Most important 2024-25 New York Rangers: 21-25, including Ryan Lindgren

With the New York Rangers closing in on the start of the 2024-25 season, the Forever Blueshirts staff compiled a ranking of the top-25 most important New York Rangers within the organization. This includes players, prospects, staff, and yes, even some legendary television personalities. So keep in mind that the rankings do not necessarily mean skill, but more so, overall value to the Rangers organization.

Honorable mentions: Jimmy Vesey, Sam Carrick, Dylan Garand, Steve Valiquette, E.J. Emery, Drew Fortescue

There were quite a few people to choose from when compiling this list, and not all could crack the top-25. Those who didn’t quite make the cut included depth forwards Jimmy Vesey and Sam Carrick, Hartford Wolf Pack goalie Dylan Garand, prospects E.J. Emery and Drew Fortescue, and the incredible MSG Networks analyst Steve Valiquette.

WATCH: Exclusive 1-on-1 interview with Sam Rosen

No. 21-25 most important New York Rangers this season

25 – Brett Berard (forward)

Photo courtesy of Hartford Wolf Pack

Brett Berard enters training camp following a successful first pro season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL. The Providence College alum registered a team-high 25 goals and 48 points in 71 games last season, and is a very promising prospect in the Rangers organization. While no slam dunk to even play an NHL game this season, Berard is a solid two-way forward who may be one of the first call-ups if/when need arises.

Berard’s somewhat surprising offensive upside and potential to become a solid NHL forward makes him an important piece in the Rangers organization. And earns him the final spot in out top 25.

24 – Adam Sykora (forward)

Adam Sykora is another exciting prospect within the Rangers organization. After notching 23 points in 66 games with the Wolf Pack as a 19-year-old rookie, he is looking to make a big impression at training camp this fall. He has already caught the eye of Rangers management, as Chris Drury and company pegged Sykora to be in the leadership group at development camp along with several other older prospects.

Sykora is a solid two-way forward who plays at a high tempo and is tenacious at each end of the rink. After captaining Slovakia’s World Junior team, he quickly found himself in a leadership role among the younger players in the organization. He’s likely behind Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard among potential call-ups at the forward position this season, but Sykora’s a key prospect. And he makes out list at No. 24.

23 – Sam Rosen (MSG broadcaster)

What more can be said about the voice of the New York Rangers? Announcing his retirement at the end of this season, Sam Rosen finds himself at No. 23 on the list of most important people in the Rangers organization. Serving as the voice of the Rangers since 1984, his iconic calls and passion for the Blueshirts will be sorely missed following his retirement.

Retiring or not, Rosen deserves to be on this list. He is one of the greatest play-by-play announcers in NHL history, and deserving of his 2016 induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The 77-year-old told Forever Blueshirts he’s going out “on top.” Does that mean he’s got a feeling about another Stanley Cup championship next spring?

22 – Kaapo Kakko (forward)

While he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype of being the No. 2-overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, Kaapo Kakko is still a vital part of the Rangers organization. He disappointed with 19 points in 61 games last season, when he missed 21 games with a knee injury, but where his game really improved was on the defensive side. It is also important to note that he registered 40 points just two seasons ago.

Kakko is a solid third-line forward, and very well could be given another crack on the top line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. He is also just 23 years of age, though this feels like a make-or-break season for him. If he does break through as a top-six regular, his value will shoot up. But right now with his Rangers future uncertain, Kakko lands at No. 22 on our list.

21 – Ryan Lindgren (defenseman)

A complete warrior on defense, Ryan Lindgren has become a mainstay on the top pairing alongside Adam Fox. So, his No. 21 ranking here feels a bit odd. Perhaps he’s easy to take for granted. But Lindgren is one of the better defensive defensemen the League has to offer, and sacrifices his body night in and night out through blocking shots and dishing out big hits. Injuries are a worrisome aspect with him, though, likely not helping his ranking.

Lindgren’s future is a bit of a mystery, since the Rangers didn’t commit long term to him this summer. The 26-year-old can be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season. But for now he’s an important part of the Rangers core.

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