAP.

The clock is ticking on the team and it will not remain this way forever. And if the Rangers have any chance they are going to need Kreider.

He is a very good player who can play both ends of the ice but just has not taken the next step this season. It will be a very interesting finish for him.

Next: #23 Reijo Ruotsalainen

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Reijo Ruotsalainen – 6^th round (119^th overall), 1980

The case of Reijo Ruotsalainen is a bit of a confusing one when you look back on it.

Drafted in the 6^th round of the 1980 NHL Draft, Ruotsalainen would make his debut for the Rangers, a diminutive defenseman standing at just 5’8”. What he didn’t have in size, he more than made up for in skating as coach Herb Brooks called him one of the best skaters in the NHL during his time with the Rangers.

Ruotsalainen was a solid offensive contributor to the Ranger lineup throughout his early 20s, posting no fewer than 16 goals and 56 points during his first three seasons in the league, enjoying a 69 point season in year two.

But it wasn’t until year four in New York that he flourished. Playing in 80 games that year, he would enjoy a career-best 28 goals and 73 points that season. Despite his offensive contributions that year, his defensive prowess began to come into question as he somehow went minus-27 despite those 73 points.

After one more year in New York, Ruotsolainen was allowed to walk as a free agent. He would play a few more years in the NHL, splitting time between Edmonton, New Jersey, Switzerland and Sweden.

Ruotsolainen, on paper, was one of the more productive offensive defensemen the Rangers had in the 1980s. He posted 316 points in 389 games for the Rangers, but just couldn’t hang well enough defensively to stay for the long-term.

Next: #22 Brandon Dubinsky

Brandon Dubinsky – 2^nd round (60^th overall), 2004

Brandon Dubinsky was an interesting Ranger. The Alaskan native was a good hockey player, that is for sure.

“Dubi”, as his teammates called him, was the second round choice for the Rangers in the same draft that saw Ryan Callahan be drafted as well.

The whole thing that was special about Dubinsky was his strong two-way game.

He was very much like Ryan Callahan, but they were totally different players, if that makes any sense. Their similarities were their play style, both gave 100% on the ice and did anything to win. But they also always kept it clean.

No. 17 had good offensive numbers, never scoring less than 40 points in four seasons in New York. One of those years saw a massive 54 point year, the 85th anniversary of the Blueshirts’ existence.

There was a game against the Canadiens in which Dubinsky came to the defense of his players, even breaking away from refs to fight off a Canadiens’ forward from Callahan. That was the kind of guy Dubinsky was, he never let anyone take advantage of his teammates.

The sad thing about Dubinsky was the way he had to leave New York. Scoring 34 points in 2011-2012, his send off was unexpected by fans. Blueshirt fans were let down from his disappointing production, but do miss him considering the player he is in Columbus.

Next: #21 Pat Hickey

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Pat Hickey – 2^nd round (30^th overall), 1973

Pat Hickey was 20 years old when he was selected by the Blueshirts, 30th overall, in the 1973 NHL Armature Draft.

The Brantford, Ontario native was called up two years after being drafted in 1975 and played four years in the “Show” before being dealt to Colorado for Barry Beck in 1979.

Two years later Hickey found himself back on Broadway in a trade with Toronto for the fifth round pick in the 1982 draft.

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There is something special about New York and its fans. New Yorkers could hate a player but if they could score and do something special, they were loved. Hickey was not a bad player, but he could score.

Putting up 36 points in his rookie season in 70 games was a sign of good things to come for him. The following season he did not disappoint either, scoring 4o points and then 73 and 75 points the following years.

Hickey was apart of the 1979 New York Rangers team that broke New York’s heart, losing the Stanley Cup to the Montreal Canadiens in five games.

He did not find much net during the post season, scoring only eight points. However, Hickey did have a valuable impact on the team making the playoffs where Hickey did have a 75 point year.

Hickey’s last game as a Ranger came on March 6th, 1982 against the New York Islanders.

Next: #20 Ryan Callahan

Ryan Callahan – 4^th round (127^th overall), 2004

The New York Rangers seem to have a thing for drafting home-grown players. Ryan Callahan was one of them.

