Editing New York Rangers (section)

===Henrik Lundqvist era (2005–2020)===

====Return to the playoffs (2005–2011)====
[[File:Henrik Lundqvist - New York Rangers.jpg|thumb|Stellar performances by rookie goaltender [[Henrik Lundqvist]] during the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]] led to the Rangers' best record since [[1993–94 NHL season|1993–94]].]] 
The Rangers were expected to struggle during the [[2005–06 NHL season|2005–06 season]], but behind stellar performances by Swedish rookie goaltender [[Henrik Lundqvist]], the Rangers finished the season with a record of 44–26–12, their best record since 1993–94. Jagr broke the Rangers' single-season points record with a first-period assist in a 5–1 win against the New York Islanders on March 29, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/boxscore_archive.asp?BoxScore=boxscore_03292006.asp | title=Box Score – Rangers 5, Islanders 1 | date=March 29, 2006 | access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070417102804/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/boxscore_archive.asp?BoxScore=boxscore_03292006.asp <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date =April 17, 2007}}</ref> The assist gave him 110 points on the season, breaking [[Jean Ratelle]]'s record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=960&gametype=Post | title=Game Notes – Rangers 5, Islanders 1 | date=March 29, 2006 | access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095546/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=960&gametype=Post <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date =September 29, 2007}}</ref> Less than two weeks later, on April 8, Jagr scored his 53rd goal of the season against the Boston Bruins, breaking the club record previously held by Adam Graves.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=968&gametype=Post | title=Game Notes – Rangers 4, Boston Bruins 3 (OT) | date=April 8, 2006 | access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070926222646/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=968&gametype=Post <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date =September 26, 2007}}</ref> Two games prior, on April 4, the Rangers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 3–2, in a shootout, to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since [[1996–97 NHL season|1996–97]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=964&gametype=Post | title=Game Notes – Rangers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 2 (SO) | date=April 4, 2006 | access-date=August 8, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083446/http://www.newyorkrangers.com/gametime/gamenotes.asp?id=964&gametype=Post <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date =September 29, 2007}}</ref> In the [[2006 Stanley Cup playoffs|2006 conference quarterfinals]], the Rangers drew a matchup with the Devils and were defeated in a four-game sweep. Jagr fell two points short of winning his sixth [[Art Ross Trophy]] as scoring champion in 2005–06, but did win his third [[Ted Lindsay Award|Pearson Award]] as the players' choice for the most outstanding player.

[[File:Jaromir Jagr picks stick 2008-05-04.JPG|thumb|left|[[Jaromír Jágr|Jaromir Jagr]] was named team captain at the start of the [[2006–07 NHL season]].]]
Realizing that the team had trouble scoring goals in the 2005–06 campaign, the Rangers signed [[Triple Gold Club]] winner and 12-time 30-goal scorer [[Brendan Shanahan]] to a one-year contract. On October 5, 2006, opening night of the [[2006–07 NHL season|2006–07 season]], Jagr was named the first team captain since Mark Messier's retirement.<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://www.newyorkrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=2317 | title= Jagr named 24th captain in Rangers history | publisher=New York Rangers | date=October 5, 2006 | access-date=January 5, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061125170904/http://www.nyrangers.com/pressbox/pressreleases.asp?id=2317 | archive-date=November 25, 2006}}</ref> Though the Rangers started slow in the first half of the 2006–07 season, the second half was dominated by the stellar goaltending of Henrik Lundqvist. On February 5, 2007, the Rangers acquired agitating forward [[Sean Avery]] in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings, which brought further intensity to the team. Despite losing several players to injury in March, the Rangers went 10–2–3 in the month and clinched a playoff berth for the second consecutive season. Facing the [[Atlanta Thrashers]] in the first round of the [[2007 Stanley Cup playoffs|2007 playoffs]], the Rangers swept the series. However, they were eliminated in the next round by the [[Buffalo Sabres]].

