New York Rangers: Top 5 defensemen since Brian Leetch

The New York Rangers drafted Brian Leetch with the 9th overall pick in the 1986 NHL Entry Level Draft. The American born defensemen spent 16 seasons with the Rangers. He is arguably the best defensemen to put on a Rangers sweater.

Brian Leetch had a tremendous career in the National Hockey League. He played in just over 1,200 regular season games and collected over 1,000 points during his 18 season career. Some would argue that Leetch has been the best defenseman that the New York Rangers had in decades.

Leetch is the first American born player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy at the end of the New York Rangers run to winning the Stanley Cup in 1994. Defensemen have come and gone in New York since Leetch last laced up the skates for the Rangers.

Let’s take a look at the top five defensemen that have played for the New York Rangers since Brian Leetch’s departure on March 3, , 004 in no particular order…

Dan Girardi –

Dan Girardi’s tenure with the New York Rangers came to an abrupt end this summer when the Rangers bought out his contract. However, this shouldn’t hinder on what Dan Girardi did for the Rangers during his 11 seasons playing in New York.

The Welland, Ontario, Canada native was and still is a warrior out on the ice. He will put his body in danger in order to help out his team and goaltender. In 788 regular season games, the former undrafted free agent tallied 46 goals and 184 assists. The type of play that Girardi brings each game has caught up with him.

Girardi’s play and production levels have been dropping during recent years. The Rangers felt they had no other choice than to buy out the remainder of his contract. Don’t let his past few years dictate the player he has been for the Rangers.

Dan Girardi has been on the ice for several big moments over the past 11 years. I hope that Girardi finds a spot with the Tampa Bay Lightning that suits what he can bring at this stage in his career.

Brady Skjei –

Brady Skjei may have just completed his first full National Hockey League season, but it was a promising one. The 23-year-old looked comfortable out on the ice this past season and had a nice post-season to add to his stellar rookie season.

Skjei totaled 39 points this past season with five goals and 34 assists during the regular season. People have compared Skjei to Brian Leetch and if he continues to improve, he could reach those Leetch career totals. Skjei averaged 17:29 on ice time this past season and he can only expect that number to increase over the next few years.

The American born defenseman will look to continue to improve on his game. Skjei has all of the tools to be the next Brian Leetch. It’s up to him to see how he continues to develop and progress his play in the NHL.

Ryan McDonagh –

Thank you, Bob Gainey.

On June 30, 2009, the New York Rangers made perhaps one of their greatest trades in team history. The Rangers needed to dump the contract of Scott Gomez and Bob Gainey and his Montreal Canadiens were the takers.

Since debuting for the Rangers during the 2010-2011 season, McDonagh has scored 49 goals and added 163 assists in 469 regular season games. McDonagh has developed into the top pairing defensemen that the Rangers thought he would be. On October 6, 2014, McDonagh was named the 27th captain in Rangers history.

The former first round pick has developed into one of the Rangers best defensemen in years. He will look to continue to improve on his game in hoping to help lead the Rangers to winning the Stanley Cup.

Kevin Shattenkirk –

Kevin Shattenkirk hasn’t even played a game yet as a New York Ranger. He is everything the Rangers have been needing on their blue line. The New Rochelle, New York native said he’s always dreamed of playing for the New York Rangers. His dreams are now a reality after signing with the Rangers a few weeks ago.

Shattenkirk’s favorite player growing up was Brian Leetch. He looks to mirror the style of play that Leetch played every game. The 28-year-old defenseman has played nine seasons so far in the NHL. He has 68 goals and 230 assists through out his career during the regular season.

Next: Comparing 17-18 Rangers Team to 17-18 Team

Kevin Shattenkirk will look to slot into the top defensive pairing with Ryan McDonagh this season and further. He has the opportunity to become one of the best New York Rangers defensemen in decades. He will look to become the top offensive defenseman that the Rangers have been missing since the Leetch trade in 2004.