With the 127th pick in the 2004 draft, the Rangers selected Ryan Callahan in the fourth round.

Playing eight seasons in total for the Blueshirts, Callahan really defined what “New York Rangers hockey” was all about; a hard hitting nonstop defensive play that would lead to great offense.

Known around the League as a grinder, Callahan put his body on the line every night for his team. He was agreat defensive player, but really proved a lot when he would block shots from the biggest defenseman in the game.

The game that always stands out is a match up against Winnipeg. Callahan’s stick breaks but goes and blocks a shot. He then blocks another, and then a third. With a last ditch effort to get the puck out of the zone, Callahan dove to get it out.

It was moments like this when you realized he was the Captain of the team, a well deserved honor for a great two-way player. His offensive numbers were not always impressive, but Callahan could always score a big goal for his team. But it was his hard hits and courageous blocked shots that made him a leader.

Next: #19 Darren Turcotte

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Darren Turcotte – 6^th round (114^th overall), 1986

Like more than a few others on this list, Darren Turcotte isn’t exactly one of the names you’d think of when you put together a list of the greatest Rangers of all-time. But given the fact that he was one of the guys they drafted and that’s what this list is about, here he is.

SoDo Mojo

Turcotte was a late-round pick and began his career as such, getting just 20 games of action as a 20-year-old rookie in 1988-89. But over the course of the next few seasons, Turcotte began to establish himself as a surprisingly effective scoring winger.

Over his next four full seasons with the Rangers, Turcotte would hit the 30-goal mark twice and score no fewer than 25 goals in any of those four seasons while hitting the 60-point mark twice.

Injuries would limit his time in the lineup during 1993-94 and by the time the trade deadline rolled around, Turcotte and James Patrick would be moved to Hartford for Steve Larmer, Nick Kypreos, Barry Richter and a 6^th round pick in 1994 (Yuri Litvinov).

Ultimately, Larmer’s contributions would wind up being quite impactful. He would tally 21 goals and 60 points during the regular season for the Rangers, chipping in another nine goals and 16 points during their fateful Cup run.

Turcotte turned out to be a bit of a diamond in the rough for the Rangers and helped them land another important piece to their 1994 Cup run.

Next: #18 Derek Stepan

Mar 14, 2015; Buffalo, NY, USA; New York Rangers center Derek Stepan (21) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at First Niagara Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Stepan – 2^nd round (51^st overall), 2008

Stepan’s career with the Rangers is in just its sixth season, but Stepan has already had a tremendous impact during his time in New York.

Flashier names were certainly chosen at the top of the 2008 NHL Draft – Steven Stamkos, Drew Doughty, Alex Pietrangelo and Erik Karlsson to name a few – but there have been few others that have had the kind of impact on his team that Stepan has had so far.

Since Stepan’s arrival to New York as a 20-year-old rookie, in which he scored 21 goals and registered 45 points, the Rangers have evolved into one of the better teams in the NHL. That is in no small part due to Stepan, who has become one of the better two-way forwards in the league while bringing obvious leadership skills to the forefront.

Stepan has been battling injury concerns over the last two seasons, but has 264 points over his first 385 points in New York and is just five goals away from the century mark.

At 25 years old, Stepan figures to play an integral part in the success of the Rangers for the long-term. He is one of the best two-way centers in the game and though he doesn’t quite score like some thought he might be able to, there are few players as important to the Rangers as Stepan.

Next: #17 Doug Weight

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Doug Weight – 2^nd round (34^th overall), 1990

Another promising draft pick traded for a key piece to the biggest moment in New York Rangers history.

Weight hadn’t done a lot in his short time with the Rangers. He registered 30 points in 53 games as a rookie in 1991-92 and had improved on that the following year when he was moved to the Edmonton Oilers on March 17, 1993 for veteran winger Esa Tikkanen.