At the [[2007 NHL entry draft]], the Rangers chose [[Alexei Cherepanov]] 17th overall, who had been ranked by the [[NHL Central Scouting Bureau]] as the number one European skater.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070627/SPORTS01/706270387/1046/SPORTS0107 |title=Rangers have high hopes for top pick Cherepanov |first=Sam |last=Weinman |work=[[The Journal News]] |date=June 27, 2007 |access-date=August 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514163316/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070627%2FSPORTS01%2F706270387%2F1046%2FSPORTS0107 |archive-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> Despite the departure of Michael Nylander, the 2007 free agency season started with a bang for the Rangers, with the signing of two high-profile centerman; [[Scott Gomez]] on a seven-year contract, as well as [[Chris Drury]] on a five-year deal.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070702/SPORTS01/707020347/1046/SPORTS0107 |title=Rangers sign top tier centers Drury, Gomez |first=Sam |last=Weinman |work=[[The Journal News]] |date=July 2, 2007 |access-date=August 8, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150121075809/http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20070702%2FSPORTS01%2F707020347%2F1046%2FSPORTS0107 |archive-date=January 21, 2015}}</ref> The moves, along with retaining most other key players, had been met favorably, and the Rangers made the playoffs for the third consecutive season and the second round for the second season in a row. Despite these streaks, the Rangers failed to meet expectations, losing their second-round series to the Pittsburgh Penguins. The following off-season saw the departures of captain Jaromir Jagr to the KHL, and alternate captains Martin Straka and Brendan Shanahan, who left to play in the Czech Republic and with the New Jersey Devils, respectively.

[[File:John Tortorella.jpg|thumb|[[John Tortorella]] was named the team's head coach in 2009, maintaining the position until 2013.]]
Following Jagr's departure, Chris Drury was named captain on October 3, 2008. The Rangers were one of four NHL teams to open the [[2008–09 NHL season|2008–09 season]] in Europe, being featured in the [[Victoria Cup (ice hockey)|Victoria Cup]] final, defeating the European Champions Cup winner [[Metallurg Magnitogorsk]] in [[Bern]], Switzerland. This was followed by two NHL regular season games against Tampa Bay in [[Prague]] on October 4 and 5, and the Rangers won both games. The Rangers tied the 1983–84 Rangers for the best start in franchise history with a 5–0 record, and set the franchise record for best start in a season through the first 13 games by going 10–2–1 for 21 points, with the 10 wins and 21 points each becoming franchise records. A successful start to the season, however, was tempered with by the news of the sudden death of 2007 first-round pick Alexei Cherepanov, which occurred during a KHL game in Russia on October 13.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burnside |first1=Scott |title=Cherepanov collapses on bench during game, dies of apparent heart attack |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/news/story?id=3641566 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 3, 2024 |date=October 13, 2008}}</ref> A disappointing second half of the season followed. After the Rangers went 2–7–3 in 12 games, coach Tom Renney was fired, with [[2004 Stanley Cup Finals|2004 Stanley Cup]] and [[Jack Adams Award]] winner [[John Tortorella]] named as his replacement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pjstar.com/sports/x898854922/Reeling-New-York-Rangers-fire-coach|title=NHL notes: Renney rendered by Rangers|date=February 23, 2009|work=Journal Star news services|access-date=January 6, 2011|archive-date=March 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320005638/http://www.pjstar.com/sports/x898854922/Reeling-New-York-Rangers-fire-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rangers made the [[2009 Stanley Cup playoffs|2009 playoffs]], but lost their opening-round series to the Washington Capitals four games to three.
 
On June 30, 2009, the Rangers traded Scott Gomez, [[Tom Pyatt]], and [[Michael Busto]] to the Montreal Canadiens for [[Ryan McDonagh]], [[Chris Higgins (ice hockey)|Chris Higgins]], [[Pavel Valentenko]], and [[Doug Janik]]. With Gomez's salary cap hit gone, the Rangers signed superstar [[Marián Gáborík|Marian Gaborik]] on the first day of free agency. In the [[2009–10 NHL season|2009–10 season]], the Rangers failed to make the playoffs for the first time in five years. There was some criticism that the off-season acquisition of Gaborik had not paid off, despite Gaborik scoring 42 goals and 86 points in the season. The final two games of the season were a home-and-home against the Philadelphia Flyers, with both teams competing for the same playoff spot. The Rangers skated away with the victory in the first game, keeping their postseason hopes alive. In the second game, the Flyers peppered Henrik Lundqvist with 47 shots, but scored only once. The game went to a shootout, and the Flyers prevailed to move on to the playoffs.

