The New York Rangers’ All-Free Agent Quarter-Century Team

The New York Rangers’ All-Free Agent Quarter-Century Team: A Deep Dive into a Legacy of Impactful Signings

Since the inception of the salary cap era in the NHL, the New York Rangers have been one of the most active teams in the free-agent market. As one of the most storied franchises in the league, the Rangers have always been willing to make bold moves, including signing top-tier talent from around the league in the hopes of propelling the team to another Stanley Cup. Over the last 25 years, the Rangers have seen a wide variety of players come through their ranks via free agency—some who have achieved legendary status, and others whose time in New York was less memorable. But when we look back at the last quarter-century, it becomes clear that certain free-agent signings left an indelible mark on the franchise.

This piece will outline the New York Rangers’ All-Free Agent Quarter-Century Team, consisting of the most impactful and memorable players to ever sign as free agents with the team. From star-studded forwards to game-changing defensemen, these players not only played key roles in the Rangers’ successes but also helped shape the team’s identity over the years.

1. Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist (2005)

It’s almost impossible to begin a discussion about the New York Rangers and their free-agent signings without mentioning Henrik Lundqvist, who became the face of the franchise for more than a decade. Signed in 2005 as an undrafted free agent from Sweden, Lundqvist’s impact on the Rangers cannot be overstated. His incredible ability to steal games, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his leadership on and off the ice earned him a legendary status in New York.

Lundqvist was never just another goaltender; he was the backbone of the Rangers for 15 seasons. In that time, he set multiple franchise records, including wins, shutouts, and save percentage. His individual accolades, including a Vezina Trophy (2012) and an Olympic gold medal with Sweden (2006), further solidified his place in Rangers lore.

Lundqvist’s best years came in the mid-2010s, when he helped carry the Rangers to a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014, where they ultimately fell short to the Los Angeles Kings. Even though the Rangers never secured a Cup during his time, Lundqvist’s tenure remains one of the most successful eras in the franchise’s history. His consistency and elite-level goaltending make him the clear choice to stand between the pipes on this All-Free Agent team.

2. Defenseman: Marc Staal (2005)

While Marc Staal may not have been the flashiest signing for the Rangers, his impact as a free agent signing back in 2005 cannot be overlooked. Staal, selected in the first round of the 2005 draft by the Rangers, quickly established himself as a rock-solid defenseman for the team. Over the course of his career in New York, Staal became a dependable top-pairing defenseman, known for his excellent defensive instincts and physical play.

Though Staal’s offensive output was never overwhelming, his contributions in the defensive zone were critical to the Rangers’ success during the 2010s. He was a part of the blue line that anchored the team’s defensive-minded structure, which allowed them to make deep playoff runs. His shutdown ability on the back end, particularly in high-stress playoff situations, was invaluable for the Rangers. Though Staal never captured a Stanley Cup with the Rangers, he was a key part of their defensive core throughout his tenure and played a vital role in keeping the Rangers competitive.

Staal’s presence was pivotal during the 2014 Stanley Cup Final run, where his defensive acumen helped neutralize opposing stars. While he may not have received the same accolades as some of the Rangers’ other free-agent signings, Staal’s consistency and grit earned him a spot on the All-Free Agent Quarter-Century Team.

3. Defenseman: Tony DeAngelo (2017)

While Tony DeAngelo’s tenure with the Rangers was shorter and marred by some controversy, his contributions on the ice during his time in New York were undeniable. Acquired as a free agent after being waived by the Arizona Coyotes, DeAngelo quickly established himself as one of the league’s most talented offensive-minded defensemen. In his best season with the Rangers (2019-2020), DeAngelo posted 53 points in 68 games, making him one of the top offensive blueliners in the NHL.

DeAngelo’s ability to quarterback the power play and provide offensive creativity from the back end was an asset to the Rangers’ attack. While he was a polarizing figure off the ice, his play on it was often superb. His vision, puck-moving ability, and fearless approach to attacking the offensive zone were hallmarks of his game. However, DeAngelo’s time with the Rangers came to an abrupt end after off-ice incidents led to his departure, but his brief stint still earned him recognition as one of the top free-agent acquisitions in recent Rangers history.

4. Center: Brad Richards (2011)

When the Rangers made the splash signing of Brad Richards in 2011, it was clear that they were making a push for Stanley Cup contention. Richards, a veteran center who had won a Cup with Tampa Bay in 2004, was brought in to provide the Rangers with leadership, offensive skill, and playoff experience. The signing immediately paid dividends, as Richards became one of the most influential players on the team.

Richards’ best season with the Rangers came in 2012-13, when he posted 51 points in 46 games during the lockout-shortened season. Richards’ playmaking ability, high hockey IQ, and leadership in the locker room were integral to the Rangers’ deep playoff runs in the early part of the decade. His partnership with Marian Gaborik was especially effective during the 2012 season, where the Rangers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Though they ultimately fell short of a championship, Richards’ contribution to the Rangers’ offense during his time in New York was invaluable.

Richards may not have spent as much time with the Rangers as other players on this list, but his impact during his tenure was significant, especially in helping to stabilize the team’s forward core and provide them with the offensive boost they had been searching for.

5. Left Wing: Artemi Panarin (2019)

Without a doubt, Artemi Panarin’s signing in 2019 was one of the most impactful free-agent acquisitions in Rangers history. When the Rangers landed Panarin on a seven-year, $81.5 million deal, it was a move that immediately changed the trajectory of the franchise. Panarin, one of the top offensive players in the league, came to New York with a reputation for being one of the most dangerous wingers in the NHL, and he has certainly lived up to that billing.

In his first season with the Rangers (2019-2020), Panarin recorded 95 points in 69 games, immediately becoming the team’s offensive catalyst. His combination of skill, vision, and playmaking ability instantly made the Rangers one of the more exciting teams to watch, and his presence has helped elevate young players like Mika Zibanejad and K’Andre Miller.

Panarin’s ability to control games offensively, his elite-level passing, and his knack for scoring highlight-reel goals made him a cornerstone of the Rangers’ rebuild. His leadership on the ice has been evident, and he has quickly become a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. Panarin’s signing was not only a victory for the Rangers on the ice but also a significant message that the franchise was committed to becoming a contender once again.

6. Right Wing: Pavel Buchnevich (2016)

While not often remembered as a “free-agent signing” in the traditional sense, Pavel Buchnevich was one of the most promising acquisitions for the Rangers in recent history. Signed as a highly touted prospect out of Russia in 2016, Buchnevich quickly developed into one of the Rangers’ most skilled forwards. His combination of size, speed, and offensive IQ made him a key piece of the Rangers’ forward group.

Buchnevich’s breakout year came in the 2019-2020 season when he posted 46 points in 68 games. He developed strong chemistry with Zibanejad and Panarin, creating one of the Rangers’ most dynamic lines. Buchnevich’s ability to drive play, find space on the ice, and contribute to both the power play and penalty kill made him an invaluable asset to the team.

His departure in the offseason, when he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, marked the end of a promising era for Buchnevich in New York. However, his contributions during his time with the Rangers, particularly as a key offensive threat, solidified his place among the top free-agent signings.