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New York Rangers: Best Draft Picks Since 2000

ByTimothy Haggerty|
Jan 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) and Chris Kreider (20) celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins in an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist (30) and Chris Kreider (20) celebrate after defeating the Boston Bruins in an NHL hockey game at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers defeated the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) stands before the start of the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2015; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) stands before the start of the first period against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

#1 – 2000: Henrik Lundqvist

One of the greatest Rangers of all-time and one of the greatest goalies to ever play the game. Henrik Lundqvist was selected 205th overall in the 7th round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. Since then, Lundqvist has far exceeded the expectations of a 7th round pick; let alone any goaltender.

Lundqvist has over 700 games played as a New York Ranger. He boasts a career 2.29 goals against average and a 92% save percentage. Lundqvist won the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goaltender, for the 2010-2011 NHL season. Henrik is expected to win his 400th game this season.

Next: New York Rangers: Worst Draft Picks Since 2000

Since 2005, Lundqvist has been the backbone for the Rangers. Even as he has grown older, he has been one of the league’s best goalies. His selection is especially great considering how late the Rangers took Lundqvist. If Glen Sather had gone with someone else with that pick, the last 11 years would have gone a lot differently.

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