[[File:Ryan Callahan 2011.png|left|upright|thumb|On September 12, 2011, [[Ryan Callahan]] was named the 26th captain in Rangers history.]]
For the [[2010–11 NHL season|2010–11 season]], the team waived defenseman [[Wade Redden]] and brought in several players to achieve more balanced scoring. On November 12, the Rangers unveiled the new Heritage Jersey for the first time at the [[Rockefeller Center|ice rink at Rockefeller Center]] in a special ceremony featuring Rangers alumni and current players discussing the history of the storied franchise. The club wore the jersey for the first time on November 17 when they played the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers' playoff chances came down to the final day of the regular season for the second-straight year. The team defeated the New Jersey Devils and passed the [[Carolina Hurricanes]] in the standings, putting the Rangers in the playoffs after missing out the previous season. The Rangers faced Washington in the first round and lost the series in five games. It was the second time in three years that the Capitals eliminated the Rangers from the playoffs, fueling a rivalry that lasted several seasons.

On May 13, 2011, Rangers forward [[Derek Boogaard]] was found dead in his [[Minnesota]] apartment.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ca.news.yahoo.com/york-rangers-forward-derek-boogaard-dead-28-025813197.html | title=New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard found dead at 28 | access-date=May 16, 2011 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518044517/http://ca.news.yahoo.com/york-rangers-forward-derek-boogaard-dead-28-025813197.html | archive-date=May 18, 2011}}</ref> On June 29, the Rangers bought out captain Chris Drury's contract. On July 3, the Rangers signed free agent [[Brad Richards]] to a nine-year contract.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Rosen |first1=Dan |title=Richards signs multi-year deal with Rangers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/richards-signs-multi-year-deal-with-rangers/c-568285 |website=NHL.com |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009012220/https://www.nhl.com/news/richards-signs-multi-year-deal-with-rangers/c-568285 |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |date=July 3, 2011}}</ref> On September 12, [[Ryan Callahan]] was named the 26th captain in the Rangers' history.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Klein|first1=Jeff Z.|last2=Belson|first2=Ken|title=Callahan Fills Drury's Role as Captain of Rangers|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/13/sports/hockey/ryan-callahan-is-named-rangers-26th-captain.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 1, 2015|date=September 12, 2011}}</ref> He became the fifth-youngest captain in team history.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Urtz|first1=Tom Jr.|title=New York Rangers: Where Could Ryan Callahan Rank in Lineage of Ranger Captains?|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/858722-ny-rangers-where-could-ryan-callahan-rank-amongst-the-teams-25-captains|website=Bleacher Report|access-date=April 1, 2015|date=September 20, 2011|archive-date=April 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403090921/http://bleacherreport.com/articles/858722-ny-rangers-where-could-ryan-callahan-rank-amongst-the-teams-25-captains|url-status=live}}</ref> Brad Richards and [[Marc Staal]] were named alternate captains on the same day.

====Return to the Finals and third Presidents' Trophy (2011–2016)====
In the [[2011–12 NHL season|2011–12 season]], the team finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, recording 51 wins and 109 points. Their leading scorer was Marian Gaborik, who finished the season with 41 goals and 76 points while playing all 82 games. In the first round of the playoffs, the Rangers faced the eighth-seeded Ottawa Senators. After falling behind 3–2 in the series, the Rangers bounced back to win game 6 in [[Ottawa]] as well as game 7 at home. In the next round, the Rangers once again faced the Capitals. In game 3, Gaborik scored to win 14:41 into the third overtime, giving the Rangers a 2–1 lead in the series, but Washington came back to tie the series 2–2 in game 4. Washington was up by one during the final minutes of game 5 when [[Joel Ward (ice hockey)|Joel Ward]] committed a high-sticking double-minor. Richards scored to tie with just 6.6 seconds remaining, and in overtime, defenseman Marc Staal scored on the second penalty of the double-minor just 1:35 into overtime. Rangers went on to win the series 4–3, sending them to the conference finals for the first time since 1997. In the conference finals, they faced the New Jersey Devils, a major divisional rival. After leading the series 2–1, the Rangers lost three games in a row, losing game 6 in New Jersey with a goal by Devils forward [[Adam Henrique]] at 1:03 in overtime, giving the Devils a 4–2 series win and ending the Rangers' season.

