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[New York Rangers]

Exclusive: Why Dave Maloney continues to be ‘tribal caller’ in new role as Rangers TV analyst on MSG

Dave Maloney - MSG NetworksMSG Networks

Talk with Dave Maloney for any length of time and you pick up on a few things about the New York Rangers new television analyst on MSG Networks.

He’s extremely intelligent. That intelligence is often masked by his self-deprecating sense of humor. But neither trumps just how passionate he is about the Rangers.

“I do [bleed blue]. I really do,” Maloney told Forever Blueshirts on the RINK RAP podcast. “Obviously, this sport is a very passionate sport, it has a very passionate fan base … It’s just the ethos of how it works. … We all have innate biases to those things closest to us. So I have a passion, a bias to the Rangers. But what I hope to do is present it [during broadcasts] in a way that it’s not personal.

“I’m the tribal caller, the guys in the old Indian villages that called our tribe. Are we critical of the tribe sometimes? Certainly, because it becomes a reflection on us and we take it as reflection.”

Maloney’s passion for the Rangers runs deep. It was 51 years ago that the Rangers selected him in the first round (No. 14 overall) of the 1974 NHL Draft. Maloney debuted on Broadway at 18 years old, appearing in four games during the 1974-75 season.

He was a regular on the defense corps two seasons later, and in 1978-79 became the youngest captain in Rangers history. All of 22 years old at the time, Maloney helped lead the Rangers that season to the Stanley Cup Final, where they lost in five games to the Montreal Canadiens, upsetting the favored Islanders along the way.

That season, he was joined on the Rangers by his younger brother, Don.

“The most special time in my career,” big brother Dave called those seven seasons he and Don were Blueshirts teammates.

Maloney played 657 games in the NHL, 602 with the Rangers, and the rest in his final season with the Buffalo Sabres. Since 2005-06, he was Kenny Albert’s sidekick on Rangers radio broadcasts.

Dave Maloney is joining Kenny Albert in the booth!!@DaveMaloneyMSG | @NYRangers pic.twitter.com/xxJb1jYAty

— MSG Networks (@MSGNetworks) July 9, 2025

Now, he and Albert move into the television booth together, replacing Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti, who each retired after last season. Taking this step alongside Albert makes it all even more special for Maloney.

“He’s just terrific, the best in the business,” Maloney said about his longtime on-air partner. “The absence of ego is reassuringly frightening. He’s a special guy. He really is.”

When told that he is deserving of this latest opportunity with the Rangers, Maloney graciously deflected the compliment.

“I’m not sure I ever deserved anything. I like to think that through the results of hard work, I’ve earned at least a look. … I’m just thankful for the opportunity.”

Related: Ryan Reaves recalls late-night vodka shots and basketball with Artemi Panarin

‘It’s amazing where life takes you’: Rangers TV analyst Dave Maloney​

Maloney recounted how his first experience as a broadcaster was working alongside Kenny’s dad, legendary Rangers broadcaster Marv Albert. His fascinating and winding journey is not lost on Maloney.

“My first salvo in the booth was in the early 80’s when I got hurt in the playoffs and I ended up in the booth with Marv and Sal Messina as the third guy,” he explained. “Kenny was like 13 at that time (doing statistics for his father), and I got to know the Albert family well. So, it’s amazing where life takes you, right?”

Maloney worked outside of hockey for a number of years, though he did dabble in broadcasting, as well, including stints with Sports Channel, FOX, the Minnesota North Stars, and CTV in Canada.

He’s carried a certain perspective into the radio booth — and now on television — derived from his experience as an NHL player. It’s what balances his passion with compassion as he analyzes what’s going on.

“When the Rangers are good, my call is great! But the magic is when they’re not good to keep it on the up and up,” Maloney explained. “I respect the game so much … I don’t like the guys who played the game and only see the mistakes and don’t recognize that, hey, the game is really hard.”

So, too, is the broadcast business. And remaining tied to the same organization for half a century and all of your adult life.

At 68, Maloney is opening a new door and accepting a new challenge. He couldn’t be any happier than do it with the Rangers.

“I take great pride in being around one of the Original 6 franchises for this long and still be in a position where they say ‘OK, we’re going to tap this old guy on the shoulder and you’re going to continue to be a tribal caller.’ So, that’s awesome.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ibal-caller-msg-network-analyst-kenny-albert/

 

[New York Rangers]

Top 10 New York Rangers prospects after 2025 NHL Draft, including Gabe Perreault

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

With the 2024-25 season and most recent NHL Draft in the rearview mirror, it’s a good time to update the top 10 prospects in the New York Rangers organization.

The Rangers added eight players to their pipeline, headed by forward Malcolm Spence, their top pick, No. 43 overall, selected in the second round. New York chose five defensemen, two wingers and a center in the 2025 draft. Those eight players represented one less than the Rangers selected in the previous two drafts combined (four in 2024; five in 2023).

