The 10 best players from each NHL team: New York Rangers

Igor Shesterkin’s importance to the team cannot be overstated. As one of the premier goaltenders in the NHL, his ability to make game-changing saves and steal victories has already cemented him as an elite presence in the crease.

Heading into the upcoming season, the Rangers will truly need Shesterkin at his absolute best if they want to contend with the league’s top teams. Without him, the margin for error becomes incredibly thin, and things could spiral quickly in the wrong direction. He is the difference between being a good team and a great one — and the organization knows it.

Simply put, if the Rangers are to chase real success, it will start and end with Igor Shesterkin’s brilliance between the pipes.

Will Borgen became one of the promising young defensemen in the NHL, earning respect for his steady play and reliable presence on the blue line.

His physicality with smart positioning has made him an asset in his own zone, while also showing flashes of confidence moving the puck up the ice.

Recognizing his development and value, the New York Rangers made the decision to reward Borgen with a solid contract this summer — a clear sign of the trust they have in his future with the team.

Still only in the earlier stages of his career, he has the tools to grow into an even bigger role. For now, he represents both stability and potential, two things every contending team needs.

Vladislav Gavrikov has earned a reputation as a steady, no-nonsense defenseman who thrives in a shutdown role. His game is built on reliability — blocking shots, breaking up plays, and making life difficult for opposing forwards night after night. While he doesn’t necessarily make highlight reels with flashy offensive plays, his value lies in the little details that help teams win.

Adam Fox is still regarded as one of the premier defensemen in the NHL, but the Rangers are hoping to see him bounce back after a stretch that didn’t quite live up to his usual elite standards. Even in a down year by his own lofty expectations, Fox remains a player who can control the game with his vision, skating, and intelligence.

New York knows exactly what they have in him — a Norris Trophy winner who has the ability to tilt the ice every time he hops over the boards.

The expectation is that he’ll return to form quickly, and if he does, the Rangers’ blue line instantly looks far more dangerous. When Fox is at his best, he isn’t just good — he’s one of the very best defensemen in the entire league.

Will Cuylle is a power forward with a rugged style of play, and after breaking out last season, he’s expected to take on an even bigger role with the Rangers this year. His physical presence, combined with his growing confidence offensively, makes him a unique piece in the team’s lineup.

Management clearly believes in his upside, rewarding him with a big contract this summer that reflects both his progress and his importance to the future of the organization.

Cuylle’s blend of grit and skill fits perfectly in the Rangers’ system, and if he continues on this trajectory, he could become one of the more impactful young forwards in the Eastern Conference.

Vincent Trocheck his  ono doubts here – one of the premier two-way forwards in the NHL.

Not only does he bring consistent offensive production, but he also plays with tremendous responsibility in all three zones. His ability to generate scoring chances while shutting down opposing threats makes him an invaluable piece of the Rangers’ lineup.

His versatility — he can thrive in different situations, whether it’s on the power play, penalty kill, or in crucial late-game faceoffs is outstanding. He’s the kind of player who can tilt the ice in his team’s favor, not just by scoring, but by outworking opponents and making smart, defensive-minded decisions. For the Rangers, having a reliable two-way presence like Trocheck is absolutely essential.

Alexis Lafrenière has been steadily developing since being drafted first overall, but everyone around the league knows he’s due for a true breakout season. The flashes of brilliance are already there — his puck skills, vision, and scoring instincts regularly hint at the star player he can become. What’s missing is the full, consistent production across an entire year.

The Rangers believe that with the right linemates and the right usage, Lafrenière has the tools to finally elevate his game to another level.

At just 23 (24 in october), he’s entering the stage of his career where many players make that leap into stardom. With his natural talent and growing confidence, this could very well be the season he explodes and cements himself as one of the Rangers’ most dangerous offensive weapons.

J.T. Miller joined the New York Rangers last season after the team made the bold move of trading Filip Chytil to Vancouver in exchange for his services.

With that kind of transaction, expectations are naturally sky-high for Miller as he begins this new chapter at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers believe that his skill set, versatility, and competitiveness can help push them to another level.

Miller has already proven throughout his career that he’s capable of producing elite numbers, and with the firepower surrounding him in New York, there’s legitimate talk of him potentially hitting the 100-point plateau this season. His blend of playmaking ability, scoring touch, and grit makes him a perfect fit for the team’s identity. The Rangers are counting on him to be a difference-maker — and he has all the tools to deliver in a big way.

Mika Zibanejad is still one of the most skilled centers in the NHL, but there’s no denying that last season wasn’t quite up to the high standards he’s set in New York. His production dipped, and at times he didn’t have the same spark that made him such a dominant force in previous years. For a player who has often been the offensive heartbeat of the Rangers, the slowdown was noticeable.

That being said, Zibanejad remains a cornerstone of this team. His shot is elite, his two-way game is strong, and he has the experience to bounce back quickly.

The Rangers will be counting on him to rediscover his rhythm because when Zibanejad is at his best, their entire offense looks more dangerous and much harder to contain.

Artemi Panarin continues to be one of the most dynamic forwards in the NHL and a key driver of the Rangers’ offense. His vision on the ice, ability to create scoring chances out of nothing, and lethal shot make him a constant threat every time he’s on the ice. Beyond his offensive prowess, Panarin’s experience and hockey IQ allow him to elevate the players around him, making the entire lineup more dangerous.

Even though opponents focus heavily on him, he consistently finds ways to make an impact, whether it’s setting up teammates or finishing plays himself.

The Rangers rely (a lot) on Panarin not just for points, but as a leader and playmaker who can change the course of a game in an instant. His presence is essential if New York hopes to compete at the highest level this season