On July 23, 2012, the Rangers traded [[Brandon Dubinsky]], [[Artem Anisimov]], [[Tim Erixon]] and a [[2013 NHL entry draft|2013]] first-round draft pick to the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in exchange for [[Rick Nash]], [[Steven Delisle]], and a 2013 conditional third-round pick.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nash traded to Rangers in five-player deal |first=Dave |last=Lozo |url=http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638429 |website=National Hockey League |date=July 23, 2012 |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=July 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724041655/http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=638429 |url-status=live}}</ref> At the 2013 [[NHL trade deadline]] on April 3, the Rangers then traded Marian Gaborik and Steven Delisle to Columbus for [[Derick Brassard]], [[Derek Dorsett]], [[John Moore (ice hockey)|John Moore]], and a 2014 sixth-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rangers trade Marian Gaborik |first=Katie |last=Strang |url=https://www.espn.com/new-york/nhl/story/_/id/9130225/marian-gaborik-traded-new-york-rangers-columbus-blue-jackets |publisher=ESPNNewYork.com |date=April 3, 2013 |access-date=March 9, 2015 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427140531/http://www.espn.com/new-york/nhl/story/_/id/9130225/marian-gaborik-traded-new-york-rangers-columbus-blue-jackets |url-status=live}}</ref> After the Rangers were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by Boston, management fired head coach John Tortorella, and on June 21, 2013, general manager Glen Sather formally introduced former Canucks head coach [[Alain Vigneault]] as Tortorella's replacement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rangers hire new coach Vigneault with 5-year deal |first=Ira |last=Podell |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/nhl/article/20130622033103718540808/ |agency=Associated Press |publisher=CBC.ca |date=June 22, 2013 |access-date=June 9, 2014 |archive-date=December 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224063858/http://www.cbc.ca/sports-content/hockey/nhl/article/20130622033103718540808/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Rick Nash Rangers.jpg|thumb|upright|The Rangers acquired [[Rick Nash]] in a multi-player trade with the [[Columbus Blue Jackets]] in 2012.]]
A trade late in the [[2013–14 NHL season|2013–14 season]] contributed to the Rangers reaching the [[2014 Stanley Cup Finals]]. On March 5, 2014, the Rangers traded their captain Ryan Callahan, along with a first-round draft pick in [[2015 NHL entry draft|2015]], a conditional second-round pick in [[2014 NHL entry draft|2014]], and a conditional seventh-round pick in 2015, for Tampa Bay captain [[Martin St. Louis]]. The trade occurred both due to the Rangers' and Callahan's inability to reach a contract extension, as well as St. Louis' growing tension with the Lightning organization and subsequent request to be traded to New York. The [[2013–14 New York Rangers season|2013–14 Rangers]] were already a strong team, setting a new franchise record of 25 road game wins. New York defeated Philadelphia in seven games in the first round of the [[2014 Stanley Cup playoffs|2014 playoffs]], and in the next round rallied from a 3–1 series deficit for the first time in their history to defeat Pittsburgh in seven games. They then defeated the Montreal Canadiens in six games to become the Eastern Conference champions, moving on to the Cup Finals, their first visit in 20 years, to face [[2012 Stanley Cup Finals|2012]] champions [[Los Angeles Kings]]. The Rangers led the first two games by two goals but lost each game in overtime, and were then shut-out at home 3–0 in game 3. The Kings outshot the Rangers in game 4, but the Rangers staved off elimination by winning the game 2–1. They had another lead in game 5, but after the game was tied and subsequently sent to overtime, Kings defenseman [[Alec Martinez]] scored with 5:17 left in the second overtime period to win the game for Los Angeles, 3–2, as well as the Stanley Cup.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/14/us/stanley-cup-kings/ |title=Los Angeles Kings win Stanley Cup in thriller |publisher=CNN |date=June 14, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2014 |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714234746/http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/14/us/stanley-cup-kings/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 20, 2014, a week after their season ended, the Rangers [[Compliance buyout|bought-out]] the remaining six years of Brad Richards' contract in order to free up [[NHL salary cap|salary cap space]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/brad-richards-bought-out-by-rangers-1.2682344 |title=Brad Richards bought out by Rangers – NHL on CBC Sports – Hockey news, opinion, scores, stats, standings |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=July 8, 2014 |archive-date=July 9, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140709222346/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/brad-richards-bought-out-by-rangers-1.2682344 |url-status=live}}</ref> On October 6, defenseman [[Ryan McDonagh]] was named the Rangers' 27th captain in team history, with [[Derek Stepan]], Dan Girardi, Marc Staal and Martin St. Louis serving as alternates. In [[2014–15 NHL season|2014–15]], the Rangers won the Presidents' Trophy for the third time in franchise history and their seventh division title by finishing with the best record in the NHL at 53–22–7. The 53 wins and 113 points both set franchise records. The team also won 28 road games in the regular season, breaking the franchise record set the previous season. In the [[2015 Stanley Cup playoffs]], the Rangers dispatched the Pittsburgh Penguins in five games in the first round. The Rangers then came back from a 3–1 series deficit to win their second-round series against the Capitals in seven games, becoming the first team in NHL history to battle back from a 3–1 deficit in back-to-back seasons and sending the Rangers to the conference finals for the third time in four years. However, after winning the first game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Rangers lost game 2 by four goals. The two teams split the first four games of the series, but the Rangers lost game 5 by a 2–0 scoreline at home. In game 6, Derick Brassard scored a hat-trick and assisted on two other goals in an emphatic 7–3 victory to force game 7 in New York.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-tbl/2015/05/26/2014030316 | title=Brassard, Rangers down Lightning to force game seven | website=National Hockey League | access-date=May 26, 2015 | archive-date=March 7, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307052936/https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-tbl/2015/05/26/2014030316 | url-status=live}}</ref> There, the Lightning shutout the Rangers 2–0, ending the Rangers' season, and marking the first occasion the Rangers had ever lost a game 7 at home in franchise history as well as the first time they lost an elimination game at home since they lost to Buffalo in [[2007 Stanley Cup playoffs|2007]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-tbl/2015/05/29/2014030317 | title=Lightning defeat Rangers, advance to Cup Final | website=National Hockey League | access-date=May 29, 2015 | archive-date=May 20, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520154013/https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-tbl/2015/05/29/2014030317 | url-status=live}}</ref>

