The New York Rangers' 2025-26 season was all about celebrating their history, something that didn't go as planned, and it seems fitting that they will turn the page to 2026-27 by doing something that they've never done before. Since the results of the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery were revealed, there's been a lot of focus on what a disapointment it was to drop two spots, and there's also been some initial thoughts on who could be drafted. That said, the potential history around the Rangers' next first round pick has been overlooked... up until now.
The Rangers have never drafted fifth overall before
The headline promised a franchise first, and here I am delivering on that promise. It might not be the sexiest of stats involving the franchise, but it's something worth looking at to help pass the time between now and the draft.
Alexis Lafrenière was a historic pick in 2020 because he went first overall, which was a modern first for the team even though Andre Veilleux was picked in that spot in 1965, and whomever is taken in June will forever be remembered as the player who became the first fifth overall pick in Blueshirts history.
The Rangers selected Kaapo Kakko second overall in 2019, and they also did the same for Brad Park back in 1966. Bob Graham was a No. 3 overall choice in 1964, and then you have Pavel Brendl and Al Osborne at No. 4 overall, and then Al Montoya, Bob Dickson, Don Murdoch, and George Surmay at No. 6 overall. New York has fifth overall coming up, and they hope to make the most of it.
Notable fifth overall draft picks
There's no shortage of great players who have been drafted at the five spot, and while past performance isn't an indicator of future performance, there's nothing wrong with hoping and dreaming.
The Rangers are likely to draft a defender, and Scott Stevens is a Hall of Famer who was selected fifth overall by the Washington Capitals during the 1982 draft. He was one of the most intimidating defenders who has been featured on numerous highlight reels, and in 22 seasons he won three Stanley Cups.
Jaromir Jagr is one of the greatest players in NHL history, and shouldn't have gone fifth overall. There were concerns about him coming to North America, but the Pittsburgh Penguins knew what they were doing, and snagged him at five in 1990. Jagr spent 277 games with the Blueshirts during which he scored 124 goals and added 195 assists for 319 points. In total, he logged 1,733 games scoring 766 goals while adding 1,155 helpers for 1,921 points!
Another forward of note, someone that is more modern and had moderate success for himself, would be Phil Kessel. He became a Boston Bruin in 2006 and had more success than most people thought he would. Kessel is a three-time Stanley Cup champ, he scored 413 goals, and tallied 992 points in 1,286 regular season games. "Phil the Thrill" also added 34 goals and 83 points in 100 playoff games, and arguably should have at least one Conn Smythe Trophy to his name.
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