New York Rangers fans were reminded often on how special a player Brian Leetch was last season. As American-born rookie defenseman, Brady Skjei had a season to remember, and Leetch’s name was always in the next breath. Skjei’s 39 points in 80 games were the most by a rookie defenseman since Leetch’s ridiculous 71 points in 68 games in the 1988-89 season.
It marked an explosive start to a storied career which would see Leetch acquire many major league accolades. Let’s take a look back on Leetch’s career and accomplishments as we appreciate the best American-born defenseman to play in the NHL.