On June 27, 2015, the Rangers traded [[Carl Hagelin]] to the Anaheim Ducks, [[Cam Talbot]] and a draft pick to the Edmonton Oilers, and prospect [[Ryan Haggerty]] to the Chicago Blackhawks for [[Antti Raanta]], who replaced Talbot as Lundqvist's backup goaltender.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kreda |first1=Allan |title=Rangers Swap Forwards and Trade Away Cam Talbot |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/sports/hockey/rangers-swap-forwards-and-trade-away-camtalbot.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001225301/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/28/sports/hockey/rangers-swap-forwards-and-trade-away-camtalbot.html |archive-date=October 1, 2015 |date=June 27, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Trades completed during 2015 NHL Draft weekend|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/trades-completed-during-2015-nhl-draft-weekend/c-772519|website=National Hockey League|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=June 27, 2015|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075615/https://www.nhl.com/news/trades-completed-during-2015-nhl-draft-weekend/c-772519|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, on July 1, [[Glen Sather]] resigned as the general manager, with [[Jeff Gorton]] taking his place to become the 11th general manager in team history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jeff Gorton Named 11th General Manager in Franchise History|url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/jeff-gorton-named-11th-general-manager-in-franchise-history/c-881423|website=National Hockey League|access-date=July 3, 2017|date=July 1, 2015|archive-date=August 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804173259/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/jeff-gorton-named-11th-general-manager-in-franchise-history/c-881423|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 2, Martin St. Louis announced his retirement.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Whyno|first1=Stephen|title=Martin St. Louis retires from NHL|url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/martin-st-louis-retires-from-nhl-1.3135901|website=CBC Sports|agency=The Canadian Press|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 2, 2015|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425101732/https://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/nhl/martin-st-louis-retires-from-nhl-1.3135901|url-status=live}}</ref> The team then re-signed [[Jesper Fast]], [[J. T. Miller]], and Derek Stepan.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Leonard|first1=Pat|title=With Derek Stepan awaiting new deal, Rangers re-sign Jesper Fast, J.T. Miller|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/stepan-awaiting-new-deal-rangers-re-sign-fast-miller-article-1.2293525|website=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 16, 2015|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211081332/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/stepan-awaiting-new-deal-rangers-re-sign-fast-miller-article-1.2293525|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Leonard|first1=Pat|title=Derek Stepan re-signs with Rangers on $39 million deal|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/derek-stepan-re-signs-rangers-39-million-deal-article-1.2305283|website=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 16, 2015|archive-date=March 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329024233/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/derek-stepan-re-signs-rangers-39-million-deal-article-1.2305283|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Gretz|first1=Adam|title=Rangers sign Derek Stepan to 6-year, $39 million contract|url=http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/rangers-sign-derek-stepan-to-6-year-39-million-contract/|work=CBSSports.com|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 27, 2015|archive-date=October 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022075648/http://www.cbssports.com/nhl/news/rangers-sign-derek-stepan-to-6-year-39-million-contract/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Rangers started the [[2015–16 NHL season|2015–16 season]] with a 14–2–2 record after 18 games, including a nine-game winning streak. However, the team lost their momentum and floundered, posting a 4–7–2 record in December for only ten points. After the holiday break, the team gradually improved their play, going on a 10–3–1 run without any back-to-back losses in February. The Rangers finished the season with 101 points for back-to-back 100+ point seasons. Despite high hopes, the Rangers were eliminated in the first round of the [[2016 Stanley Cup playoffs]] by a Penguins team that would go on to win the Stanley Cup. That summer, the Rangers extended Antti Raanta's contract,<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers Agree to Terms With Antti Raanta|url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-antti-raanta/c-881095|website=National Hockey League|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=May 2, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075619/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-antti-raanta/c-881095|url-status=live}}</ref> signed [[Pavel Buchnevich]] to an entry-level contract,<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers Agree to Terms With Forward Pavel Buchnevich|url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-forward-pavel-buchnevich/c-882664|website=National Hockey League|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=May 13, 2016}}</ref> and re-signed J. T. Miller, [[Chris Kreider]], and [[Kevin Hayes (ice hockey)|Kevin Hayes]].

