The next best New York Rangers team of all time

The next-best New York Rangers’ team of all-time.

We recently presented the New York Rangers’ all-time team. Now it’s time to look at the next-best Blueshirts squad.

As we did for the all-time team, we adhered to the NHL’s regular-season active roster maximum of 23 players in choosing twelve forwards, six defensemen, two goalies, and three spares (Black Aces).

Those who appeared on the all-time team were not repeated. Mark Messier appeared on the all-time team as a center. He also played left wing, but he’s widely regarded as a pivot. Nor were wingers moved from their listed position to the other side (tempting to be sure, but too easy).

We used the “play index” on hockey-reference.com to account for players from different eras like those who played in the NHL’s early days when the schedule had each of its six teams played between 44 and 48 games a season.

Right wing Cecil Dillon is a prime example.

He skated in 409 games for the Rangers between 1930-31 and 1938-39, posting 160 goals and 121 assists for 281 points. By contrast, Mike Gartner recorded 173 tallies and 113 helpers for 286 points in 322 games with the Rangers. However, the NHL had a 48-game schedule during Dillon’s tenure.

Adjusted to the league’s 82-match slate of today, Dillon’s stats would read 277 goals and 277 assists for 554 points. That’s better than the production of fellow Rangers right wings Tomas Sandstrom (380 points in 407 tilts), Mats Zuccarello (352 points in 509 contests), and Anders Hedberg (397 points in 465 duels).

Players received consideration for their length of service and contributions to the Rangers, as well as intangibles such as playing without regard for his own body and coming up big in crucial times.

In other words, you won’t find Hall of Fame left winger Luc Robitaille on this team because a) he absolutely soiled the bed in the postseason, scoring just five times in 26 games, and b) he was too soft too often.

You won’t see Guy Lafleur or Marcel Dionne, either. Both are Hockey Hall of Famers, but they earned their enshrinement long before coming to New York in the twilights of their careers.

Meanwhile, some outstanding (deserving?) players were left out.

Brendan Shanahan scored his 600th career goal in a Rangers sweater but played only 140 games for New York. Martin St. Louis gave the Blueshirts and their fans some memorable efforts in the 2014 playoffs but wasn’t around long.

Tony Amonte, Tony Granato, Doug Weight? Tremendous players, but each had most of their best seasons off Broadway.

The most difficult decision was leaving out center Derek Stepan.

The kid came to the Rangers after his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin, played 515 in a Rangers’ sweater, had 128 goals and 232 assists, including a hat trick in his very first NHL game. And who could forget him jumping up and down like a Pee Wee after beating Braden Holtby on a rebound in overtime to clinch the Conference Semifinals in 2015?

It was also hard passing on right wings Ryan Callahan and Gartner.

“Captain Cally” forward stepped in front of a slapper by Boston Bruins’ defender Zdeno Chara (owner of one of the game’s hardest shots) just months after breaking his hand trying to block a bid by Philadelphia Flyers’ standout Claude Giroux.

Chara’s blast broke Callahan’s leg but the Rangers forward saw it as the price of preserving a one-goal lead late. In 450 games for New York, he posted 268 penalty minutes, 254 points, and finished in the top-10 in voting for the Selke Trophy three times.

Gartner had three 40-goal seasons for the Rangers but spent much of his Hall of Fame career with the Washington Capitals (758 GP, 397 goals, 789 points). He was dealt at the trade deadline in 1994 to the Toronto Maple Leafs at the insistence of head coach Mike Keenan, who preferred Glenn Anderson’s experience of five Stanley Cup championships with the Edmonton Oilers over Gartner’s never having played in the Finals.

Callahan and Gartner were victims of a numbers game. Like we said in the all-time team piece, “can’t have everybody.”

So, here’s my Rangers’ next-best all-time team. Players are listed with years and regular-season stats as a Blueshirt. The NHL’s 23-man active roster limit applies. Hall of Famers noted as HOF. Skinny notes are from hockey-reference.com, the Official Guide to the Players of the Hockey Hall of Fame, and New York Rangers by the Numbers.

We’ll start with the top line, spanning three generations.

Second line

Left Wing – Don Maloney

Years: 1978-89

Stats: 653 games, 195 goals, 307 assists, 502 points, 739 penalty minutes

Skinny: Ranks eleventh among all Rangers in points. … Led the club with nine game-winning goals in 1980-81, which was also third-most in the NHL. … Holds the franchise record for the fastest three goals (2:30), having struck at 16:41, 18:37, and 19:11 in the second period in February 1981 against Washington. … Finished fifth in the NHL in shorthanded goals (5) and shooting percentage (23.4 %) in 1980-81. … Played with Phil Esposito and Don Murdoch on New York’s “Mafia Line,” called that because of the two players named Don. … Traded to the Hartford Whalers the day after Christmas in 1988. Prior to being dealt, Maloney had spent much of his time in head coach Michel Bergeron’s doghouse.

