NHL 19: New York Rangers Player Ratings, Roster & Top Prospects

(Image Source: EA Sports)

The New York Rangers can still be classed as a rebuilding team but, their rebuild hasn’t been as aggressive as others who have stripped their roster and sunk down the standings. Instead, the Rangers have targeted players in their early-to-mid-20s to build their new team around while phasing out some of their veterans. In a few years, they’ll have an experienced set of very strong, still quite young players who have enough experience to lead the team to the playoffs, once the surrounding cast has improved. 

Mika Zibanejad, Center, 85 OVR

Age: 25Role: Two-WayHeight: 188cmWeight: 103kgShoots: RightBest Stats: 89 Acceleration, Agility, Speed

Mika Zibanejad, still only 25-years-old, is set to become one of the Rangers’ top players down the line and is already their top-rated forward on NHL 19. A true two-way center, the only element that the Swede needs to improve on is his work in the duel, for which he has been given a 79 in the game. With plenty of strength, good puck, skating, and shooting skills, as well as an 86 for defensive awareness and 88 for offensive awareness, Zibanejad is a great player to have in your top-six. 

Brady Skjei, Defenseman, 84 OVR

Age: 24Role: Two-WayHeight: 191cmWeight: 96kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 89 Speed. 88 Stick Checking, Acceleration, Slap Shot Power

Brady Skjei is very much a defense-first defenseman, caring little for being a part of the offense at the other end of the ice. However, for what Skjei lacks in point scoring, the blueliner is very good at moving the puck and being mobile, boasting great speed despite his 191cm, 96kg frame. As the team around him improves, he’ll begin to be rated among the more valuable defensive defensemen in the NHL. 

Henrik Lundqvist, Goaltender, 88 OVR

Age: 36Role: HybridHeight: 185cmWeight: 82kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: 91 Glove Low, Stick Low. 90 Angles, Breakaway, Five Hole, Poise, Poke Check, Rebound Control, Recover, Endurance, Vision 

Henrik Lundqvist is already a legend for the New York Rangers and in the NHL as a whole, winning so many games by himself at times. With a weaker, developing team around him in recent years, his numbers have predictably taken a hit, but his 35 starts have still managed to pull in 15 wins and a .908 save percentage. He’ll be playing an important role for the team as they ease in the highly-rated young goalie Alexandar Georgiev, who landed a shutout earlier this season.

From the Day 1, September 13 update, this is how the New York Rangers’ first lines start. Despite the overall ratings, this is a very user-friendly top set. Kreider, Zibanejad, and Buchnevich boast a deadly combination of physical power, speed, and clinical finishing, while Skjei and Shattenkirk can be top playmakers from the blueline. Then, of course, they’re all backed up by the almighty Lundqvist and his 88 rating.

NHL 19 New York Rangers Roster

Chris Kreider (83) – Mika Zibanejad (85) – Pavel Buchnevich (83)Brady Skjei (84) – Kevin Shattenkirk (84)Henrik Lundqvist (88)

*Ryan Spooner traded to the Edmonton Oilers on November 16th.

Ryan Gropp, Left Wing, 68 OVR

Age: 21Role: Power ForwardHeight: 191cmWeight: 87kgShoots: LeftPotential: Top 9 med

Ryan Gropp is an interesting prospect for the New York Rangers, boasting speed, strength, and power. But, the Rangers’ left wing is well-stocked with varied skill sets, with Chris Kreider already a strong power forward and only 27-years-old. But, given his size and attributes, Gropp could become a strong option as a scratch to bring in when your strategies switch to a more physical, suffocating style of play against flair-filled teams.

Brett Howden weighs in as the Rangers’ most exciting young prospect, with Calle Sjalin and Ty Ronning potentially coming along well if given ample opportunities in the AHL and NHL when the time is right. Other than those three, though, there’s not a lot to be excited about here. 

NHL 19 New York Rangers Top Prospects

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