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

The New York Rangers are one of the most storied franchises in National Hockey League history. As the team celebrates its continued legacy, the Rangers recently unveiled their “Quarter-Century Teams,” recognizing the greatest players of the past 25 years. Spanning from the 1999-2000 season to the present day, these teams reflect the ups and downs of the franchise over a quarter of a century, from Stanley Cup glory to rebuilding efforts. This selection is not only a celebration of individual achievements but also a testament to the evolution of the Rangers as a team.

As fans and analysts alike debated which players deserved recognition, one thing was clear: the Rangers have seen some of the most iconic players grace their lineup over the past 25 years. From future Hall of Famers to unsung heroes, the Quarter-Century Teams are a snapshot of an era in Rangers history that has seen both incredible highs and frustrating lows.

The Selection Process: A Legacy Defined

The Rangers’ Quarter-Century Teams were selected by a committee of Rangers’ historians, media members, former players, and fans. The criteria focused not just on statistical achievements but also on leadership, influence, and overall impact on the team’s success over the past 25 years. This period in franchise history includes two distinct phases: the peak years around the turn of the century, culminating in the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup victory, and the rebuilding years that followed, marked by significant player acquisitions, trades, and organizational shifts.

The roster selections also took into account longevity, as several of the franchise’s best players made a lasting impact over a significant number of seasons. The two teams — one for the forwards and defensemen, and another for the goaltenders — are a collection of Rangers who have defined the franchise through skill, passion, and determination.

Forwards: Offensive Firepower and Leadership

The Rangers’ forward group over the past 25 years is a blend of offensive juggernauts and players who have been the emotional heart and soul of the team. Let’s dive into some of the key forwards who made the Quarter-Century Team.

Jaromír Jágr

It’s impossible to talk about the Rangers’ most significant players of the past 25 years without mentioning Jaromír Jágr. After joining the team in 2005, Jágr rejuvenated the Rangers’ offense and became one of the most dominant forces in the NHL during his tenure. The Czech forward brought with him a combination of skill, strength, and hockey IQ that made him a perennial Hart Trophy candidate. Over the course of his three years with the Rangers, he collected 123 goals and 186 assists, revitalizing a franchise in need of an offensive spark.

Jágr’s leadership and ability to create offense from anywhere on the ice were unmatched, even during the later stages of his career. His work ethic was exemplary, and his presence was felt on the ice and in the locker room. Even though the Rangers didn’t capture a Stanley Cup with him, Jágr’s influence and ability to produce consistently earned him a spot on the Quarter-Century Team.

Martin St. Louis

Another superstar who helped propel the Rangers back into Stanley Cup contention was Martin St. Louis. Acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2014, St. Louis was already a future Hall of Famer when he arrived in New York, having won a Hart Trophy and a Stanley Cup with the Lightning. Despite his smaller frame, St. Louis was a dynamic forward who used his speed, vision, and playmaking ability to contribute in every situation.

St. Louis had a huge impact on the Rangers’ top line during his tenure, particularly during the 2014 playoff run, when he helped lead the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final. His clutch performances, leadership, and hockey IQ made him an immediate fan favorite in New York. Over his four seasons with the Rangers, St. Louis produced 103 points in 222 games, continuing to prove he could compete with the best of the best.

Ryan Callahan

Although not as prolific in terms of points as some of his teammates, Ryan Callahan’s impact on the Rangers cannot be overstated. The gritty, hard-nosed forward served as the Rangers’ captain from 2011 to 2014 and was the epitome of what it meant to wear the Rangers jersey. Callahan’s tenacity, defensive play, and leadership on and off the ice made him one of the most respected players of his era.

As a shutdown forward, Callahan’s primary role was to excel in defensive situations, block shots, and provide energy to his teammates. He was often the team’s emotional leader, particularly in playoff games, where he would throw his body around and do whatever it took to win. While Callahan’s point production wasn’t as high as some others, his work ethic and passion for the game made him an essential piece of the Rangers’ core during his time with the team.

Mika Zibanejad

Mika Zibanejad is the centerpiece of the Rangers’ offense today, and his performance over the past few seasons has solidified his place as one of the team’s best players of the past 25 years. Since being traded to the Rangers from the Ottawa Senators in 2016, Zibanejad has blossomed into a two-way star. Known for his powerful shot, playmaking ability, and leadership, Zibanejad has been the Rangers’ top center and a constant offensive threat.

