The quarter-century teams for the New York Rangers were revealed.

For fans of the New York Rangers, the past 25 years have been a rollercoaster ride—filled with moments of triumph, heartache, and unforgettable memories. As one of the NHL’s most storied franchises, the Rangers have seen some incredible players grace the ice in the modern era. Recently, the organization took a moment to reflect on these players, unveiling their “Quarter-Century Teams”—a roster that showcases the best Rangers players from the past 25 years. This collection of stars represents the peaks and valleys of the Rangers’ journey, from their 1994 Stanley Cup victory to their rebuilding phases and their pursuit of another championship in recent years.

The Rangers’ quarter-century roster offers a fascinating look at the evolution of the team, highlighting some of the most memorable seasons, remarkable individual performances, and iconic moments in the franchise’s history. From the standouts of the late 1990s to the new wave of talent that has emerged in the last decade, this team features the players who have left a lasting impact on the Garden faithful.

In this article, we’ll explore the players selected to the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team, how they shaped the franchise’s identity over the years, and why they are deserving of this special recognition.

The Selection Process: Who Made the Cut?

To build the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Teams, the organization relied on a combination of fan voting, team selections, and input from hockey experts. The final roster includes 25 players who represent the very best of the Rangers over the past quarter-century. These players were chosen based on their individual accomplishments, impact on the team, and overall legacy with the franchise.

The team is divided into categories based on position—forward, defense, and goaltender—along with the special recognition of “honorable mentions” for players who may not have made the final cut but still had notable careers in a Rangers uniform. Let’s break down the players who earned their place on this prestigious list.

Forwards: A Legacy of Power and Skill

1. Jaromir Jagr A name synonymous with elite offensive ability, Jaromir Jagr’s tenure with the Rangers in the mid-2000s was nothing short of spectacular. Arriving in New York in 2005, Jagr was at the tail end of his Hall of Fame career, yet he proved to be the offensive juggernaut the Rangers desperately needed. Jagr’s ability to dominate with both skill and size made him a standout during his time in New York.

During his five seasons with the Rangers, Jagr accumulated 201 goals and 271 assists for 472 points in 377 games. His best season came in 2005-06, when he tallied 54 goals and 123 points, leading the team to the playoffs. Even as his career slowed down in the later years, Jagr’s impact on the Rangers was undeniable. His creativity on the ice and leadership in the locker room helped the Rangers make important strides, eventually helping to lay the foundation for their 2014 Stanley Cup run.

2. Martin St. Louis A player who was never supposed to be an NHL star, Martin St. Louis proved his doubters wrong and then some. After being acquired by the Rangers in 2014, St. Louis provided veteran leadership and elite offensive production to a Rangers team that was looking to win a Stanley Cup. The future Hall of Famer brought a wealth of experience and skill to the Rangers’ top six, helping to propel the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014, just months after his arrival.

St. Louis’s time in New York was relatively short, but his influence was significant. In his three seasons with the Rangers, he accumulated 109 points in 184 regular-season games, and his clutch performances in the playoffs—particularly in the 2014 postseason—made him an integral part of the team’s run to the Finals. His addition to the Rangers proved to be a key piece of their push for a championship.

3. Ryan Callahan Few players have embodied the grit, heart, and determination that Ryan Callahan brought to the Rangers’ franchise. Callahan spent much of his career as the Rangers’ captain, leading the team with his relentless work ethic, tough-nosed style of play, and willingness to block shots, throw hits, and sacrifice his body for the betterment of the team.

Callahan’s leadership on and off the ice made him a fan favorite, and he served as the Rangers’ captain from 2011 to 2014. He may not have had the flashiest offensive numbers, but his value to the team went far beyond points. Over his career, Callahan racked up 132 goals and 169 assists, and while he may have been traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014 as part of the deal for St. Louis, his legacy as a Rangers leader endures.

4. Henrik Lundqvist (Honorable Mention as Forward) Although Lundqvist’s primary role was as a goaltender, his unique status as a franchise legend and leader warrants special mention in any Rangers quarter-century discussion. As a key figure in the team’s success over the years, Lundqvist was as vital to the team’s offensive output in terms of keeping games tight and allowing forwards like Callahan, St. Louis, and Jagr to shine offensively. Lundqvist’s leadership and ability to keep the Rangers competitive in the postseason—even in years when the team was not necessarily the most talented on paper—was an important part of his legacy.

Defense: Pillars of Stability and Playmaking

1. Brian Leetch Brian Leetch is widely regarded as one of the best defensemen to ever play for the New York Rangers. The two-time Norris Trophy winner (as the league’s best defenseman) was known for his superb skating, playmaking ability, and leadership. As one of the cornerstones of the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup-winning team, Leetch was the engine that drove the offense from the back end.

In his 17 seasons with the Rangers, Leetch accumulated 240 goals and 741 assists, totaling 981 points in 1,205 regular-season games. His ability to control the game and quarterback the power play made him an invaluable asset to the Rangers, and his performances in the postseason, especially in 1994, solidified his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

2. Dan Girardi Dan Girardi may not have been the flashiest player, but his consistent, steady presence on the Rangers’ blue line for over a decade made him an unsung hero for the franchise. Girardi was the type of defenseman who did all the little things right—whether it was blocking shots, making timely clears, or playing tough minutes against the opponent’s best players.

Over his 10 seasons with the Rangers, Girardi developed a reputation for being a rock on the defensive side of the puck. Though his offensive numbers were modest, his defensive work and leadership were critical to the Rangers’ success during his time in New York, including their runs to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and the Eastern Conference Final in 2015.

3. Marc Staal Like Girardi, Marc Staal was another important defensive presence who made a huge impact for the Rangers over an extended period of time. Known for his calm demeanor, solid positional play, and ability to shut down opposing forwards, Staal was a key figure on the Rangers’ blue line for over a decade.

Though Staal was never a major offensive force, his defensive abilities were invaluable to the Rangers, especially during their deep playoff runs. His leadership and willingness to play through injuries, as well as his role in stabilizing the defensive core, earned him a spot on the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team.

Goaltender: Henrik Lundqvist – A Franchise Icon

Henrik Lundqvist Henrik Lundqvist is arguably the most iconic player in the history of the New York Rangers, and there’s no surprise that he earned the top spot in net for the franchise’s Quarter-Century Team. Known for his composure, skill, and unmatched competitiveness, Lundqvist stood between the pipes for the Rangers for 15 seasons, earning a place as one of the best goaltenders of his generation.

Lundqvist’s impact on the Rangers cannot be overstated. With 459 career wins, a Vezina Trophy, and 61 career shutouts, he is the franchise’s all-time leader in nearly every goaltending category. His postseason heroics, particularly during the 2014 playoff run, where he led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final, are the stuff of legend. Though he never won a Cup, Lundqvist’s legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders of all time—and the emotional leader of the Rangers during their most successful seasons of the past 25 years—is cemented forever.

 A Testament to Rangers’ Greatness

The Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team is a fitting tribute to the players who have defined the franchise over the past 25 years. Whether through dominant individual performances, leadership in the locker room, or unforgettable moments on the ice, these players have all contributed to the franchise’s legacy in their own unique ways.

As the Rangers look toward the future, it’s clear that the players on this list will remain part of the franchise’s history, their accomplishments etched into the fabric of the organization. From the towering presence of Lundqvist in goal to the offensive brilliance of Jagr and St. Louis, and the defensive stalwarts like Leetch, Girardi, and Staal, the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team celebrates an incredible era in the franchise’s storied existence.

For fans, this roster is a reminder of the pride, passion, and history that come with being a part of the Rangers’ extended family.