Tikkanen wasn’t quite the two-way force that he had been in years prior with the Oilers dynasty of the 1980s, but he was still more than effective and would suit the role that the Rangers wanted him to play. He scored 22 goals and registered points for the Rangers during that 1993-94 season, a pleasant surprise given he hadn’t scored at that level in a few seasons.

Though he picked up just four goals and eight points in 23 games for the Rangers that post season, his physical two-way play was integral for the Rangers, especially when the going started to get tougher as the playoffs wore on.

Though Weight, like Amonte and Dahlen, had very little impact on the ice for the Rangers, the assets brought back for him ultimately made a difference as the Rangers drove towards their first championship in 54 years.

And that is a pretty big impact.

Next: #16 Dave Maloney

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Dave Maloney – 1^st round (14^th overall), 1974

Selected in the same draft as Ron Greschner, the Rangers did pretty well for themselves in the 1974 NHL Draft to get both he and Dave Maloney.

During the early portion of his career, Maloney wasn’t exactly known for his offensive prowess. He managed just six goals combined over the first 147 games of his career, a young man in his teens/early 20s just trying to find his game in the NHL.

But as he began to mature and develop, the offense began to come. From 1977-78, when he tallied 21 points, to 1982-83, when he tallied a career-best 50 points, Maloney would improve upon his career-best in points each season.

Maloney’s effectiveness would start to peter out after he took a step back in production in 1983-84 and would continue to drop precipitously. He would eventually be traded to the Buffalo Sabres with Chris Renaud on December 6, 1984 for Steve Patrick and Jim Wiemer, marking an end to his career in New York. He would last just 52 games in Buffalo before calling it a career at 28 years old.

Maloney slowly morphed into a standout for the Rangers during the early 1980s before ineffectiveness would burn out his career in New York.

Next: #15 Ulf Dahlen

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Ulf Dahlen – 1^st round (7^th overall), 1985

The first round of the 1985 NHL Draft wasn’t pretty for most of the teams involved. Aside from the top pick that year, Wendel Clark, there were few hits. Teams either got a solid contributor or a complete bust. There just weren’t all-stars to be had that year.

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So it should be of little surprise that Ulf Dahlen’s career with the New York Rangers was as short as it was given how the rest of the first round played out.

Dahlen would suit up in just 189 games for the Rangers over parts of three seasons, a quietly solid contributor even if he didn’t live up to top-10 draft pick status. He posted seasons of 24 and 29 goals during his first two seasons and looked well on his way to a third 20-goal season before being shipped to Minnesota via trade during the 1989-90 season.

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On March 6, 1990, he and a 4^th round pick in 1990 were traded to the North Stars for winger Mike Gartner. Gartner would spend five seasons in the Big Apple, lighting the lamp 173 times in just 322 games and brought back key complimentary piece Glenn Anderson when the Rangers traded him prior to the 1994 playoffs.

Dahlen may not have been long for New York, but he brought back a key piece in Gartner and led to another key piece in Anderson. Not bad for a guy the Rangers were willing to move anyway.

Next: #14 Tony Amonte

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Tony Amonte – 4^th round (68^th overall), 1988

Like the aforementioned Ulf Dahlen, Tony Amonte is more well-known for his career outside of New York than for the things he did during his time playing in front of the Madison Square Garden audience.

A fourth round pick in 1988, Amonte burst onto the scene as a 21-year-old rookie, finishing as a runner up for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie after scoring 35 goals and finishing with 69 points. He was just as good the following year, tallying 33 goals and upping his career-best in points to 76.

But after a downslide in 1993-94, and with the Rangers gearing up for a big-time run at the Stanley Cup, Amonte was considered expendable.

On March 21, 1994, Amonte was dealt along with the rights to Matt Oates to the Chicago Blackhawks for Stephane Matteau and Brian Noonan. You may or may not remember Matteau’s contributions to the Rangers’ playoff run that year, but suffice it to say that it was kind of important.

Amonte’s career in New York may have been short-lived, but his impact on the Rangers was felt drastically and immediately. Moving him for Matteau wound up being huge for the Rangers, as Matteau would not only help send them to the Stanley Cup Final but help them capture their first title in 54 long years.