They also improved their organizational depth by acquiring center prospect Carey Terrance from the Anaheim Ducks and defenseman prospect Scott Morrow from the Carolina Hurricanes in separate trades this offseason.

We chose a specific criteria here to decide which players are prospects and those who no longer fit that category. If a player’s appeared in at least 25 NHL games or will be at least 24 years old this upcoming season, he’s not considered a prospect for this list.

That’s why you will not see Brennan Othmann (25 NHL games), Brett Berard (35 NHL games), Matthew Robertson (24 years old) nor Brendan Brisson (turns 24 on Oct. 22) on this list.

As a point of reference and comparison, here’s our top 10 Rangers prospects list from 2024.

Related: Rangers 2025 NHL Draft tracker: Selection, analysis for each pick

1. Gabe Perreault (F)​

Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

As he was a year ago, Perreault remains the Rangers’ top prospect, though the 20-year-old forward is now a big step closer to a regular spot in the NHL. Perreault is set to embark on his first full professional season; he played five games with the Rangers after turning pro following the end of his sophomore year at Boston College. He had 108 points (35 goals, 73 assists) in 73 games with BC, and helped the United States win consecutive World Junior Championships in 2024 and 2025. Whether the highly skilled forward with an impressive hockey IQ gains some seasoning with Hartford of the American Hockey League or earns a spot on New York’s opening-night roster out of training camp, Perreault appears to be on the verge of his breakthrough.

2. Scott Morrow (D)​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Morrow was somewhat of an underrated acquisition as part of the K’Andre Miller trade July 1. The offensively gifted right-shot defenseman was packaged by Carolina along with a conditional first-round pick and a second rounder in the 2026 draft for Miller. Morrow was Carolina’s third-ranked prospect and No. 65 overall in the Hockey News 2025 Future Watch after a solid rookie pro season with Chicago of the AHL (39 points; 13 goals, 26 assists in 52 games). He’s played 16 regular-season games (one goal, five assists) in the NHL and five Stanley Cup Playoff games. Morrow, who turns 23 in November, is a work in progress defensively and may require a bit more time in the AHL. But offensively, he seems good to go as a puck-moving third-pair d-man.

Related: Scott Morrow ‘going to be really good player’ with Rangers, but there’s catch: NHL insider

3. Malcolm Spence (F)​

GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK

By all accounts, Spence is a first-round talent who fell into New York’s lap in the second round. He’s a high-character player and leader who scored 32 goals and had 73 points in 65 games with Erie of the OHL last season. Draft experts project that Spence should have a long NHL career as a a middle-six forward, who will play a committed 200-foot game. Spence will attend the University of Michigan this fall.

4. EJ Emery (D)​

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Emery was New York’s first-round pick (No. 30 overall) in the 2024 draft and comes off a bit of an up-and-down freshman season at North Dakota. A shutdown right-shot defenseman, Emery averaged 20 minutes TOI in his first NCAA season, but managed just one point, an assist in his first game. The Rangers see a bright future for Emery, but don’t plan on rushing him because they see he needs to fill out physically and grow as a player.

5. Drew Fortescue (D)​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fortescue easily could’ve ranked above Emery, because the 2023 third-rounder has had more success to date. He joined Perreault in helping the U.S. win gold at the 2024 and 2025 WJC, playing an important role each tournament as a shutdown defenseman on the left side. He’s also successfully filled that role at Boston College and is set for his junior season there; it’s likely his last — he’s expected to turn pro next spring.

6. Dylan Garand (G)​

Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

The only goalie on this list is set to enter his fourth pro season, all with Hartford of the AHL. Garand emerged as Hartford’s No. 1 goalie last season and was named to the AHL All-Star Classic. He was 20-10-8, with a 2.73 goals-against average, .913 save percentage, and three shutouts, and is on the Rangers’ radar to be Igor Shesterkin’s backup on Broadway, whenever Jonathan Quick retires. The 23-year-old remains an unsigned restricted free agent, but should be in net for Hartford on opening night, tuning up for his eventual ascension to the NHL.

7. Noah Laba (C)​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The bottom players on this list are tightly packed together. Laba stands out as much for his intangibles as a leader and being a high-character player as he does for his solid two-way play. It’s not difficult to envision Laba filling the role of 3C in New York one day, especially after the soon-to-be 22-year-old impressed last spring with an 11-game cameo (three goals, two assists) with Hartford after turning pro following his junior year at Colorado College.

