Ryan McDonagh
Ryan McDonagh is the Rangers most reliable defenseman from year-to-year. He is consistent in the defensive end but also plays well from the blueline. This season, he was one point from reaching a career-high points total (he finished with 42), but had a career-high 36 assists and scored six goals.
Perhaps McDonagh’s best quality is his patience. The Rangers’ captain always is great at maintaining his positioning and can get in front of pucks. He is good with his stick and can break up passing plays to force the puck into transition. He moves his feet to get the puck up ice and isn’t afraid to step up on the rush. In fact, he scored on numerous occasions this season from deep in the zone.
McDonagh’s consistency has anchored the Rangers defense. He has remained strong and consistent despite uncertainty coming from almost every other defenseman on the roster.
McDonagh leads his team in the way that he plays. His strong statistics on both ends made him a threat every time he steps out on the ice. His consistency from year-to-year makes him one of the Rangers’ top players every year.