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New York Rangers: Top 3 reasons they made the FanSided 250

By Andrew Steele-Davis |
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2019 in New York City. The Canucks defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 20: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers celebrates his third period goal against the Vancouver Canucks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, 2019 in New York City. The Canucks defeated the Rangers 3-2. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
New York Rangers Left Wing Artemi Panarin (10)
New York Rangers Left Wing Artemi Panarin (10) /

The FanSided 250 is officially out and the New York Rangers find themselves included in the list that celebrates the hottest fandoms of the year.

Reaching the conclusion of this rebuild, it has been a hell of a year for the New York Rangers so far and they are slowly becoming a relevant force in the NHL again.

As a result, it is no surprise that the Blueshirts were named No. 158 on the FanSided 250 and 10th in the NHL category.

They finished above the Buffalo Sabres (No. 240) and the New Jersey Devils (No. 216), although they did finish a spot below the New York Islanders.

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However, it is pleasing to see the Rangers attract some positive publicity and we’re going to delve into the reasons why they made the FanSided 250…

1. Artemi Panarin

When you go out and make a blockbuster move for one of the premier talents in the National Hockey League, then you are bound to attract interest.

That’s what the New York Rangers did back in the off-season when they shelled out $81,500,000 in order to lure the Russian stud to the Big Apple, who seemed to have his heart set on making MSG his new home.

And, so far you have to say that it has been money well spent.

Artemi Panarin has been an absolute home run for the Rangers, potting 19 goals and tallying 23 assists for 42 points in 32 games, with 13 of those points coming on the power play.

You need stars in order to be relevant in sports these days and the New York Rangers have certainly got that in Artemi Panarin.

2. Kaapo Kakko

It has been clear for quite some time now that this storied Original Six franchise was seeking a return to the glory days, and the arrival of a certain Finnish phenom officially ushered in a new era of New York Rangers hockey back in the summer.

With the hockey gods smiling down upon them, the Blueshirts were handed an almighty boost when they were awarded the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft.

With generational talent Jack Hughes going to the New Jersey Devils with the No. 1 overall pick, the Blueshirts used that pick on Kaapo Kakko.

The elite talent, who is built like a man already, burst onto the global stage at the IIHF 2019 World Championships and really grabbed the attention of the NHL.

Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers
Kaapo Kakko #24 of the New York Rangers /

So much so that some experts felt Kakko could have been picked first overall, but the Rangers were thrilled he fell in their laps.

And, while he has taken a while to get used to life in North America, there is no doubt that Kaapo Kakko will be one of the main faces leading this new era of New York Rangers hockey.

3. The New York Rangers

Okay, so the headline sounds simple but that is because it is.

After all, part of the reason the New York Rangers are in the FanSided 250 is because they are the New York Rangers.

Playing at the world’s most famous arena at Madison Square Garden, the Blueshirts are a storied Original Six franchise and that means something.

Next. A not NYR All-Star Team. dark

From those beautiful jerseys to our beloved famous goal song, the New York Rangers are an iconic franchise with a rich history and they look set for an incredibly bright future.

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