Next: #13 Alex Kovalev

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Alex Kovalev – 1^st round (15^th overall), 1991

Ladies and gentlemen, meet one of the most frustrating and infuriating players in NHL history. If you ask anyone what they remember most about Alexei Kovalev they will undoubtedly say that he was one of the most talented players they ever saw and that he rarely put it all together for long stretches of time.

In a first round littered with talent and contributors – Eric Lindros, Scott Niedermayer, Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund are some of the more notable names taken – Kovalev was just as talented as any of them.

Unfortunately for the Rangers, they got the young, immature and not-quite-ready-to-shine Kovalev. He had flashes of production during his tenure in the Big Apple – four seasons of 20 or more goals, three seasons of at least 50 points or more – but there was always the feeling that he could be and do more. Sure, he was still very young as a guy in his early 20s, but that didn’t change the sentiment.

Kovalev would show some of that potential after being shipped to Pittsburgh in 1998-99, registering a 44-goal, 95-point campaign in 2000-01. He would make another pit-stop in New York during 2002-03 and 2003-04 before moving on to disappoint others.

Full of flash with the ability to stick-handle his way out of a phone booth, Kovalev always felt like a case of “what if?” during his time in New York.

Next: #12 Marc Staal

Mar 2, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) controls the puck against the Nashville Predators during the first period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Marc Staal – 1^st round (12^th overll), 2005

When you look at his numbers, Marc Staal doesn’t jump off the page at you. In 571 career games with the Rangers (and counting), he has managed just 33 goals and 141 points. But when you look closer, you see the kind of player Staal really is.

When he was selected with the 12^th overall pick in 2005, Marc had already had a few years to live in the shadow of brother Eric. Eric was the second overall selection to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2003 and had already enjoyed an outstanding rookie season when Marc was selected. By the time the latter debuted in 2007-08, the former was already a full-fledged superstar, having posted his first 100-point season for the Stanley Cup Champion Hurricanes in 2005-06.

Eyes On Isles

When Marc debuted, it took him a few seasons to really find his game and style, but when he did, he quietly became one of the better two-way defensemen in the league. His career-best in points is only 29 set back in 2010-11, but that has never been a major component of his game.

In the years since, Staal has become a leader for the Rangers and an anchor on their blueline. He battled injury issues during 2011-12 and 2012-13, but has finally rebounded from those woes to become an effective force on the blueline once again.

At 29 years old, Staal still has a long time left ahead of him for the Blue Shirts. And if he continues along this path, his numbers won’t jump off the page at you, but he will more than certainly be remembered as the anchor for some of the best contending teams in Rangers history.

Next: #11 Ron Duguay

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Duguay – 1^st round (13^th overall), 1977

Selected with the 13^th pick in 1977 out of Sudbury of the OHA, Duguay made the jump directly to the NHL as a 20-year-old rookie, scoring 20 goals in 71 games for the Rangers.

Over the next seven seasons in New York, Duguay became known as much for his long hair and flashy style as he was for what he did on the ice. Duguay even took part in team president Sonny Werblin’s idea to make the Rangers more hip in the disco era by singing on “Hockey Sock Rock” with Phil Esposito, Pat Hickey, Dave Maloney and John Davidson in 1979.

Still, his game was evident on the ice as his goal totals increased from 20 to 27 to 28 over his first three years. He even set a team record on April 6, 1980 by scoring the fastest goal at the start of a game, lighting the lamp in nine seconds.

After shaking off some injuries, he enjoyed his best season in 1981-82, scoring 40 goals and playin in the NHL All-Star Game. Duguay would suffer a dip in production the following season, dropping to just 19 goals and 44 points.

Clashing with head coach Herb Brooks over the quality of his play and his popularity in New York’s night life, the team decided to finally part was with Duguay. He was traded on June 13, 1983 with Eddie Mio and Eddie Johnstone to the Detroit Red Wings for Willie Huber, Mark Osborne and Mike Blaisdell.

Through his eight years in the Big Apple, Duguay made himself well-known whether he was playing well or not. In nearly 500 games with the club, he scored 164 goals and registered 340 points. He will definitely be remembered as one of the most flashy players to ever wear the red, white and blue.