8. Dylan Roobroeck (C)​

Photo courtesy Hartford Wolf Pack

Roobroeck forced his way onto our list of top Rangers prospects this year after an impressive 20-goal season as a 20-year-old with Hartford. The 2023 sixth-round pick stands out immediately because of his size (6-foot-7), but then you keep your eyes on him because he competes, works hard to play an effective two-way game — and can put the puck in the net. Roobroeck had 26 goals and 72 points in 68 games with Oshawa of the OHL in 2023-24, then led Hartford with 20 goals last season, finishing strong with nine goals in his final 12 games.

9. Carey Terrance (C)​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Rangers landed another solid center prospect when they acquired Terrance from the Ducks in the Chris Kreider trade. He’s not dissimilar to Laba in the fact that he’s a high-character player and leader. Terrance turns pro this coming season and should get plenty of reps in all situations with Hartford. He scored 49 goals the past two seasons combined with Erie of the OHL, where he was teammates with Spence. He also helped the U.S. win gold at the 2025 World Juniors.

10. Adam Sykora (F)​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Sykora turns 21 in September and is already entering his third pro season with Hartford. The 2022 second-round pick finished fifth on Hartford with 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) last season. Goals and point production won’t be what gets him into the NHL, though. His tenacious style of play, penalty killing, and pure grind are what stand out with Sykora, who could be a bottom-six forward option in the coming years.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...rospects-after-2025-nhl-draft-gabe-perreault/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers GM delivers hilarious quip about K’Andre Miller $60 million contract with Hurricanes

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It’s safe to say that if former New York Rangers general manager Neil Smith was still an NHL executive, there’d be no way he would’ve handed K’Andre Miller as massive a contract as the Carolina Hurricanes did last week.

Miller signed an eight-year, $60 million contract, worth $7.5 million annually, after the Hurricanes acquired him in a July 1 trade with the Rangers. Defenseman Scott Morrow and two 2026 draft picks — a conditional first-rounder and a second-round selection — were acquired by the Rangers in return for the skilled, yet inconsistent 25-year-old.

On his recent NHL Wraparound podcast, Smith sounded incredulous about Miller’s expensive deal when speaking with guest Elliotte Friedman.

“But my goodness, Elliotte, these guys, like I’ve seen K Andre Miller play since he got there (in New York),” Smith ranted. “If he’s a $7 million defenseman, you know, I’m a $10 million podcaster.”

He may have been born and raised in Ontario, but Smith was straight out of New York with that dose of sarcasm.

Friedman, the NHL insider with Sportsnet, was more diplomatic with his take. He pointed out that three RFA defensemen — Miller, Evan Bouchard and Noah Dobson — “benefitted from being free at the right time, and there just wasn’t a lot of players available.”

Bouchard signed a whopping four-year, $42 million extension ($10.5 million AAV) to remain with the Edmonton Oilers last week. And Dobson, a year removed from becoming an unrestricted free agent, let it be known he had no plan to sign with the Islanders long term. So, the Islanders traded Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens for a pair of first-round draft picks and forward Emil Heineman, and Montreal then inked the defenseman to an eight-year, $76 million deal worth $9.5 million annually.

With those prices, it can be argued that Miller was a bargain, though you certainly can’t convince Smith of that. However, even though Smith’s the only one with a Stanley Cup championship on his resume, the opinion that matters most is that of Eric Tulsky, the Hurricanes GM.

“It’s a big price to pay, but we think he’s a great fit for our system,” Tulsky explained. “You hear me talk a lot about how hard our scouting department works to identify players who will fit. He was one of them.”

Related: Rangers GM ‘above board … very professional’ handling K’Andre Miller trade: agent

Neil Smith raised important question about Rangers deal with Vladislav Gavrikov​

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

There was one other topic that got Smith riled up on the podcast he co-hosts with Vic Morren.

Tampering.

In reviewing how quickly deals get done immediately after the 12 Noon ET start of free agency on July 1, Smith was again incredulius.

“So I want to ask you and talk to you about another thing that that just drives me nuts,” Smith said Friedman. “Maybe you can explain this to me too, and that is tampering. And you know, [Mitch] Marner, come on, there had to be tampering by Vegas on Marner, and I got to say that, unless Chris Drury is an absolute magician, and he’s like the Evelyn Wood of negotiating — how did he get a deal done in an hour and 15 minutes with Gavrikov?”

To be fair, Smith’s far from the first person to question the ethics and bending of the rules when it comes to NHL free agency. But, again, Friedman had a rational take, at least as far as the Rangers deal with Gavrikov was concerned.

“So, this is another great question,” he said. “But one of the reasons I think the Rangers were able to do Gavrikov so quickly, is I think they were working on a sign and trade with the [Los Angeles] Kings. Now, obviously that didn’t happen, but you know, there’s something for you. I do think a sign and trade nearly happened, so that Gavrikov could get that eighth year.”

Of course, if the sides were working on a sign and trade, there would’ve been interaction allowed between the Rangers and Gavrikov. So, Drury and Co. would know exactly what could work on July 1 even though the early sign and trade fell through.

