New York Rangers: Top 5 most underrated players of all time

The New York Rangers have a rich history that includes some of the most iconic players in NHL history. From Mark Messier to Wayne Gretzky, the Rangers have had their fair share of superstars.

However, the team's success over the years is also due to the contributions of some players who often go overlooked. These players may not have had the same star power as some of their teammates, but they played an essential role in the team's success and helped establish the Rangers as one of the most respected franchises in the league.

Here are five of the most underrated players in the New York Rangers history.

#1. Adam Graves

Adam Graves was a vital member of the New York Rangers' 1994 Stanley Cup-winning team and remains one of the most underrated players in the team's history. He scored 52 goals in the 1993-94 season and added another 10 goals and 15 assists in the playoffs. Despite his impressive production, Graves often went unnoticed because of his work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work.

#2. Steve Vickers

Steve Vickers played for the New York Rangers in the 1970s and was one of the team's top scorers. He scored 30 or more goals four times and had a career-high 41 in the 1974-75 season. Despite his offensive prowess, Vickers was often overshadowed by other stars on the team, such as Rod Gilbert and Jean Ratelle.

#3. Eddie Giacomin

Eddie Giacomin was the New York Rangers starting goaltender from 1965 to 1975 and led the team to the Stanley Cup Final in 1972. He was a three-time Vezina Trophy winner and one of the best goalies in the league during his career. Despite his impressive résumé, Giacomin is often forgotten when discussing the greatest goaltenders in NHL history.

#4. Brian Leetch

Brian Leetch is widely regarded as one of the best defensemen in NHL history, but some still underrate him relating to his time with the Rangers.

Leetch won the Norris Trophy twice as the league's top defenseman and was the Conn Smythe Trophy winner in the New York Rangers' 1994 Cup run. Despite his indices, Leetch often played on teams that were not competitive, which may have contributed to fans underrating him.

#5. Bill Cook

Bill Cook played for the Rangers in the 1920s and 1930s and was one of the team's first stars. He led the league in scoring twice and helped the Rangers win their first Stanley Cup in 1928. Cook is often overlooked despite his success when discussing the greatest players in NHL history.

More about the New York Rangers

The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. They are a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). The team was founded in 1926 and is one of the Original Six teams of the NHL.

The Rangers have won four Stanley Cups in their history, with their most recent championship coming in 1994. They play their home games at Madison Square Garden, one of the most famous arenas in the world. The Rangers have a loyal fanbase and are considered one of the most iconic sports franchises in New York City.