====Rebuilding (2016–2020)====
On July 18, 2016, the Rangers traded Derick Brassard and a 2018 seventh-round draft pick in exchange for [[Mika Zibanejad]] and a 2018 second-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers Acquire Forward Mika Zibanejad|url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-forward-mika-zibanejad/c-889693|website=National Hockey League|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211075248/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-forward-mika-zibanejad/c-889693|url-status=live}}</ref> The team also signed [[Michael Grabner]] to a two-year deal<ref>{{cite web|last1=Leonard|first1=Pat|title=Rangers hit the discount rack and sign free agents Michael Grabner and Nathan Gerbe|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-hit-discount-rack-sign-michael-grabner-nathan-gerbe-article-1.2696268|website=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=July 1, 2016|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211081255/http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/hockey/rangers/rangers-hit-discount-rack-sign-michael-grabner-nathan-gerbe-article-1.2696268|url-status=live}}</ref> and the much-anticipated college sensation [[Jimmy Vesey]] to a two-year entry-level contract.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kreda|first1=Allan|title=Rangers Sign Jimmy Vesey, Coveted by Much of the N.H.L.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/sports/hockey/ny-rangers-sign-jimmy-vesey.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=February 9, 2017|date=August 19, 2016|archive-date=August 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824004100/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/20/sports/hockey/ny-rangers-sign-jimmy-vesey.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Rangers finished [[2016–17 NHL season|2016–17]] in fourth place in the Metropolitan Division with 102 points. In the first round of the [[2017 Stanley Cup playoffs]], they won their series with the Montreal Canadiens in six games. In the second game of their second-round series with the Ottawa Senators, the Rangers held a two-goal lead on three different occasions, but lost in double overtime, putting themselves in a 2–0 series deficit. The team responded with consecutive 4–1 home wins in games 3 and 4 to tie the series, but lost the next two games and were eliminated.

