10 greatest New York Rangers in franchise history
Brian Leetch. 1. player. 95. . Defenseman. Boston College
Brian Leetch is the greatest individual player in New York Rangers history. Messier usually gets that honor thanks to his famous guarantee, but it’s important to remember several things. First of all, it’s wasn’t number 11 who won the Conn Smythe in 1994. That would be Leetch, who posted 34 points in 23 postseason games. He is well known for being the first American player to win the Conn Smythe.
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Secondly, Messier only had one award-winning season with the Rangers. Meanwhile, Leetch won two Norris Trophies (1992 and 1997). Additionally, he won a Calder Trophy after taking the NHL by storm with 23 goals and 48 assists for 71 points during the 1988-89 season.
Leetch’s 1,129 career games with the Rangers ranks second in franchise history, trailing only Harry Howell. His 981 points also rank second. Leetch finished just 19 points shy of joining Rod Gilbert as the only Rangers player to reach 1,000 in blue.
He’s also the Blueshirts’ career leader in assists (741). Leetch was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009 and his number two rose to the rafters in 2008. He won the Players’ Player Award in each of his final four seasons on Broadway.
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The debate will always rage on about who was greater in a Rangers sweater – Leetch or Messier. There’s a very strong case for both players. But that title belongs to Leetch.