Moving along with our list of the top-25 most important New York Rangers this season, we have 16-20 on deck. This is a Forever Blueshirts staff ranking that includes players, prospects, staff–anyone who has a large impact within the Rangers organization. Our first installment included two prospects, two players, and one iconic television broadcaster.
In case you missed it, here are the rankings thus far:
25 – Brett Berard
24 – Adam Sykora
23 – Sam Rosen
22 – Kaapo Kakko
21 – Ryan Lindgren
Related: Most important 2024-25 New York Rangers: 21-25, including Ryan Lindgren
No. 16-20 most important New York Rangers this season
20 – Matt Rempe (forward)
As if he wasn’t electrifying enough last season, Rempe-mania has carried over into the offseason. Taking fighting lessons with Georges Laraque and training with Chris Kreider, what’s not to love? The 6-foot-8 forward ignited the Rangers lineup last season with his heavy hits and his gifted fighting ability. The Blueshirt faithful quickly fell in love with his play style and his personality.
Earning just two points in 17 regular season games and one goal in 11 playoff appearances, Rempe is looking to have more of an overall impact on the team this season. If he can improve his skating and generate some more offense, he can turn into a very good fourth line player for the Rangers. His impact changed the dynamic of the team from the moment he debuted in the Stadium Series last season, landing him at No. 20 on our list.
19 – Jonathan Quick (goaltender)
In the declining years of his illustrious career, Jonathan Quick came into last season to serve as the backup goaltender, but he brought much more than that to the table for the Rangers. Not only was his play exceptional, but he quickly found a place as a veteran voice in the Rangers’ locker room.
Quick surprised nearly everyone by posting an incredible 18-6-2 record along with a .911 save percentage and a 2.62 goals-against average. This came in handy for the Rangers when Igor Shesterkin faced early-season struggles. Aside from his performance, Quick was a key voice in the locker room for both rookies and veterans alike and rightfully earned himself a one-year extension, as well as spot 19 on our list.
18 – Will Cuylle (forward)
Will Cuylle had a great rookie campaign for the Rangers last season. Fitting in nicely on the third line, he registered 13 goals and 21 points in 81 regular season games. He added a goal and an assist in 16 playoff appearances. Cuylle led all rookies in hits with 247 and was seventh overall in the NHL in that category.
Looking ahead, Cuylle is primed for a great year. He should be looking to build from a successful season where he quickly became a hard-working, physical player who can chip in offensively. At just 22 years old, Cuylle can have a lasting impact with this Rangers group. He finds himself at No. 18.
17 – Reilly Smith (forward)
Reilly Smith has a big task ahead of him as the newest member of the New York Rangers. After being traded from the Pittsburgh Penguins, Smith is projected to slot in on the first line alongside Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider. This has been a missing puzzle piece for years, and Smith will be the next in a long line of players who have tried to fill it.
After scoring 13 goals and 40 points last season, Smith will look to have more of an offensive impact on New York’s top line. Hopefully, he will click with both Zibanejad and Kreider so the trio can build some early chemistry. With the task at hand and being the largest offseason acquisition for the Rangers, Smith finds himself at No. 17 in our ranking.
16 – Zac Jones (defenseman)
Zac Jones has had an interesting career as a New York Ranger. He has played in parts of four seasons with the Rangers but has never had a consistent spot in the lineup. Last season he played a career-high 31 games, earning nine points in that span. Coming into this season, it seems like Jones is finally ready to take the 6th spot on defense. He will compete with Chad Ruhwedel for that position.
Many believed that Jones should have gotten more playing time last season, as it was clear that his game was making progress when he was inserted into the lineup. The 23-year-old stayed positive and made the most of his playing time, serving as the seventh defenseman last season, but could quickly find himself as a part of the defensive core in the near future. This is a big season for Jones and will show if it is truly time for him to become a mainstay on the blue line. He rounds out this installment at No. 16.
Related: Where do New York Rangers rank regarding team statistics in salary cap era?