On June 14, 2017, the Rangers announced a buyout of Dan Girardi's contract.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kreda|first1=Allan|title=Rangers Are Buying Out Dan Girardi's Contract|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/sports/hockey/rangers-dan-girardi.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=May 10, 2018|date=June 14, 2017|archive-date=February 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225035413/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/14/sports/hockey/rangers-dan-girardi.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Just over a week later, the Rangers traded Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta to the [[Arizona Coyotes]] in exchange for a first-round draft pick (seventh overall) and former first-round pick [[Tony DeAngelo]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Kreda|first1=Allan|title=Rangers Trade Derek Stepan to Coyotes Ahead of N.H.L. Draft|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/sports/hockey/rangers-trade-derek-stepan-to-coyotes-ahead-of-nhl-draft.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=May 10, 2018|date=June 23, 2017}}</ref> Rangers' management also signed top free agent defenseman [[Kevin Shattenkirk]] to a four-year deal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers sign top free agent Kevin Shattenkirk|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/19783806/new-york-rangers-sign-defenseman-kevin-shattenkirk|publisher=ESPN|access-date=May 10, 2018|date=July 1, 2017|archive-date=September 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180926102734/http://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/19783806/new-york-rangers-sign-defenseman-kevin-shattenkirk|url-status=live}}</ref> However, injuries sidelined Shattenkirk, Kreider, and Zibanejad, and the Rangers struggled to compete. By February 8, 2018, the team had a 25–24–5 record, leading the front office to issue a letter to fans announcing the Rangers would be committing to a rebuild and may "lose some familiar faces" in the process. [[Rick Nash]] was traded the day before the 2018 [[NHL trade deadline]] to the Bruins for a 2018 first-round pick, a 2019 seventh-round pick, [[Matt Beleskey]], [[Ryan Spooner]] and [[Ryan Lindgren]]. The following day, the Rangers traded captain [[Ryan McDonagh]] and [[J. T. Miller]] to the [[Tampa Bay Lightning]] for picks and prospects.  With the team missing the playoffs for the first time since [[2009–10 NHL season|2010]], finishing under .500 for the first time since [[2003–04 NHL season|2004]], and placing last in the Metropolitan Division, head coach Vigneault was fired at the conclusion of the season.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bailey|first1=Jason M.|title=Rangers Fire Alain Vigneault After Rare Playoff-Less Season|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/sports/hockey/alain-vigneault-fired-rangers.html|website=The New York Times|access-date=April 9, 2018|date=April 8, 2018|archive-date=April 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408075739/https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/08/sports/hockey/alain-vigneault-fired-rangers.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 23, [[David Quinn (ice hockey)|David Quinn]] was hired as the team's new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rangers hire Boston University's David Quinn as coach|url=https://apnews.com/143251cc7cb642abbb59a777287a5e92/Rangers-hire-Boston-University%27s-David-Quinn-as-coach|website=AP News|access-date=May 23, 2018|date=May 23, 2018|archive-date=August 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200819040826/https://apnews.com/143251cc7cb642abbb59a777287a5e92/Rangers-hire-Boston-University%27s-David-Quinn-as-coach|url-status=live}}</ref> During the off-season, Hayes, Vesey, [[Brady Skjei]] and Spooner all filed for salary arbitration and all were re-signed.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Agree to Terms With Brady Skjei |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-brady-skjei/c-299613196 |website=NHL.com |access-date=November 9, 2018 |date=July 28, 2018 |archive-date=July 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730170617/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-agree-to-terms-with-brady-skjei/c-299613196 |url-status=live}}</ref> Gorton and his team remained committed to a rebuild in the [[2018–19 NHL season|2018–19 season]], and with their playoff chances slim, the Rangers once again traded away veteran players at the deadline, including [[Kevin Hayes]] and fan-favorite [[Mats Zuccarello]], who was sent to the Dallas Stars in exchange for two draft picks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Acquire 2019 Conditional 2nd Rd & 2020 Conditional 3rd Rd Picks |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-2019-conditional-2nd-rd--2020-conditional-3rd-rd-picks/c-305148148 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 28, 2019 |date=February 23, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Acquire 2019 1st Rd Pick, Brendan Lemieux & 2022 Conditional Pick |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-2019-1st-rd-pick-brendan-lemieux--2022-conditional-pick/c-305196900 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 28, 2019 |date=February 25, 2019 |archive-date=November 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128182128/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-2019-1st-rd-pick-brendan-lemieux--2022-conditional-pick/c-305196900 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The Rangers received the second overall pick in the [[2019 NHL entry draft]],<ref>{{cite web |title=2019 NHL Draft Lottery results |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-nhl-draft-lottery-results/c-306626236 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 28, 2019 |date=April 9, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621221636/https://www.nhl.com/news/2019-nhl-draft-lottery-results/c-306626236 |url-status=live}}</ref> and subsequently used it to select forward [[Kaapo Kakko]]. On May 17, 2019, former Ranger goaltender and broadcaster [[John Davidson (ice hockey)|John Davidson]] resigned from his position as president of the Columbus Blue Jackets and returned to New York to become the organization's new president.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Davidson Named Rangers President |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/john-davidson-named-rangers-president/c-307447556 |website=NHL.com |access-date=October 3, 2020 |date=May 17, 2020 |archive-date=November 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108004741/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/john-davidson-named-rangers-president/c-307447556 |url-status=live}}</ref> Davidson and Gorton addressed the team's defensive woes by acquiring top prospect [[Adam Fox]] from Carolina for a pair of picks,<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Acquire Defenseman Adam Fox |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-defenseman-adam-fox/c-307122854 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 28, 2019 |date=April 30, 2019 |archive-date=April 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430234157/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-defenseman-adam-fox/c-307122854 |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as veteran defenseman [[Jacob Trouba]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Acquire Jacob Trouba |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-acquire-jacob-trouba/c-307887700 |website=NHL.com |access-date=June 28, 2019 |date=June 17, 2019}}</ref> The team also signed free agent [[Artemi Panarin]] to a seven-year deal on July 1.<ref>{{cite web |title=New York Rangers Sign Artemi Panarin to Seven-Year Deal Worth $81.5 Million |url=https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2019/7/1/20677371/new-york-rangers-to-sign-artemi-panarin-to-seven-year-deal-worth-81-5-million |website=blueshirtbanter.com |access-date=July 1, 2019 |date=July 1, 2019 |archive-date=July 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701205037/https://www.blueshirtbanter.com/2019/7/1/20677371/new-york-rangers-to-sign-artemi-panarin-to-seven-year-deal-worth-81-5-million |url-status=live}}</ref> To help with salary cap restrictions, the Rangers then traded Jimmy Vesey and bought out the last two years of Shattenkirk's contract.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Battaglino |first1=Mike |title=Shattenkirk has contract bought out by Rangers |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/kevin-shattenkirk-contract-bought-out-by-new-york/c-308414136 |website=NHL.com |access-date=January 9, 2020 |date=August 1, 2019}}</ref>