Center – Edgar Laprade (HOF)

Years: 1945-55

Stats: 500 games, 108 goals, 172 assists, 280 points

Adjusted stats: 131 goals, 251 assists, 382 points

Skinny: Posted a career-best 22 goals and 44 points in 1949-50, helping the Rangers sneak into the playoffs, upset the Montreal Canadiens, and nearly upend the first-place Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals, losing in the second overtime of Game Seven. … Considered among the best checking forwards yet won the Lady Byng in 1950 and played three full seasons with zero PIMs.

Right Wing – Phil Watson

Years: 1935-43, 1944-48

Stats: 547 games, 128 goals, 233 assists, 361 points, 491 PIMs

Adjusted stats: 172 goals, 384 assists, 556 points

Skinny: Scored in double-digits eight times as a Ranger and in his only season with Montreal. (1943-44). … Helped the Blueshirts win the Cup in 1940, the Canadiens in 1944. … Led the NHL in games played twice, and once in assists and game-winning tallies. … Finished among the top-10 in points in the league three times. Also coached the Blueshirts for four years in the 1950’s.

Third line

Left Wing – Dean Prentice

Years: 1952-63

Stats: 666 games, 186 goals, 236 assists, 422 points, 266 PIMs

Adjusted stats: 216 goals, 276 assists, 492 points

Skinny: The checking forward had the unenviable task of checking Gordie Howe throughout much of his time with the Rangers. Prentice is said to have constantly yapped at “Mr. Hockey.” One time, Howe told Prentice: “You keep bothering me and I’ll knock every tooth out of your head.” Prentice replied, “I’m afraid somebody’s already beaten you to it” and then flashed a toothless smile, causing Howe to laugh and skate off. … Prentice could also produce. He had four seasons with at least 20 goals, including a career-high 32 in 1959-60 (along with a personal-best 66 points).

Center – Phil Esposito (HOF)

Years: 1975-81

Stats: 422 games, 184 goals, 220 assists, 404 points

Skinny: Posted 29 goals and 67 points in 62 games after being traded to New York from the Boston Bruins in November 1975. … Recorded four seasons of at least 34 goals for the Rangers, including 42 in 1978-79. In the playoffs that season, he had 20 points (12 assists) to lead the Blueshirts to an upset of the first-place New York Islanders in the Semifinals. He had two game-winners that postseason (one versus the Los Angeles Kings, the other against the Islanders) and scored twice in the five-game loss to Montreal in the Final. … Following his playing days, he served as a broadcaster, general manager and head coach of the Rangers before co-founding the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Right Wing – Alex Kovalev

Years: 1992-98; 2003-04

Stats: 492 games, 142 goals, 188 assists, 330 points, 533 PIMs

Skinny: Recorded 39 points in 44 playoff matches with New York. Had 21 points (12 assists) in 23 games in the 1994 postseason, including two game-winners (one versus the Islanders in the first round, the other in Game Four of the Finals at Vancouver). … Had four 20-goal seasons for the Rangers. His best statistical season on Broadway was in 1995-96 when he notched 24 goals, 34 assists, and 58 points – all single-season highs as a Blueshirt. … Listed at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Kovalev was strong on the puck. Problem was his tendency to hold onto it too long, usually leading to missed scoring chances and turnovers. He also clashed with head coach Mike Keenan. During a match against Boston in February 1994, the bench boss grew frustrated when the young Russian forward stayed on the ice too long. As “punishment,” Keenan ordered Kovalev to stay on the ice for some seven minutes to end the period. But instead of collapsing or vomiting from exhaustion, Kovalev drew two penalties and scored on the power play late in the stanza.

Fourth line

Left Wing – Artemi Panarin

Years: 2019-present

Stats: 69 games, 32 goals, 63 assists, 95 points

Skinny: This kid was made for Broadway. It was only 69 games, but he put on quite a show in his first season with Broadway Blues, finishing third in the NHL in points (tied with Boston’s David Pastrnak) and second in assists (tied with Edmonton’s Connor McDavid). So how can he be ranked this high this soon? For starters, he’s gotten better every season. Last season was his fifth in the NHL and his most productive in goals, assists, and points. There’s also the fact this kid has shown he can play with virtually anybody, having found success as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets. His skating, creativity, and intensity make him one of the NHL’s most dangerous forwards. His smile, friendly personality, and antics (like his leg kick) have endeared him to fans.

