Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
You won’t need a magnifying glass to find the highest-paid players on the New York Rangers payroll this season, starting with Mike Zibanejad, but the 31-year-old isn’t tops on our rankings of the most indispensable players on the roster.
We’re taking a bottom-to-top look at the NY Rangers from Filip to Igor.
Ranking the New York Rangers roster From 20 to 1
20. C Filip Chytil
Low on the list because a complete assessment is difficult due to his long absence with concussion and limited workload in the deep playoff run.
19. C Matt Rempe
Presence is always noticeable because of his size but Rangers want to see if the 22-year-old can bring other aspects, such as occasional goals.
18. C Sam Carrick
Viewed as a significantly cheaper option for Barclay Goodrow, the 32-year-old costs the team $3 million total through 2026-27.
17. RW Kaapo Kakko
The 2019 first-rounder is a restricted free agent after this season. He has yet to live up to high expectations after being picked No. 2 overall behind Jack Hughes but did finish with 40 points in 2022-23.
Still waiting for consistent ice time, and he could get it after showing some progress in limited looks.
15. D Will Cuylle
Physical rookie season, netted 13 goals, and led the team in hits to provide a decent third-line presence behind the stars.
14. Jimmy Vesey
Highly productive for his role on a team-friendly contract and coming off a separated shoulder that cost him the final four games of the Eastern Conference finals.
13. G Jonathan Quick
Future Hall of Famer bounced back nicely after a few down seasons and helped steady things when Shesterkin struggled midseason.
12. RW Reilly Smith
Big acquisition of a relatively quiet offseason who will be given first crack to flank Kreider and Zibanejad on the right side.
11. D Braden Schneider
Young defenseman – the Saskatchewan native turns 23 in September – will get a chance at a more prominent role after the departure of Erik Gustafsson in free agency.
Still developing on both ends and struggled defensively occasionally.
9. D Jacob Trouba
Team captain on a big contract not afraid to make big hits. His defensive game slipped, especially in the postseason due to the aftereffects of a broken ankle.
8. D Ryan Lindgren
Fan favorite for his willingness to deliver the big hit that sets up Fox to make plays on the offensive end and among the NHL’s top defensive blue liners, however, injuries might be a concern heading into his unrestricted free agency season.
7. LW Alexis Lafreniere
The former No. 1 overall pick turned a corner and enters his restricted free agency season with high expectations after shining on the top line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck.
6. C Vincent Trocheck
Teaming up with Panarin turned into his most productive season, a grinder who has a nice scoring touch and can be a pest to opponents at times.
5. D Adam Fox
Consistent Norris Trophy candidate with four straight top-five finishes due to continued steadiness on offense, especially during power plays.
4. C Mike Zibanejad
Still productive with his patented one-timer from the faceoff circle despite a dip in scoring but struggled at 5-on-5 and faltered as the postseason went on.
3. LW Chris Kreider
Reliable scorer, climbing up the Rangers’ all-time lists, and a consistent immovable object in front of the net for tip-ins and redirections.
2. LW Artemi Panarin
Dynamic scorer in the mold of Jaromir Jagr whose team points record he broke, especially potent on 5-on-5 but Rangers need more in the postseason.
1. G Igor Shesterkin
A goalie can be considered a team’s most important player, especially in the typical tight and low-scoring nature of postseason games. Shesterkin has proven this time and time again.
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