[[File:ArtemiPanarin.jpg|thumb|[[Artemi Panarin]] signed with the Rangers in July 2019]]
The [[2019–20 NHL season|2019–20 season]] was a step forward for the rebuilding Rangers; Panarin lived up expectations and earned a [[Hart Trophy]] nomination,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://drive4five.blog/2020/07/21/hart-trophy-leon-draisaitl-nathan-mackinnon-artemi-panarin-aidan-resnick-kush-malhotra/ | title=Hart Trophy Finalists Revealed: Who Will and Should Win? | date=July 21, 2020 | access-date=August 11, 2020 | archive-date=August 11, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811070540/https://drive4five.blog/2020/07/21/hart-trophy-leon-draisaitl-nathan-mackinnon-artemi-panarin-aidan-resnick-kush-malhotra/ | url-status=live}}</ref> rookie goaltender [[Igor Shesterkin]] proved to be a worthy successor to aging superstar Henrik Lundqvist, Chris Kreider signed a seven-year contract extension,<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers re-sign Chris Kreider to seven-year contract |url=https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/new-york-rangers-chris-kreider-contract-extension/ |website=NBC Sports |access-date=October 3, 2020 |date=February 24, 2020 |archive-date=October 20, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020230612/https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2020/02/24/new-york-rangers-chris-kreider-contract-extension/ |url-status=live}}</ref> and Mika Zibanejad emerged as an elite forward, recording a 5-goal-game against Washington on March 5 and ending up with 41 goals in 57 games played. By early March 2020, the Rangers were within striking distance of the second wild-card position when the [[COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state)|coronavirus pandemic]] halted the regular season. In May 2020, the league announced a [[2020 Stanley Cup playoffs|24-team playoff tournament]] to complete the season, where the Rangers were seeded 11th and faced the Carolina Hurricanes; the Hurricanes swept the Rangers. After being eliminated from the playoffs the Rangers were entered into the second phase of the NHL draft lottery where the team won the lottery and were awarded the first pick in the [[2020 NHL entry draft]], which Gorton used to select [[Alexis Lafrenière|Alexis Lafreniere]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kaplan |first1=Emily |title=New York Rangers win NHL draft lottery, right to pick Alexis Lafreniere |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29635413/new-york-rangers-win-nhl-draft-lottery-right-pick-alexis-lafreniere |website=ESPN.com |access-date=May 3, 2024 |date=August 10, 2020 |archive-date=June 24, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624035248/https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/29635413/new-york-rangers-win-nhl-draft-lottery-right-pick-alexis-lafreniere |url-status=live}}</ref> Later in the off-season, the team traded veteran defenseman [[Marc Staal]] to the Red Wings.

In September 2020, the Rangers bought out the final year of [[Henrik Lundqvist]]'s contract, ending his tenure in New York after 15 years.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rangers Buy Out Contract of Henrik Lundqvist |url=https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-buy-out-contract-of-henrik-lundqvist/c-319243646 |website=NHL.com |access-date=January 29, 2022 |date=September 30, 2020 |archive-date=January 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129071835/https://www.nhl.com/rangers/news/rangers-buy-out-contract-of-henrik-lundqvist/c-319243646 |url-status=live}}</ref>