Center – Wayne Gretzky (HOF)

Years: 1996-99

Stats: 234 games, 57 goals, 192 assists, 249 points

Skinny: “The Great One” was 36 when he signed a free-agent contract with the Rangers on July 21, 1996. He played three seasons with the Blueshirts and during that time led the NHL in games (82 in 1997) and twice in assists (72 in 1997, 67 in ’98). … In his only playoff season as a Ranger, 1997, Gretzky posted 20 points (10 goals) to lead New York past the Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils in the first two rounds. He had two hat tricks that postseason – one against Florida and the other versus the Philadelphia Flyers in the Conference Finals. Although the Rangers would lose to Philly in five, Gretzky did his part, posting four goals and five assists.

Right Wing – Cecil Dillon

Years: 1930-39

Stats: 409 games, 160 goals, 121 assists, 281 points

Adjusted stats: 277 goals, 277 assists, 554 points

Skinny: Helped the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1933 with a team-best eight goals and ten points in eight games. … Scored an NHL-best six short-handed markers in 1935. … Finished third in assists in the league in 1934 and was a three-time all-star selection.

Defense – First pairing

Ivan “Ching” Johnson (HOF)

Years: 1926-37

Stats: 405 games, 38 goals, 48 assists, 86 points, 826 PIMs

Adjusted stats: 68 goals, 161 assists, 229 points

Skinny: Dominant blueliner helped the Rangers to Cup wins in 1928 and ’33. … Led the NHL in playoff penalty minutes in 1928 (46) and 1932 (24). … Led the Rangers in penalty minutes in eight of his eleven seasons with them … A four-time all-star selection and finished second in voting for the Hart Trophy in 1932. … Known as “Ivan the Terrible” around the NHL because of his aggressive, hard-hitting style.

Ryan McDonagh

Years: 2010-18

Stats: 516 games, 51 goals, 187 assists, 238 points, 221 PIMs

Skinny: When the Rangers dealt Scott Gomez to Montreal in June 2009, they were happy just to be rid of the forward’s contract, which had five years and over $30 million remaining. McDonagh was considered a “throw-in.” As it turned it, the Canadiens threw away money on Gomez who quickly faded out of the league, while the Rangers had received a kid out of the University of Wisconsin who would become one of the most fearless leaders and best all-around blueliners in franchise history. … Developed into a steady two-way defender who went on to lead the Rangers to the Finals in 2014 with 14 goals and 29 assists. In the playoffs that season, he had 17 points (13 helpers) in 25 matches. In the Conference Finals against the Canadiens (of all teams), he became the first defenseman in franchise history to record eight assists in one postseason series, including one on the only goal of the team’s series-clincher in Game Six. … Don’t let his lack of PIMs delude you. McDonagh was as tough as they come, playing with a shoulder injury during the Finals and into the 2014-15 season, his first as team captain. He also has 1,322 blocked shots and 791 hits to his credit (1,026 and 639, respectively, for the Rangers). Oh, and he also played with a broken foot that he iced before each game of the Conference Finals in 2015.

Defense – Second Pairing

James Patrick

Years: 1984-93

Stats: 671 games, 104 games, 363 assists, 467 points, 541 PIMs

Skinny: Steady, two-way blueliner in 11 seasons for New York. His value to the Rangers was his ability to put up points and play with an edge. … Put up seven straight seasons of double-digits in goals. … Scored a career-high 17 goals in 1987-88 and recorded personal-bests in assists (57) and points (71) in 1991092. … Finished in the top-10 in voting twice for the Norris Trophy. … Ranks third among franchise blueliners in goals, assists, and points.

Sergei Zubov (HOF)

Years: 1992-95

Stats: 165 games, 30 goals, 126 assists, 156 points

Skinny: Led the Rangers in points (89) and assists (77) in 1993-94. … Had five goals and 14 assists in 22 playoff games in ’94 playoffs, including two assists in a 3-2 win over Vancouver in Game Seven of the Finals. … His 89 points are the second-most in a season among all Rangers defensemen (Brian Leetch had 102 in 1992). … Was just 25 and one of the league’s brightest blueliners when the Rangers traded him with Petr Nedved to Pittsburgh for Luc Robitaille and Ulf Samuelsson – still considered one of the worst trades in Blueshirts’ history. … Won a second Cup in 1999 with the Dallas Stars.