Ultimately, Gavrikov signed quickly after free agency started, agreeing to a seven-year, $49 million contract with the Rangers, worth $7 million per season. Though the 29-year-old is older than Miller, Bouchard and Dobson, his deal very likely could end up as the best bargain of the day, though time will tell how it looks down the road once Gavrikov plays into his 30s.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...rious-quip-kandre-miller-contract-hurricanes/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers face major dilemma about Artemi Panarin contract decision

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury has pretty much wrapped up his offseason work. The Rangers changed coaches, firing Peter Laviolette after they missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs and bringing in Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

New York also signed veteran defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to play on the left side of the top pair with Adam Fox. And they traded veteran forward Chris Kreider to the Anaheim Ducks and 25-year-old defenseman K’Andre Miller to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Drury also prevented a potential offer-sheet issue by re-signing Will Cuylle, to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million.

Now it’s time for the GM to turn his attention to an even bigger issue.

Artemi Panarin is the best free-agent signing in Rangers history. It’s not even close: The Russian left wing, who turns 34 on Oct. 30, has led the Rangers in scoring in each of his six seasons on Broadway since signing a seven-year contract on July 1, 2019. He’s been an NHL First-Team All-Star twice (2020 and 2024) and a Second-Team All-Star once (2023). His 1.28 points per game are the most in team history, and the 120 points he put up in 2023-24 are the second-best single-season total since the Rangers entered the NHL in 1926. His 89 points last season (37 goals, 52 assists) were 27 more than runner-up Mika Zibanejad.

The Rangers have been paying top dollar for all that production – Panarin’s $11.64 million AAV is the seventh-highest in the NHL for 2025-26, and the six players ahead of him are all under 30.

But the pressing issue now is that Panarin can become an unrestricted free agent after next season. “Bread” became eligible to sign an extension on July 1. However, the Rangers don’t appear to be in any rush to get his name on the dotted line.

Drury and owner James Dolan face a real dilemma: Do the Rangers re-sign Panarin, who will be 35 less than a month into any new contract – and if so, for how much and how long? Do the Rangers trade him, either before the season or prior to the NHL Trade Deadline in March if it becomes apparent that they’re not going to make the playoffs? Or do they let things play out, see what kind of numbers Panarin puts up and whether the Blueshirts return to the playoffs before making a decision – risking the possibility of getting nothing if he walks?

Related: Neil Smith delivers hilarious quip about K’Andre Miller $60 million contract with Hurricanes

Rangers options moving forward with Artemi Panarin​

1. Rangers could re-sign Artemi Panarin​

The Rangers face two immediate issues if they opt for this alternative: Salary and term.

Drury addressed the issue with the media earlier this month but wouldn’t comment on whether he and Panarin’s camp have started extension talks. They could sign him before camp or some time during the season, which is how they handled Igor Shesterkin a year ago.

Failing to re-sign Panarin could be extremely costly for a team that relies on him for a large chunk of its offense. But does Drury want to make an early commitment to a player whose production figures to drop off at some point — whether it’s 2025-26 or sometime in the coming years? Especially if the Rangers remain hopeful that a younger UFA stud like, oh say, Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov or Jack Eichel hits the open market next summer.

And don’t forget, as much as the Rangers want you to, that Panarin and MSG Sports each paid a financial settlement with a former employee who accused the star wing of sexual assault.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

So, faced with declining production in coming years and this other unseemly fact, the Rangers must make a very difficult decision with Panarin. Salary and term. And what does Panarin expect in each category, will go a long way to forcing the Rangers hand one way or the other.

2. Rangers could deal Artemi Panarin before season or prior to NHL Trade Deadline​

If the Rangers decide not to lock up Panarin, they’ll have to decide whether to let him play out his contract or trade him.

The second option won’t be easy. Panarin has a full no-move clause, meaning that he can’t be traded or sent to the minors without his approval. The only way the Rangers could get rid of Panarin without his OK is to put him on waivers, as they did with forward Barclay Goodrow last summer. Goodrow, who excelled in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs after a disappointing regular season, was snapped up by the League’s worst team, the San Jose Sharks, who had been on his “don’t send me there” list – and neither he nor his suddenly ex-teammates were happy about it.

So, not only does Drury not want to ruffle feathers by pulling that same move with Panarin — who is only 1,000 times the player Goodrow is — the Rangers couldn’t afford to just ship him away like that and not receive a single asset in return.

Drury again angered several veterans by basically forcing captain Jacob Trouba to accept a trade – he agreed to go to Anaheim in early December only after he was threatened with waivers and a demotion to Hartford of the American Hockey League. But the Rangers GM showed he might have learned something by keeping Kreider and his camp in the loop before the trade to the Ducks, then doing the same before sending Miller to Carolina earlier this month.

