New York Rangers best First Round draft picks of all-time

5. Rick Middleton– 14th Overall 1973

NHL stats: 1005 GP – 448 G – 540 A – 988 Pts

New York stats: 124 GP – 46 G – 44 A – 90 Pts

Rick Middleton was selected as the New York Rangers’ first pick in the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft, chosen 14th overall while playing for the Oshawa Generals. He showcased remarkable talent during his time with the Generals, tallying 137 points in 62 games and earning the OHL Most Outstanding Player award (Red Tilson Trophy) for the 1972-73 season. Following a standout season with the Providence Reds in the AHL, where he was recognized as the league’s Rookie of the Year (Red Garrett Memorial Award), Middleton made his debut with the Rangers during the 1974-75 season.

Despite a relatively slow start to his NHL career, recording 90 points in 124 games with the Rangers, Middleton’s trajectory changed when he was traded to the Boston Bruins for Ken Hodge in May 1976. He flourished with his new team, earning the nickname “Nifty” and consistently scoring 40 or more goals each season from 1980 to 1984. Middleton’s contributions extended beyond scoring, as he was eventually promoted to captaincy with the Bruins and played a key role in guiding the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1988.

Recognized as one of the most gifted scorers in Bruins history, Middleton holds impressive rankings within the franchise, placing fourth in goals, ninth in assists, and sixth in points. In honor of his significant impact, the Bruins retired his jersey number, #16, in 2018.

4. Chris Kreider– 19th Overall 2009

NHL stats: 782GP – 288 G – 234 A – 522 Pts (as of Feb. 1, 2024)

New York stats: 782GP – 288 G – 234 A – 522 Pts (as of Feb. 1, 2024)

Chris Kreider showcased his exceptional athletic abilities during his collegiate career at Boston College, where he played a pivotal role in winning three consecutive Hockey East championships from 2010 to 2012. His standout performances earned him recognition on the All-Rookie Team and saw him secure two medals (Gold and Bronze) at consecutive U20 World Junior Championship tournaments. Notably, Kreider also clinched a NCAA National Championship with the Eagles in 2012.

Selected by the New York Rangers as the 19th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Kreider made his debut during the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. Over the course of the past 12 seasons, he has established himself as one of the most beloved players in team history, serving as the heartbeat of the club today. Kreider’s remarkable achievements include joining an elite group of just four players to tally 50 goals in a single season for the Rangers.

While he still has half a season ahead of him before he ascends into the franchise’s top 10 list for games played, Chris Kreider currently stands as the third all-time leading scorer for the New York Rangers. With an impressive tally of 288 goals, he is trailing only Jean Ratelle (336) and Rod Gilbert (406), both iconic figures in Rangers history, as he continues to pursue the top spot.

3. Brad Park – 2nd Overall 1966

NHL stats: 1,113GP – 213 G – 683 A – 893 Pts

New York stats: 465GP – 95 G – 283 A – 378 Pts

Brad Park’s illustrious NHL career spanned 17 seasons, during which he established himself as one of the premier defenders of his era. His accolades include winning the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1984 and being a top-three finalist for the Norris Trophy on nine occasions. Despite not being known for flashy play, Park’s consistency and defensive prowess earned him a well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988.

Originally drafted by the New York Rangers with the second overall pick in the 1966 Amateur Draft, Park was playing with the Toronto Marlboros in the OHA-Jr. League at the time. He made his NHL debut during the 1968-69 season and was eventually appointed captain of the Rangers for the 1974-75 season, a role he held until his trade to the Boston Bruins in November 1975.

Park’s trade to Boston, alongside Jean Ratelle and Joe Zanussi, in exchange for Phil Esposito and Carol Vadnais, remains one of the most significant blockbuster deals in NHL history. In addition to being named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players in 2018, Park was a nine-time All-Star and a seven-time postseason All-Star during his remarkable career. Today, he continues to contribute to the Rangers organization as a scout.

2. Alex Kovalev – 15th Overall 1991

NHL stats: 1,316 GP – 430 G – 599 A – 1,029 Pts

New York stats: 492 GP – 142 G – 188 A – 330 Pts

The New York Rangers selected Alex Kovalev from the Soviet Union with the 15th overall pick in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to joining the NHL, Kovalev had already established himself as an international superstar while playing for Dynamo Moskva in the Soviet league. He boasted an impressive résumé, including two U18 EJC Silver Medals, an Olympic Gold Medal, and a U20 WJC Gold Medal. Kovalev made his NHL debut during the 1992-93 season.

In just his second season with the Rangers in 1994, Kovalev played a pivotal role in helping the team capture the Stanley Cup. He contributed 56 points during the regular season and added 21 more in the playoffs. Despite his success in New York, Kovalev was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins (along with Harry York) in exchange for Petr Nedved, Sean Pronger, and Chris Tamer after nearly 500 games with the Rangers.

Throughout his career, Kovalev earned three NHL All-Star selections and was named MVP of the 2009 All-Star Game. He also had stints with the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Florida Panthers before retiring from the NHL at the age of 39 in 2012. Despite leaving North America, Kovalev continued playing in the Swiss League, where he won an NLB championship in 2014. As of 2024, he remains one of only five Russian-born players to have scored over 1,000 points in the NHL.

1. Brian Leetch – 9th Overall 1986

NHL stats: 1,205 GP – 247 G – 781 A – 1,028 Pts

New York stats: 1,129 GP – 240 G – 741 A – 981 Pts

The New York Rangers have drafted a total of 556 players throughout their storied history, yet none have surpassed the greatness of Hall of Famer Brian Leetch. Leetch’s journey to NHL stardom began with a successful stint in USHS-Prep school before he showcased his talents at Boston College, where he claimed numerous accolades including a Hockey East Championship, before making his debut on Broadway in the 1987-88 season. His exceptional rookie performance earned him the NHL’s Rookie of the Year honor, capturing the prestigious Calder Trophy.

In the 1991-92 season, Leetch solidified his status as one of the league’s elite defensemen by winning the first of two Norris Trophies in his career. His remarkable achievement of scoring 102 points in 80 games that season remained unmatched by a defenseman until the 2022-23 season when Erik Karlsson reached the same milestone. However, the pinnacle of Leetch’s career came in 1994 when he became the first American-born player to be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs, leading the Rangers to their first Stanley Cup victory in 54 years.

Following Mark Messier’s departure from the team in 1997, Leetch assumed the captaincy of the Rangers and went on to win another Norris Trophy in 1998. Renowned as one of America’s greatest hockey players, Leetch played a pivotal role alongside his New York teammate Mike Richter in helping the United States win the World Cup in 1996 and securing a Silver Medal at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Unfortunately, Leetch’s tenure with the Rangers came to an end at the 2004 NHL Trade Deadline when he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. After a brief stint in Toronto, Leetch signed with the Boston Bruins, where he concluded his illustrious career in 2006. His outstanding contributions to the sport earned him inductions into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010, and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2023. Despite being a defenseman, Leetch’s impact on the Rangers’ franchise is undeniable, as he ranks in the top 10 in goals (tenth), assists (first), and points (second) in team history.