Defense – Third pairing

Jim Neilson

Years: 1962-74

Stats: 811 games, 60 goals, 238 assists, 298 points, 763 PIMs

Adjusted stats: 60 goals, 247 assists, 307 points

Skinny: Solid steady presence for 12 seasons on the Rangers’ blue line. Called “Chief” because his mother was a Cree Indian, the 6-foot-2, 205-pound Saskatchewan product had exceptional reach, which he used to poke check opponents and work as a forward on occasion…. Best season was in 1968-69 when he posted 10 goals and 34 assists. … Won the Calder Trophy in 1962-63 with five goals and 11 assists while partnered mostly with Hall of Famer Dough Harvey. … Twice finished in the top-5 in voting for the Norris Trophy, and was a second-team all-star.

Dave Maloney

Years: 1974-1984

Stats: 605 games, 70 goals, 225 assists, 295 points, 1,113 PIMs

Skinny: The youngest captain in Rangers’ history (named in 1978 at age 22). … Debuted in December 1974 at age 18, becoming the youngest player to wear a Blueshirts’ sweater. … Recorded four straight seasons with at least 11 goals. … His best offensive season was in 1982-83 after posting career single-season highs in assists (42) and points (50). … Had 24 points (17 helpers) in 48 playoff games for New York.

Goalies

Goalie – Chuck Rayner (HOF)

Years: 1945-53

Stats: 377 games, 2.98 goals-against average, .918 save percentage, 123 wins, 24 shutouts

Skinny: Yes, we’re aware Gump Worsley played 581 games and won 204 of them behind some bad Rangers teams. But so did Rayner, whose teams finished sixth (last) three times, fifth three times and fourth twice (making the playoffs both times). In 1949-50 the Rangers were one of four postseason clubs despite a 28-31-11 regular season in which they scored a league-low 170 goals. Rayner posted a 2.25 goals-against average and one shutout that postseason, leading New York to an upset of Montreal and to the seventh game of the Final against first-place Detroit before losing in the second overtime.

Goalie – Dave Kerr

Years: 1934-41

Stats: 324 games, 2.07 GAA, 157 wins, 40 shutouts (save percentage was not tracked then)

Skinny: Led the NHL in games four times, and league goalies in matches played six times. … Played in every game from 1936-37 through 1940-41 (48 games per season). … Recorded a 1.56 GAA and three shutouts to help the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1940. During the regular season, he led the NHL in shutouts (eight) and GAA (1.54) and won the Vezina Trophy (the first in team history). … His 40 shutouts rank third among all-time franchise goalies behind Henrik Lundqvist (63) and Eddie Giacomin (49). … Led the NHL with eight shutouts in 1937-38.

Spare Goalie  – John Vanbiesbrouck

Years: 1982-93

Stats: 449 games, 3.45 GAA, .890 SP, 200 wins, 16 shutouts

Skinny: Led the NHL with 31 wins and won the Vezina Trophy in 1985-86 after posting a 3.33 GAA and .887 percentage. (Don’t forget, the 1980s was a decade in which scorers ruled and most goalies drooled.) … Was the fourth goalie in franchise history to win the Vezina Trophy. … Formed a formidable one-two punch with Mike Richter in the early 1990s, helping the Rangers win the Presidents’ Trophy with 50 wins and 105 points.

One spare forward and defenseman

Spare – Chris Kreider, left wing

Years: 2012-present

Stats: 523 games, 157 goals, 159 assists, 316 points

Skinny: The 6-foot-3, 216-pound signed a professional contract with New York on April 10, 2012 after completing his collegiate season at Boston College. He made an immediate impact, scoring the winners in Game Six of the Quarterfinals against Ottawa (Rangers won in seven) and in the first game of the Conference Semifinals against Washington. He added three goals in the six-game loss to New Jersey in the Conference Finals. … In the 2014 postseason, he became Public Enemy No. 1 in Montreal after crashing into and hurting Canadiens’ all-star goalie Carey Price in the middle period of Game One of the Conference Finals. Price missed the rest of the series. Of course, fans of Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge seem to conveniently forget that Kreider was tripped by defenseman Alexei Emelin’s stick. Or if they do recall, they’re not letting the truth spoil their whine and cheese.

Spare – Ott Heller, defense

Years: 1931-46

Stats: 649 games, 54 goals, 176 assists, 230 points

Adjusted stats: 74 goals, 299 assists, 373 points

Skinny: Mainstay on New York’s blueline for 15 years and was a key member in helping the Rangers win the Cup in 1933 and ’40. … Served as team captain for four seasons and was a second-team all-star in 1940-41. … In the 1933 Final, he scored twice to help a four-game sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs. In the ’40 Final, he had the lone assist on Bryan Hextall’s winner in Game Two.

You play GM

Tell us what your Rangers’ all-time team looks like. Remember, to adhere to the NHL’s active roster max of 23 players and two-goalie minimum.