The trade deadline scenario has two possibilities. If the Rangers rebound from 2024-25 and own a playoff berth or are close to one, it’s hard to imagine a deadline deal. But if it’s looking like they’ll miss the postseason again, there figures to be a market for Panarin from contending teams that think a high-scoring left wing would be just what they need to make a long playoff run.

Panarin would still have the final say-so, but he might be more willing to move to a team poised to chase the Cup – and perhaps find himself a new home in the process. However, navigating his massive salary-cap hit makes this a very difficult option.

The Winnipeg Jets are the only playoff team from last season projected to have the cap room to fit Panarin’s salary, according to Puckpedia and it’s hard to see Panarin wanting to go to a rebuilding team.

3. Rangers can let season play out, then decide on Artemi Panarin​

This definitely has the potential to be the riskiest option for Drury and the Rangers.

Suppose Panarin has another season with 90-100 points – something that would be in line with his Rangers point-per-game average if he plays 80 games. Depending on whether the Rangers make the postseason and how far they go, Drury could be facing a small window of opportunity to re-sign the franchise’s best offensive player of the 21st century.

Trying to sign a potential free agent who’s done nothing but pile up points for seven straight seasons may not be easy. Another big season by Panarin figures to drive up his contract demands – and with the salary cap set to rise to $104 million in 2026-27 from $95.5 million this coming season, even an almost-35-year-old figures to come away with a sizeable new contract.

#NYR Artemi Panarin turns 34 in October but he hasn't shown any signs of decline. He scored or was on pace for 90+ points every season since the 2018-19. And before the last season, his Power Score was $10.7m-9m-12.6m

4 years and ~$10m Cap Hit would be a good extension https://t.co/Fpjezsbj6h pic.twitter.com/cy7BVKZTbv

— Benchrates (@benchrates) July 12, 2025

The Rangers could find themselves in the same situation the Toronto Maple Leafs did as free agency neared this year, stuck with an elite player like high-scoring forward Mitch Marner, who wasn’t going to return and decided that he knew where he wanted to go.

The Maple Leafs wound up doing a sign-and-trade that sent Marner (and a new eight-year, $96 million contract) to the Vegas Golden Knights for bottom-six forward Nicholas Roy. He’s a useful player – but nowhere near Marner’s value.

An offshoot of that nightmare would be if Panarin signed with another team without a deal being worked out ahead of time. The Rangers do not want to end up like the Islanders in the summer of 2018, when they got nothing after their best player, center John Tavares, signed with the Maple Leafs.

4. So what’s likeliest Rangers scenario with Artemi Panarin?​

In late May, colleague Tom Castro made the case that the Rangers should keep Panarin for the upcoming season but not re-sign him for 2026-27. His biggest argument is that Panarin hasn’t been able to replicate his regular-season success in the postseason (35 points in 46 playoff games with the Rangers; .76 points per game).

With a number of top stars also entering the final years of their contracts, Tom raised the valid point that the Rangers might want to keep enough cap room to make a run at McDavid, Eichel, or Kaprizov next summer.

NHL free agents in 2026:
Connor McDavid
Kirill Kaprizov
Jack Eichel
Cale Makar
Artemi Panarin
Kyle Connor
Adrian Kempe
Alex Tuch
Rasmus Andersson
Filip Gustavsson
Jake Walman
Patrick Kane
Sergei Bobrovsky
John Carlson
Anze Kopitar

Will this be the best free agency of all time? pic.twitter.com/y3Ta0TS1O4

— BoltsFanatix️(Rays szn) (@bhags38) July 13, 2025

It’s also hard to see the Rangers returning to the playoffs without Panarin or a suitable replacement – if Drury could find one. So, it’d appear he’s definitely in for next season and other factors will help the Rangers decide on his future.

Panarin has served as the cornerstone of the Rangers rebuild, one that has seen them win the Presidents’ Trophy in 2024 and reach Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024. The question they have to decide is whether the relationship is nearing an end.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...jor-dilemma-artemi-panarin-contract-decision/

 

[New York Rangers]

Mike Sullivan, Rangers to open 2025-26 NHL season against Penguins on ESPN

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

Mike Sullivan won’t have to wait long to be behind the New York Rangers bench and coach against his former team. Sullivan officially begins his tenure as Rangers coach Oct. 7 when they open the 2025-26 season at home against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden.

The game will be televised on nationally on ESPN and the puck drops on the new season at 8 p.m. ET. The Rangers opened the 2024-25 season a year ago with a 6-0 win against the Penguins in Pittsburgh.

Counting down the days. pic.twitter.com/Mopf1xO9ro

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 14, 2025

Sullivan mutually parted ways with the Penguins early this offseason and subsequently was hired by the Rangers to be the 38th coach in franchise history. He replaced Peter Laviolette, who was fired after two seasons when the Rangers failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24.