Next: #10 James Patrick

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

James Patrick – 1^st round (9^th overall), 1981

Selected in the first round with names like Dale Hawerchuk, Ron Francis and Grant Fuhr, Patrick is seemingly known more for his time as a journeyman defenseman in the latter half of his career with stops in Hartford, Calgary and Buffalo.

But for the bulk of the 1980s and the first couple of years of the 1990s, Patrick was one of the more underrated defensemen of his time. When you think about Patrick, you don’t consider that he was more than adequate offensively, with seven straight seasons of double-digit goals and at least 47 points.

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Not only that, but he was relatively durable for a tough position. While he only played one season of 80 games during his time in New York, he was consistently in the 75-game range except for his final full season in New York.

Patrick’s Rangers career came to an end on November 2, 1993 when he, along with Darren Turcotte, was traded to the Hartford Whalers for Steve Larmer, Nick Kypreos, Barry Richter and Hartford’s 6^th round pick in the 1994 NHL Draft (Yuri Litvinov).

When thinking of some of the better Rangers defensemen ever, Patrick likely won’t be included but he was more than just a solid cog. During his 11 years in New York, he played in 671 games, compiling 104 goals and 467 points. That is a pretty solid career if you ask me.

Next: #9 Tomas Sandstrom

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Tomas Sandsrom – 2^nd round (36^th overall), 1982

The Finnish-born Sandstrom, taken in the 2^nd round of the 1982 NHL Draft, would not make his debut until two years later, but his impact was immediate. As a 20-year-old rookie, Sandstrom would tally 29 goals and 58 points, showing a rough side to his game that most Europeans had not to that point.

Two seasons later, Sandstrom looked like a star in the making after registering 40 goals and 74 points in just 64 games as a 22-year-old in 1986-87. Even during the early stage of his career, his bruising, physical style began to take a toll on him and he would never suit up for a full 82-game season.

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Over the course of his six seasons in New York, he never scored fewer than 25 goals and hit the 30 goal mark three times, posting back-to-back 32-goal seasons in 1988-90 and 1989-90. That ’89-90 season would be his last in New York, though.

In January 1990, still in his mid-20s, Sandstrom was traded aong with Tony Granato to the Los Angeles Kings for former 70-goal scorer Bernie Nicholls. Sandstrom would go on to have a couple of highly productive seasons in Los Angeles with Gretzky, but his bruising style would really limit him going forward and he would only post one more 30-goal effort after his 45 goals in his first full year in L.A.

Sandstrom amassed just 407 games in New York, but netted 173 goals and 380 points over that time. He was one of the better power forwards in the game and appeared to begin finding his nose for the net when injuries began to become an issue.

He is one of the more prominent “what if?” cases in Rangers history, as many were left to wonder what he could have done with improved health and more time in the Big Apple.

Next: #8 Ron Greschner

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Ron Greschner – 2^nd round (32^nd overall), 1974

Selected in the 1974 NHL Draft behind names like Clark Gillies, Bryan Trottier and Mark Howe, Greschner made his debut as a 20-year-old during the 1974-75 season, suiting up in 70 games and registering 45 points.

Establishing himself as a regular over the next couple of seasons, Greschner wouldn’t begin coming into his own as a quality offensive defenseman until the end of the 1970s. He would start with a career-best 24 goals and 72 points as a 23-year-old in 1977-78, making himself one of the best the Rangers had to offer.

Though he would fail to match his career-best in points, he became a consistent 50-plus point scorer over the next three years and even bested his goals high with 27 in 1980-81. Injuries would start to play a part as he would suit up for just 164 games over the next four seasons, including just 39 in 1981-82 and 1982-83.

After rebounding back to 56 points in 1983-84, Greschner’s career began to trend downwards as he moved through his 30s. By 33, his production had almost totally dried up and he would fail to score in the double-digits in goals in any of his final four seasons, managing just one goal in each of his final three.

