Etem was dealt to the New York Rangers on June 27, 2015, along with a second-round selection pick, in exchange for Carl Hagelin and two draft picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Following his first training camp with the Rangers, Etem was named to the team's opening night roster for the 2015-16 season. He made his debut with the club that evening in a 4-3 loss to the Montreal Canadiens. In 16 games with the Rangers this season, Etem has one goal and three assists. He missed eight games from October 26 to November 7 with an upper body injury. Etem signed as a free agent with the Rangers on July 1, 2014. He had spent the previous four seasons with the Vancouver Canucks, scoring 42 goals and adding 66 assists in 227 games. The Seattle native began his career with the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL) before moving up to the University of Alaska-Anchorage where he earned All-American honors in 2012-13. Etem was drafted third overall by the Canucks in 2013 NHL Draft. He made his NHL debut on October 5, 2014, against the Calgary Flames at Rogers Arena. Etem scored his first career NHL goal later that night during a 3-1 victory over the Flames. Etem played four seasons with the UAA Eagles, leading them in points twice.