“I’m so appreciative of the opportunity that I had there,” Sullivan said about his time coaching the Penguins. “I’m grateful to everyone involved, most specifically the players there, who played extremely hard in the years that I was there.”

“Sully” spent the previous 10 seasons with the Penguins and guided them to Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017, his first two seasons behind their bench. The 57-year-old is the coaching wins leader in Penguins history with a record of 409-255-89, and the 14th coach in NHL history to win 400 games with one team.

However, the Penguins missed the playoffs for the third straight season in 2024-25, and their 80 points were the fewest in any full season since Sidney Crosby’s rookie year in 2005-06. Like the Rangers, the Penguins were at or near the bottom of the League in most defensive metrics this season.

“We had some successes there during my time, and I have that experience to draw on, what that looks like,” Sullivan explained. “We also had disappointments. It’s hard to win in this league, it takes more than talent, and we had a lot of talent with that group in Pittsburgh, and we experienced both sides.”

Related: Top 10 New York Rangers prospects after 2025 NHL Draft, including Gabe Perreault

Reunion will take place when Rangers host Penguins on opening night​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Crosby remains a staunch supporter of Sullivan, so it will be an emotional reunion of sorts — one that’ll include Penguins longtime stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang — at the season opener for each team.

The reunion will extend beyond the Stanley Cup winners. Assistants David Quinn and Ty Hennes remain on Sullivan’s staff in New York after serving under him in Pittsburgh. And former Rangers assistant Dan Muse will be behind the Penguins bench for his first game as an NHL coach, after he was hired to replace Sullivan on June 4.

Though more roster changes could take place this summer, the Rangers will have at least one new player in the lineup opening night. Defenseman Vladisalv Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract in NHL free agency and will be in the top four of the Rangers defense corps.

Rookie defenseman Scott Morrow and bottom-six forward Taylor Raddysh could also be newcomers in the Rangers lineup Oct. 7 against the Penguins.

Pittsburgh could have at least three new players: forward Anthony Mantha, defenseman Matt Dumba and goalie Arturs Silovs.

The complete Rangers schedule will be released on Wednesday, July 16.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/mike-sullivan-open-nhl-seasont-penguins/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers prospect boosted by famous uncle Sergei Gonchar: ‘he sees potential in me’

For most of his 20-year NHL career, Sergei Gonchar was a thorn in the side of the New York Rangers. But now in retirement, the highly-skilled former defenseman might be able to help the Rangers out, thanks to a recent development at the 2025 NHL Draft.

The Rangers selected Gonchar’s nephew, Artyom Gonchar, in the third round (No. 89 overall). And by listening to the younger Gonchar, it’s clear what a big influence his uncle plays in his burgeoning hockey career.

“He always supports me and says he sees potential in me. He never puts any limits on me,” Artyom explained in a recent translated interview in his native Russia. “The fact that such a great figure in the hockey world praises my game really boosts my confidence.”

Like his uncle, Artyom is a defenseman. Of course, he — and the Rangers — can only hope some of Sergei’s greatness and success rubs off on the 18-year-old.

With the 89th pick at the 2025 NHL Draft, #NYR are proud to select Artyom Gonchar. pic.twitter.com/JGiJ0np6Fm

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) June 28, 2025

Sergei Gonchar recorded 811 points (220 goals, 591 assists) in 1,301 NHL games, more than any other Russia-born defenseman in League history. Sergei Zubov, who helped the Rangers win the Stanley Cup in 1994 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2019, is second on that list with 771 points, after playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Dallas Stars and Blueshirts.

Gonchar also helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 2009.

Artyom Gonchar is pretty gifted offensively, too. He put together a solid season in Russia’s top junior league last season, leading all defensemen on Stalyne Lisy with 25 points (seven goals, 18 assists) in 50 games. After he was picked by the Rangers, Gonchar elected to enter the CHL Import Draft, where he was selected by Sudbury. Gonchar will make his North American debut playing major Canadian junior hockey this fall.

“Artem is a player that we have been high on from this past season,” Sudbury general manager Rob Papineau explained. “He is a very intelligent smooth skating defenseman who was just selected in the third round in the NHL. He has great vision and offensive instincts and is a skilled playmaker.”

That sounds a but like his uncle.

Related: Why Rangers believe EJ Emery ‘on great path’ with development ahead of sophomore season at North Dakota

Rangers prospect says ‘my uncle gets me stronger’ with late-night chats​

Via @artemgonchar09 on IG

Late-night calls with his famous uncle, a development coach with the Vancouver Canucks, were routine for Artyom last season. After nearly every game, he’d ring up his uncle from Magnitogorsk around 10 p.m. local time, knowing Sergei would be there to help.

“We’d call after each of my games and go over my mistakes: what I did well and what I didn’t,” Artyom explained.

