One of great debates for fans of any team is who is the best player to wear that jersey number. As a diehard New York Rangers fan, I ask that question to myself whenever a new player receives their number. This is part three of a ten-part series of who I believe are the greatest all-time New York Rangers by jersey number. Today I discuss numbers 70-79. If you missed Part 1 (#90-99) or Part 2 (#80-89) check out the links below!
Greatest All-Time New York Rangers by Jersey Number (Part 1: 90-99) – NHL Belly Up Sports
Greatest All-Time New York Rangers by Jersey Number (Part 2: 80-89) – Belly Up Sports
Number 79: K’Andre Miller
The Rangers drafted Miller 22nd overall in 2018 out of Wisconsin. After just two years in Madison Miller made the jump to the NHL and made an immediate impact on the Rangers. Miller was named to the NHL All-Rookie team following the 2020-21 season. K’Andre had an even better sophomore season, producing 20 points and finishing third on the team with a +20 plus/minus.
Current Rangers stat line: 135 GP 12 G 20 A 32 PTS
Number 78: None
There has been no Ranger yet to wear number 78 in a regular season or playoff game. That could change very soon. 2021 first-round pick Brennan Othmann has worn this number in the last two training camps and has worn it in his OHL career. Following a 50-goal season in the OHL this past season Othmann’s time in New York could be coming soon.
Number 77: Phil Esposito
Voted one of the 100 greatest NHL players the Rangers acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Bruins in 1975. Two future Hall of Famers Brad Park and Jean Ratelle were sent back to Boston. Esposito led the Rangers in scoring every full season he played in New York. In 1979 he led the Rangers to a surprising Stanley Cup Final appearance but would lose to the Montreal Canadiens in 5 games.
Final Rangers stat line: 422 GP 184 G 220 A 404 PTS
Number 76: Brady Skjei
The Rangers selected Skjei 28th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. After three standout seasons at the University of Minnesota, Skjei made the jump to New York. Following his rookie season, he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. After playing parts of 5 seasons with the Rangers he was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2020.
Final Rangers stat line: 307 GP 25 G 87 A 112 PTS
Number 75: Ryan Reaves
The Rangers traded for Reaves prior to the 2021-22 season. Entering his 13th NHL season Reaves has been regarded as one of if not the toughest guys in the NHL. Reaves registered 279 hits last season which was the 3rd most in the NHL.
Current Rangers stat line: 69 GP 5 G 8 A 13 PTS 43 PIM
Number 74: Vitali Kravtsov
It has been a volatile 3 seasons for Kravtsov in New York. Since getting drafted 9th overall in the 2018 draft Vitali has only played 20 games in a Rangers jersey. Following a couple of AHL demotions and loans back to Russia this is a make-or-break season for him. I could have gone Joel Bouchard here who played 55 games for the Rangers in the early 2000s, but I am counting on Kravtsov to have a big season this year.
Current Rangers stat line: 20 GP 2 G 2 A 4 PTS
Number 73: Brandon Pirri
The Rangers signed Pirri before the 2016-17 season. Brought in as a depth player, Pirri found a role in the bottom six. In his lone season with the Rangers Pirri scored 3 game-winning goals. Pirri also had a great season in the face-off dot. Leading the Rangers with a 57.6% winning percentage.
Final Rangers stat line: 60 GP 8 G 10 A 18 PTS
Number 72: Filip Chytil
Heading into the 2022-23 season Chytil is the 3rd longest-tenured Ranger. Which is pretty crazy considering he will be just 23 years old on opening night. The Rangers selected Chytil 21st overall in the 2017 NHL Draft. Chytil broke out in the 2022 NHL playoffs scoring 7 goals which were the 3rd most on the team. Chytil and the “Kid Line” became the talk of the NHL during the playoffs.
Current Rangers stat line: 253 GP 42 G 51 A 93 PTS
Number 71: Mike Rupp
Mike Rupp signed with the Rangers before the 2011-12 NHL season. Rupp was regarded as one of the better 4th line grinders in the NHL came to the Rangers to provide some toughness and grit to the lineup. Rupp had a few very memorable moments in his Rangers career. He was involved in the famous Rangers vs Devils line brawl and his two-goal performance at the 2012 Winter Classic. His mocking “Jagr salute” is referenced every Winter Classic. I had Mike on my podcast The Broadway Hat and he told some great stories from his 11-year career so go check that out!
Final Rangers stat line: 68 GP 4 G 1 A 5 PTS 109 PIM
Number 70: Mackenzie Skapski
The Buffalo killer! The Rangers drafted Skapski in the 6th Round of the 2013 NHL Draft. Skapski got his big break during the 2014-15 season when Henrik Lundqvist went down with an injury. At just 21 years old he made his NHL debut. After letting in the first shot he faced in the NHL Skapski would never allow another goal at the NHL level. He would beat the Sabres 3-1 in his debut and then a couple of weeks later shut them out 2-0. He would stop 44 of the 45 shots he faced between the two games. Skapski would battle injuries and be forced to retire. I was lucky enough to sit down with Mackenzie on my podcast to talk about his career and current coaching career.
Sound Off
There it is the greatest all-time New York Rangers to wear jersey numbers 70-79. Not too much debate with this set. The debates should heat up as the numbers lower. 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.