Perhaps his most iconic moment came in 2020 when he scored five goals in a game against the Washington Capitals, showing the kind of talent and consistency that has defined his career in New York. Zibanejad continues to be the driving force behind the Rangers’ offense, earning multiple All-Star selections and consistently ranking among the league leaders in points.

Defensemen: Stability and Leadership on the Blue Line

The Rangers’ defensemen have been the backbone of the team’s success over the past 25 years, combining skill, physicality, and leadership. While the forward group has seen significant turnover, the defense has remained relatively stable with a few key players providing leadership and strong play on the blue line.

Brian Leetch

It would be remiss not to mention Brian Leetch when discussing the Rangers’ defense over the past 25 years. Although Leetch’s peak years came in the 1990s, his influence on the Rangers’ defense continued into the early 2000s. A two-time Norris Trophy winner and the 1994 Stanley Cup Final MVP, Leetch was the face of the franchise for a generation. Even after his prime years had passed, Leetch remained a key player for the Rangers, offering veteran leadership and still contributing offensively from the blue line.

Leetch’s passing, vision, and ability to control the game made him one of the best all-around defensemen in NHL history, and his role in the Rangers’ 1994 Cup victory remains one of the defining moments in the franchise’s history.

Dan Girardi

Dan Girardi was a fixture on the Rangers’ blue line for over a decade, known for his shot-blocking, leadership, and defensive prowess. Girardi wasn’t known for his offensive output, but his steady and reliable play in his own zone made him one of the most trusted defensemen the Rangers have had in the past 25 years. Girardi logged heavy minutes on the ice, often playing against the other team’s top lines, and was a key contributor during the Rangers’ successful playoff runs in the early 2010s.

His leadership and toughness were crucial for the Rangers during their Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2014, and Girardi’s commitment to blocking shots and playing through injuries made him a fan favorite. His reliability and defensive acumen earned him a place on the Quarter-Century Team.

Ryan McDonagh

Ryan McDonagh, who served as the Rangers’ captain from 2014 to 2018, was one of the team’s most valuable defensemen during the second half of the 2010s. Known for his shutdown defense and leadership, McDonagh was a stalwart on the blue line, logging top-pairing minutes and playing against the opposing team’s best players. His leadership qualities were evident as he led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and served as a calming presence in the locker room.

McDonagh’s all-around game, combining strong defensive play with a steady offensive output, made him one of the Rangers’ top players during his tenure. Although he was traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, McDonagh’s impact on the Rangers’ defense cannot be overstated.

Goaltenders: The Last Line of Defense

In a sport where goaltenders can often make or break a team’s season, the Rangers have been fortunate to have some of the best netminders in the league over the past 25 years. The Quarter-Century Team recognizes two goaltenders who have had a lasting impact on the franchise.

Henrik Lundqvist

Henrik Lundqvist is, without question, the most iconic goaltender in Rangers’ history and one of the greatest to ever play the position. Over his 15-season career with the Rangers, Lundqvist became the face of the franchise, earning multiple All-Star selections and winning the Vezina Trophy in 2012. His incredible reflexes, calm demeanor under pressure, and ability to steal games made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the NHL.

Lundqvist led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and consistently kept them in playoff contention, even during some lean years. Though he never won a Stanley Cup, Lundqvist’s legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders to never win a championship is cemented, and his place on the Rangers’ Quarter-Century Team is unquestioned.

Igor Shesterkin

Igor Shesterkin represents the future of the Rangers’ goaltending position, and he’s already making a significant impact in his young career. Since taking over the starting role in 2020, Shesterkin has shown elite potential, earning recognition as one of the top young goalies in the NHL. His poise, athleticism, and ability to make jaw-dropping saves have made him the new face of the franchise.

Shesterkin has already given Rangers fans hope for the future, and with his growing body of work, it’s only a matter of time before he cements his place as one of the all-time great Rangers goaltenders.

A Storied Legacy Continues

The New York Rangers’ Quarter-Century Teams serve as a reflection of the franchise’s rich history and its ability to continually adapt and evolve. From iconic Hall of Famers like Brian Leetch to modern-day stars like Mika Zibanejad and Igor Shesterkin, the Rangers’ roster of the last 25 years tells the story of a team that has consistently been competitive and exciting. While the franchise has had its fair share of highs and lows, the Quarter-Century Team serves as a reminder that the Rangers’ legacy is built on the contributions of these remarkable players—each of whom has played a key role in shaping the team’s identity.

As the Rangers look ahead to the next chapter in their storied history, fans can rest assured that the foundation laid by these players will continue to guide the team as it seeks another Stanley Cup championship.

Would you like to explore more details on any specific players or moments from the past 25 years?