New York Rangers: Five unsung players to be thankful for

Michael Del Zotto

It’s almost saddening to think back on the sour end to Michael Del Zotto’s tenure in New York. He was a promising, young star who stumbled along his way. Those struggles are what eventually ended his tenure with the Rangers.

Nonetheless, some of Del Zotto’s best days were played under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. Del Zotto burst onto the scene in his rookie season with 37 points, including nine goals. He was among the most electric young defenders in the league. Very few were able to match the offensive upside he possessed, well before the NHL’s transition to such a finesse league.

If it weren’t for John Tortorella, and some unfortunately timed injuries, Del Zotto could still be a force on the Rangers blue line. Those days have passed, but his prime days as an offensive dynamo should not be forgotten. Now, we must be thankful for the exciting player that he was from afar.