Greschner would suit up in 982 games for the Rangers over his 16-year career. With 179 goals and 610 points, Greschner was one of the best offensive defensemen the Rangers ever had and was quite good during the last half of the ‘70s.

Next: #7 John Vanbiesbrouck

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

John Vanbiesbrouck – 4^th round (72^nd overall), 1981

Standing just 5’8”, the diminutive Vanbiesbrouck – affectionately known as Beezer throughout his career – was not selected until the fourth round of the 1981 draft, but had an impact much larger than both his frame and draft status.

Making his full-time debut in 1984-85, Vanbiesbrouck had a pedestrian 12-24-3 record as well as a bloated 4.22 goals against average. Having said that, it was nothing short of stunning that he followed up that effort by winning the Vezina Trophy as a 22-year-old.

That’s right, Vanbiesbrouck won the award with a 31-21-5 record the following season, even finishing in the top five in Hart Trophy consideration. It appeared as though the Rangers had found themselves a franchise goalie.

Unfortunately for Vanbiesbrouck, he wouldn’t be able to match that success, though he continued to be a solid starter over the next few seasons while battling frequent injury. Those injury concerns also included accidentally slicing his wrist after a glass table he was sitting on broke underneath him.

As the 1990s rolled around, Vanbiesbrouck’s grasp on the starting role began to loosen and he started to platoon in tandem with youngster Mike Richter. After the 1992-93 season, it was decided that the aging Vanbiesbrouck would be better suited as a trade chip. He was traded to Vancouver for future considerations (Doug Lidster).

Vanbiesbrouck’s tenure in New York started with a bang and ultimately fizzled out in disappointment. He amassed 200 wins exactly during his 11 years in New York, one of the few goaltenders who showed consistent, sustained success in the gunslinger era of the 1980s.

Though he might be more known for his time in Florida, Vanbiesbrouck’s impact was arguably much greater in New York.

Next: #6 Don Maloney

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Don Maloney – 2^nd round (26^th overall), 1978

Perhaps much better known for his career after his time on the ice, Maloney has been a front office presence since serving as general manager of the Islanders in 1992. He is currently the general manager in Arizona, having won General Manager of the Year in 2010.

A product of the Kitchener Rangers, Maloney came to the Rangers in the second round of the 1978 Draft, making his debut that season by playing in 28 games and registering 26 points.

In year two as a 21-year-old, Maloney would have a breakout 25-goal, 73-point effort while posting nearly 100 penalty minutes along the way. Over the next 11 seasons in the Big Apple, Maloney would establish himself as a solid scoring option, often times playing with brother Dave.

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Maloney would appear in 653 games over those 11 seasons, posting 195 goals and 502 points in that time before being traded to the Hartford Whalers during the 1988-89 season. He would finish his career out with a season and change in Long Island before calling it a career at age 32.

Though he sometimes battled injury issues in New York, Maloney was a solid and consistent scorer for much of his time there, outperforming some of the higher picks in the draft like Bill Derlago (4^th overall) and Ken Linseman (7^th overall).

Next: #5 Steve Vickers

Jan 23, 2014; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the ice rink prior to the game between the New York Rangers and the St. Louis Blues at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Vickers – 1^st round (10^th overall), 1971

The Sarge was an All-OHA selection for the Toronto Marlboros when the Rangers selected him with the 10^th pick in the 1971 Amateur Draft, which is famous for the selections of Guy Lafleur, Marcel Dionne and Rick Martin in the top five selections.

Making his debut in the 1972-73 season, Vickers would capture the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s rookie of the year with 30 goals and 53 points. He would make a name for himself during the 1970s as a part of one of the best two-way lines in the league, partnered with center Walt Tkaczuk and winger Bill Fairbairn.

Eyes On Isles

Eventually, he would find himself bumped up to the top line with a pair of Ranger greats in Rod Gibert and Jean Ratelle where he would eventually register his best season during 1975, scoring 41 goals and being named to the NHL’s Second All-Star Team.

During the course of his decade-long career with the Rangers, Vickers would tally 246 goals and 586 points in 698 games for the Blue Shirts. Vickers also holds the franchise record for points in a game with seven in a February 1976 game against Washington.

