Three of the NY Rangers’ most undeserving players shouldn’t have been included in the team’s Quarter-Century team. Zuccarello Mats

The New York Rangers, one of the most storied franchises in the NHL, recently revealed their “Quarter-Century Team,” a roster of the 25 best players from the past 25 years. This initiative has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike, some celebrating the inclusion of certain beloved players, while others have raised eyebrows over the selection of a few. While the idea behind the list is to honor the franchise’s accomplishments over the last quarter-century, it’s not without its controversial decisions.

Among the names on the roster, a few stand out as questionable inclusions. While some players undoubtedly had significant moments in Rangers history, their overall impact, consistency, or contribution to the franchise may not warrant a place on the Quarter-Century Team. In this article, we take a closer look at three players who, in the eyes of many fans, didn’t quite deserve their spot among the Rangers’ elite.

1. Mats Zuccarello: A Case of Overstated Longevity?

Mats Zuccarello is undeniably one of the most beloved players to ever wear a Rangers jersey. His determination, skill, and underdog story (as a smaller, undrafted player who made it big in the NHL) have endeared him to both fans and teammates. However, when it comes to his inclusion in the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team, there’s an argument that his legacy doesn’t quite measure up to some of the other franchise icons.

Zuccarello played a significant portion of his career with the Rangers, from 2010 to 2019, before moving on to the Dallas Stars. In that time, he posted impressive numbers, including 119 goals and 241 assists in 510 games with the team. Zuccarello was an important contributor during some successful seasons, particularly in 2014, when the Rangers made it to the Stanley Cup Final, and in 2015, when they had another deep playoff run.

Despite his popularity and moments of brilliance, Zuccarello’s overall impact on the franchise was limited in comparison to some of the other players included in the Quarter-Century Team. While he was undeniably skilled and effective on the power play, his production was often streaky, and he never truly reached the elite level of play expected from those who cement their legacy on a team like the Rangers. Moreover, his post-Rangers career has not reached the heights that some might have expected, which raises questions about the lasting impact he left on the franchise.

In terms of leadership, Zuccarello had a few standout moments, but he was never the unquestioned face of the franchise, and he lacked the kind of dominance on the ice that a player like Henrik Lundqvist, for example, displayed over the same span. While Zuccarello’s passion for the game and his connection with Rangers fans cannot be dismissed, his legacy is more that of a solid contributor than a true franchise icon, which raises doubts about whether his spot on the Quarter-Century Team was truly deserved.

2. Pavel Buchnevich: A Player with Potential, But Not Enough Impact

Pavel Buchnevich was undoubtedly a talented player during his tenure with the Rangers, but his time in New York was relatively brief and inconsistent, leading many to question why he would be selected to the Quarter-Century Team over other players with a more substantial or long-term impact.

Buchnevich was drafted by the Rangers in the third round of the 2013 NHL Draft and played for the team from 2016 to 2021, scoring 79 goals and adding 123 assists in 301 games. There were flashes of brilliance from the Russian winger, particularly during the 2019-2020 season when he reached career highs in goals (21) and points (48). However, Buchnevich was frequently inconsistent, struggling with injuries and sometimes being unable to put together stretches of high-level play. His playmaking ability was undeniable, and he had a keen sense of the game, but there were periods where he seemed to lack the necessary aggression and consistency to make a bigger impact.

In addition, Buchnevich was traded to the St. Louis Blues in the summer of 2021 in exchange for Sammy Blais and a draft pick. Since his departure, Buchnevich has continued to play well, but his career with the Rangers was short-lived, and his impact during that time doesn’t appear to match the level of some other candidates for the Quarter-Century Team. Players who have been instrumental in franchise-wide success or who have had extended and dominant careers with the Rangers should arguably be prioritized over someone with just a few strong seasons and a much shorter tenure.

While Buchnevich had undeniable skill and showed promise, his overall legacy with the Rangers, particularly in comparison to other players on the list, is not enough to justify his inclusion in the Quarter-Century Team. His potential was clear, but the inconsistency of his game and his relatively short career with the franchise leave many questioning why he earned a spot over others who were key players in the team’s success during this period.

3. Kevin Shattenkirk: A One-Hit Wonder?

Kevin Shattenkirk’s inclusion on the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team is arguably one of the most perplexing selections, given his underwhelming tenure with the team. Acquired in the summer of 2017, Shattenkirk was seen as a key addition to the Rangers’ defense corps, expected to bring scoring, veteran leadership, and stability to the blue line. However, his time in New York was marked more by disappointment than success.

Shattenkirk played just two seasons with the Rangers, from 2017 to 2019, after signing a four-year contract worth $26.6 million. While he did provide some offensive contributions (a combined 10 goals and 52 assists in his two years), he was plagued by injuries and was unable to live up to the high expectations placed upon him when he arrived. His play on the defensive end was frequently criticized for lapses in positioning and poor decision-making. The Rangers’ defense as a whole struggled during Shattenkirk’s time in New York, and despite his offensive contributions, he was not the game-changer that many had hoped for.

One of the most glaring issues with Shattenkirk’s time in New York was his inability to contribute in the way the Rangers needed. While he did have a standout season in 2017-18, where he registered 43 points in 73 games, his overall impact was much less significant than anticipated. His defensive shortcomings were magnified, and he never became the anchor the team needed. By the time the Rangers began their rebuild, Shattenkirk’s contract was a burden, and he was bought out in 2019, leaving the team to part ways with a player who had failed to live up to his billing.

Despite his brief time in New York, Shattenkirk earned a spot on the Quarter-Century Team, which raises questions about the criteria for selection. His offensive stats in his first season with the Rangers certainly show that he had a degree of skill, but his lack of lasting impact, defensive deficiencies, and the brief nature of his tenure leave many wondering why he earned a place on this prestigious list.

The Bigger Picture: Why These Selections Are Controversial

The selection of Zuccarello, Buchnevich, and Shattenkirk as members of the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team serves as a reminder that the process of selecting all-time greats is highly subjective. There’s no doubt that all three players contributed to the team in their own way, but their overall impact on the franchise doesn’t necessarily place them in the same category as other legends.

When examining players who should have been selected, it’s important to consider those who have had a more consistent and impactful influence over a longer period. Rangers legends such as Ryan Callahan, Rick Nash, and even players like Derek Stepan, who helped carry the team to multiple playoff appearances, arguably deserve more recognition than some of the aforementioned players.

The Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team should be a celebration of those who have not only had individual success but who have been instrumental in the team’s success, both on and off the ice. Players who have made significant contributions to key moments in the franchise’s history, whether that be playoff runs, Stanley Cup contention, or overall impact on team culture, should arguably take precedence.