These Rangers could’ve been considered for ESPN Top 100 Athletes of 21st century list
Who is the greatest New York Rangers player of the 21st century? Most would say goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023. But let’s not forget Jaromir Jagr, another surefire Hall of Famer when he does officially end his pro career. Or even Artemi Panarin, who has been one of the greatest skaters in franchise history during his five years with New York.
It’s a great debate, and one ESPN did little to help answer.
Last week, ESPN ranked the top 100 professional athletes since 2000, throwing the entire world of professional sports into one gigantic pool and producing a massive list. The New York Rangers did not have a player on the list, joining the New York Islanders and New York Giants (NFL) as the only New York teams in the Big Four to be absent.
Who is the greatest New York Rangers player of the 21st century? Most would say goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023. But let’s not forget Jaromir Jagr, another surefire Hall of Famer when he does officially end his pro career. Or even Artemi Panarin, who has been one of the greatest skaters in franchise history during his five years with New York.
It’s a great debate, and one ESPN did little to help answer.
Last week, ESPN ranked the top 100 professional athletes since 2000, throwing the entire world of professional sports into one gigantic pool and producing a massive list. The New York Rangers did not have a player on the list, joining the New York Islanders and New York Giants (NFL) as the only New York teams in the Big Four to be absent.
Darrelle Revis, arguably the greatest cornerback in the NFL during his prime, represented the Jets alongside Ed Reed and Aaron Rodgers, who each joined New York at the tail-end of Hall of Fame careers.
The Brooklyn Nets, meanwhile, had 66 percent of their “Big 3” from a few years ago in Kevin Durant and James Harden, as well as Jason Kidd from their New Jersey days, who they share with the Knicks.
Despite 100 slots and 24 years to work with, the Rangers and Islanders couldn’t even sneak in on a loose brief connection to a player, like the Knicks with Kidd.
Granted, the list was very light on hockey. Only three NHL players made the top 100: Sidney Crosby (22), Alex Ovechkin (54), and Connor McDavid (98).
That’s a minuscule number compared to the other sports in the Big Four. The MLB had 18 players featured on the list with the NBA close behind at 16 and the NFL trailing with 12. I’d venture to say it’s a tough look for the company that broadcasts the NHL’s national games and hosts the Stanley Cup on TV once every two years — but perhaps that’s better saved for a different article.
It’s impossible to argue for any Ranger over Crosby or Ovechkin, and considering McDavid has been the greatest player in the League seemingly since his debut, I won’t bark up that tree either.
However, the Blueshirts have boasted some of the game’s best players, even if only for a short while, who may have had a chance to make the list had it been more evenly distributed. Let’s take a look at some of the best candidates.
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