“My uncle helps me get stronger. Ever since I joined Stalnye Lisy, we started talking more about my game.”

Listed as 6-foot-1 and 165 pounds, Artyom has plenty of filling out to be the size of Sergei, who was 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds in his playing days.

Via @artemgonchar09 on IG

During the 2024-25 campaign, Artyom added roughly 15 pounds of muscle while continuing to log heavy minutes on the ice. He spent much of his time away from the rink in the gym, focusing on strength and conditioning with the target of reaching 180 pounds to match his physical style of play.

He also worked with defense coach Viktor Postnikov, who dedicated extra time in the summer to focus on Artyom’s shot. Together, they fine-tuned his power, release timing, and shot accuracy to give him more confidence from the point.

“I like a physical style of hockey — I enjoy hitting and closing in on opponents,” Artyom said. “I know how to deliver body checks even without a lot of weight, but always according to the situation. The main thing is to keep possession of the puck.”

That sounds like it could be a direct take from his uncle’s playbook. The Rangers certainly can hope these will all be lessons well learned.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/artyom-sergei-gonchar-prospect-advice/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers believe EJ Emery ‘on great path’ with development ahead of sophomore season at North Dakota

Jim Cerny

If the New York Rangers have any concern that E.J. Emery managed just one point during his freshman season at Nork Dakota, they’re certainly not letting on.

Sure, they’d love to see more production from their 2024 first-round pick (30th overall), who picked up an assist in his first collegiate game and no points thereafter. But in the Rangers opinion, there’s plenty to like about the stay-at-home defenseman’s overall game last season.

“He had a really good year,” Rangers director of player development Jed Ortmeyer said at the beginning of July. “He’s one of the youngest defensemen in college hockey as a true freshman. It’s a tough league (NCHC) he was playing in and he was able to go there, step in and have a big role, play big minutes for them. I think his development is headed in the right direction, he’s on a great path. He’s at a great school and we’re excited about what he’s doing and where he’s going.”

The 19-year-old appeared in 31 games in his first NCAA season, averaged roughly 20 minutes TOI, and finished sixth on the team with 29 blocked shots. He missed seven games, six due to a lower-body injury and one after he was suspended for a late-game incident with top Minnesota Wild prospect Zeev Buium of Denver on Feb. 15.

Emery was also among the final cuts by the United States before they won the 2025 World Junior Championship last December. Three other Rangers prospects — Gabe Perreault, Drew Fortescue and Carey Terrance — were on that team.

Expectations are high that Emery will make the 2026 U.S. squad for the World Juniors, especially with several key players from a stacked roster having aged out of the tournament. Emery is among 42 players (14 defensemen) invited to play for the United States at the 2025 World Junior Showcase from July 25 – August 2 in Minneapolis.

And don’t expect the youngster to hang his head or lose confidence about being the first NHL Draft pick in NCAA history to record just a single point in a season.

“It just shows that I’ve got something to work on,” Emery said at Rangers development camp. “You always want something to work, to get better.”

Related: Top 10 New York Rangers prospects after 2025 NHL Draft, including E.J. Emery

No ‘timeline’ for E.J. Emery to make jump to NHL with Rangers​

Emery told reporters in early July that he added 10 pounds of muscle to his wiry (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) frame. Rangers officials said when they drafted Emery that he needed to fill out and hone his all-around game. John Lilley, New York’s director of player personnel, emphasized at the time that the Rangers would not rush Emery and his development.

That continues to be the game plan. So, don’t expect to see a major push for Emery to join the Rangers blue line just yet.

“I can’t put a timeline on it, everyone develops at their own pace,” Ortmeyer explained. “For him, filling out and growing into his body — he’s put a lot of work in, he’s got a nutritionist — just to make sure he’s developing as best as he can, as fast as he can. He’s great to work with, eager to get better. He’s in a great situation there at North Dakota.”

Emery echoed those sentiments. He’s more concerned about trying to win the NCAA National Championship with North Dakota then breaking into the NHL any time soon.

“I realized I’ve got to get bigger and stronger because when you’re playing against 25-year-olds, it’s a man’s game,” Emery explained.

A right-shot defenseman, Emery can look up at Adam Fox, Will Borgen, Braden Schneider and Scott Morrow on that side of the Rangers depth chart. Things can change quickly, of course. Heck, even stud d-man Vladislav Gavrikov, a top-four lefty shooter, can play on his off side.

So, that’s to say, there’s no rush for Emery to turn pro. He could sign an entry-level contract next spring or remain in school, which is what Fortescue, another shutdown defenseman prospect, did heading back to Boston College this season for his junior year.