Vickers’ name tends to get lost among the Gilberts, Ratelles, Messiers and Leetches, but his tenure with the Rangers was extremely productive and he should always be remembered as one of the all-time greats for the Rangers.

Next: #4 Mike Richter

BOSTON, MA – 1970’s: Brad Park #2 of the New York Rangers awaits the face off during the game against the Boston Bruins circa 1970’s at the Boston Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Steve Babineau/credit Rant Sports)

Brad Park – 1^st round (2^nd overall), 1966

Though his career was split down the middle by his time in New York and Boston, there is little question about just how great the career of Brad Park was.

Selected behind Barry Gibbs (who was taken by Boston), Park would make his NHL debut in 1968-69 and began to showcase his talents almost immediately. After a couple of solid seasons in his early 20s, Park burst into the national spotlight with a 24-goal, 73-point effort as a 23-year-old in 1971-72.

Lauded for his offensive ability, Park was rivaled only by Bobby Orr, Boston’s offensive dynamo of a defenseman. The two were considered the best in the game, “revolutionary” defensemen who changed the way the game was played by the position.

Park would amass an impressive 378 points in 465 for the Rangers, but he began to fall out of public favor. The press had felt that the 27-year-old Park was overweight and overpaid, leading to an Earth-shattering trade on November 7, 1975. Park, center Jean Ratelle and defenseman Joe Zanussi were dealt to the Boston Bruins for superstar center Phil Esposito and defenseman Carol Vadnais.

During his eight seasons in New York, there were few better than Park. He and Orr indeed changed the way the game was played by defensemen, with dynamic scorers being able to play the position like never before.

Next: #2 Henrik Lundqvist

Apr 24, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins during overtime in game five of the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Penguins 2 – 1 in overtime to advance to the next round. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Henrik Lundqvist – 7^th round (205^th overall), 2000

You hear about “late round gems” in the draft, players who play far above their draft status and become contributors on their team for an extended period of time. Let’s just say that “late round gem” doesn’t even come close to describing “The King” Henrik Lundqvist.

A virtual afterthought as the 205^th overall pick in 2000, Lundqvist came into the starting role for the Rangers as a 23-year-old during 2005-06 and has not relinquished that spot.

With over 500 starts for the Rangers, Lundqvist has amassed 353 career wins as well as impressive .921 save percentage and 2.26 goals against average over his time in red, white and blue. During that time, he has also captured the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goalie and finished as a finalist another four times.

There have been few in the NHL that can come close to Lundqvist’s contributions since the 2005-06 season and he continues to be one of the best in the game today. The Rangers have come close to recapturing that 1994 magic, losing to the Los Angeles Kings in the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 with Lundqvist at the helm.

Management hopes to get lucky with those late-round draft picks, but the Rangers hit the equivalent of 10 grand-slams with their steal of Lundqvist in 2000.

Next: #1 Brian Leetch

Mandatory Credit: Bleacher Report

Brian Leetch – 1^st round (9^th overall), 1986

There are two things separating Leetch from nearly everyone else on this list and they’re kind of big ones.  He was a part of that 1994 Stanley Cup Championship team, the first in The Big Apple in 54 long and frustrating seasons.

Secondly, he was the catalyst to that championship season, capturing the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP thanks to his 23 assists and 34 points in the 23 games the Rangers suited up for in those playoffs.

It also doesn’t hurt his case that he has far and away the most points for the Rangers among Blueshirt draftees. He came oh-so-close to the 1,000-point mark with the Rangers, posting 981 points in 1,129 career games in New York.

During his tenure in New York, there were few defensemen in the NHL better than Leetch. In addition to that Conn Smythe Trophy, he also captured the Calder Trophy as the league’s best rookie and a pair of Norris Trophy awards for the best defenseman.

Leetch was a force offensively like few others at his position and his importance to the Rangers is only emphasized by his contributions to their lone championship in 75 years. Aside from Mark Messier, he may be the best Ranger period, let alone their best draft pick.

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