Every season the New York Rangers bring in new players and new jersey numbers are handed out. Without fail the first thing that goes through my mind is the players that have worn that number before. Then I ask myself who is the greatest all-time Ranger to wear that number? Well, here is my list. Over the next couple of weeks, I will share who I believe is the greatest, along with some honorable mentions, in a ten-part series.
Number 99: Wayne Gretzky
This one is pretty easy. Not only because he is the only one to wear #99, but he is the greatest player in NHL history. Gretzky signed with the Rangers before the 1997 season to reunite with his Oilers running mate Mark Messier. “The Great One” would play three seasons on Broadway, playing a total of 234 games. Gretzky led the NHL in assists his first two seasons (72 and 67) and in his final season, he was awarded the Lady Bing Trophy.
His final Rangers stat line: 234 GP 57 G 192 A 249 PTS
Number 98: None
There have been no Rangers to wear #98 in a regular season or playoff game. Most recently the Rangers assigned the number to goalie prospect Dylan Garand in the past two training camps. Could he be the first one to wear it in a game?
Number 97: Matt Gilroy
Coming out of Boston University Matt Gilroy was the most sought-after college free agent in 2009. He won the Hobey Baker Award and National Championship. The Rangers signed him to a 2-year contract and brought the Long Island native back home. Gilroy had two different stints with the Rangers, totaling 3 seasons and 142 games for the Blueshirts.
His final Rangers stat line: 142 GP 7 G 19 A 26 PTS
Number 96: Emerson Etem
Etem is the only player in Rangers history to wear #96. The California native was a first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in 2010. He was traded to the Rangers before the 2015-16 season for fan favorite Carl Hagelin, who we might see on this list later on. Etem was never able to get it going with the Rangers and was traded just 19 games into his Rangers tenure.
His final Rangers stat line: 19 GP 0 G 3 A 3 PTS
Number 95: Vinni Lettieri
Lettieri is the only player to wear the #95 for the Rangers. I am still convinced that if the Rangers gave him more opportunities in a top 9 role, he would have been a solid contributor for them. Lettieri was signed by the Rangers as a UDFA out of the University of Minnesota and played 4 seasons in the Rangers organization. He played two seasons in the NHL totaling 46 games played.
Final Rangers stat line: 46 GP 2 G 6 A 8 PTS
Number 94: Derek Boogaard
One of the toughest players of his era Derek Boogaard signed a lucrative 4-year deal with the Rangers before the 2010-11 season. Boogaard tragically passed away at the end of his first season with the Rangers due to an accidental drug overdose at the age of 28.
Final Rangers stat line: 22 GP 1 G 1 A 2 PTS 45 PIM
Number 93: Mika Zibanejad
I think there are two really solid options for #93. The two I debated were Petr Nedved and Mika Zibanejad. Ultimately, I went with Mika. Since the Rangers acquired him before the 2016-17 season he has been outstanding for the Rangers. Many Rangers fans think his trade is one of the best in Rangers history. Mika signed a giant 8-year extension right before the start of the season last year and he rewarded the Rangers with an 80-point season and his first All-Star game selection.
Current Rangers stat line: 404 GP 165 G 199 A 365 PTS
Honorable Mention: Petr Nedved 478 GP 149 G 202 A 351 PTS
Number 92: Michael Nylander
Nylander signed with the Rangers following the 2004 lockout and teamed up with Jaromir Jagr to have two monster seasons on Broadway. Nylander would have the two best years of his 15-year career in New York. He averaged over a point per game in his two years and helped lead the Rangers back to the playoffs in 2005-06 after a 7-year drought.
Final Rangers stat line: 160 GP 49 G 113 A 162 PTS
Number 91: Markus Näslund
Naslund wrapped up an outstanding career by signing a free agent contract with the Rangers for the 2008-09 season. He is regarded as one of the best Swedish NHL players and one of the best Vancouver Canucks of all time. In his one season with the Rangers Naslund led the Rangers in goals with 24.
Final Rangers stat line: 82 GP 24 G 22 A 46 PTS
Number 90: Alexandar Georgiev
This is a little tricky since Georgiev wore #40 as well but I have someone else in mind for that. Also, I am just not a fan of Vlad Namestnikov who the other option would be. Georgiev was a very solid goalie for the Rangers who I think took some unwarranted heat from fans. After signing as a UDFA in 2017 Georgiev would play five seasons with the Rangers. He is 12th all-time in Rangers history in games played and wins by a goalie.
Final Rangers stat line: 129 GP 58-48-11 2.94 GAA .908 SV% 8 SO
Sound Off
There it is the greatest all-time Rangers to wear numbers 99 to 90. Not too much debate with this set. If you do disagree with any of the selections sound off in the comments! To hear more about my decisions on who I selected tune into my weekly Rangers podcast The Broadway Hat. Make sure you are following all of the social media pages below so you can follow along with all ten parts!
Be sure to bookmark our hockey page for hockey coverage and follow Belly Up Hockey on Twitter: @BellyUpHockey. Follow me on Twitter for more takes on the New York Rangers and USA Hockey: @KHallNY. You can also listen to my NY Rangers podcast The Broadway Hat Podcast on Apple Podcast and Spotify for Rangers news and interviews with past and current players.