By the sounds of it, the Rangers remain bullish on their top pick from a year ago, no matter how many — or how few — points he accumulates.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...reat-path-development-sophomore-north-dakota/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers 2025-26 NHL schedule includes outdoor game, longest homestand, road trip since 2021

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers will play their sixth outdoor game during the 2025-26 season, as well as their longest homestand and road trip in five years.

The NHL released its full schedule for the upcoming season Wednesday, though Rangers fans already knew that the Blueshirts’ season opener was set for Oct. 7, with the Pittsburgh Penguins coming to Madison Square Garden to face their old coach, Mike Sullivan, who’s now behind the bench for the Rangers.

They’ll begin 2026 by trying to extend their perfect outdoor record when they face the Florida Panthers in the 2026 Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2. The Rangers are 5-0-0 outdoors, with the most recent win coming against the New York Islanders on Feb. 18, 2024, a 6-5 overtime victory at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The full 2025-26 #NYR Schedule: pic.twitter.com/zB0HrGMCv7

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 16, 2025

That game is the finale of a six-game road trip, the Rangers’ longest since 2021. They also have a late-season seven-game homestand that is their longest in five years.

Here are some of the highlights of the Rangers’ 2025-26 schedule:

Mike Sullivan makes quick return to Pittsburgh with Rangers​

Peter Carr/The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Rangers new coach won’t have to wait long to return to the city where he coached back-to-back Stanley Cup champions in 2016 and 2017. After making his debut with the Rangers against the Penguins as part of the NHL opening-night tripleheader, Sullivan and the Blueshirts will visit PPG Paints Arena four nights later, on Oct. 11.

It will be interesting to see what kind of reaction Sullivan gets from the fans who used to cheer him. He left the Penguins after they missed the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, and there didn’t appear to be a lot of regret on either side when he and the Penguins parted ways after 10 seasons.

Ironically, he’ll be coaching against a former Rangers assistant. Dan Muse, who wasn’t fired when the Rangers axed Peter Laviolette after missing the playoffs last season, was named as Sullivan’s replacement.

Rangers on road for holidays (and beyond)​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Rangers haven’t had a six-game road trip since March 2021, and even that one gets an asterisk because they only visited three cities (Newark, Pittsburgh and Boston), playing back-to-back games in each during the COVID-shortened season.

That won’t be the case when they head to Nashville for a Sunday night contest on Dec. 21. They go to Washington two nights later to play the Capitals (their sixth game in nine nights), then resume play after the Christmas break by visiting the Islanders on Dec. 27, followed by trips to Carolina and Washington before the Winter Classic against the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers on the first Friday of the new year.

In all, the Rangers will spend more than two weeks away from the Garden; they host the Philadelphia Flyers on Dec. 20 and aren’t home again until the Utah Mammoth come to town on Jan. 5.

Aside from this six-game trip, the Rangers have no road swing longer than a four-game, seven-day swing through Western Canada and Seattle from Oct. 26 through Nov. 1.

Rangers to get late-season home cooking …​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

2021 was also the last time the Rangers had a homestand of more than five games. That will change this season, when they play seven in a row at the Garden from March 27 through April 8.

This figures to be a chance for the Rangers to pile up some points. Three of the seven teams they face on the homestand missed the playoffs last season, and two more lost their opening-round series in five games. Only the Panthers (March 29) and Capitals (April 5) made it past the first round.

Stretch things out a bit more and the Rangers will enjoy one of the longest home-dominant stretches in their history. Beginning with a visit from the Los Angeles Kings on March 16, the Rangers play 11 of 13 games at the Garden, with the only road games against the Columbus Blue Jackets (March 19) and Toronto Maple Leafs (March 25).

… but a tough finish​

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

After all that time at home, the Rangers finish their season with a nasty three-game road trip.

The Blueshirts make their only trip of the season to Dallas on April 11 to face the Stars, who’ve gotten as far as the Western Conference Final in each of the past three seasons. Two nights later, they visit the Panthers in Sunrise, Florida, then conclude the regular season against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on April 15.

That’s two games against Final Four teams before one against a club coming off a 102-point season and eight straight playoff appearances. Not the ideal way to end a season – especially if you need points to make the playoffs.

A dozen back-to-backs, including a rarity​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Rangers play 12 sets of back-to-back games, beginning on the first weekend of the season – their trip to Pittsburgh on Oct. 11 is followed by a visit by the Capitals one night later.

Four of the back-to-backs involve consecutive home games – two come in a 10-day span in December, the others are in late March and early April. Only one set features consecutive road games: The Rangers visit the Anaheim Ducks on Jan. 18 and the Kings on the 19th.

But the most intriguing back-to-back involves the Rangers and Islanders, who face off at UBS Arena on Jan. 28 and at the Garden on Jan. 29. It’s the first time the Rangers will face their archrivals on consecutive days since April 3-4, 2008, when the teams split road victories – the Blueshirts won 3-0 at Nassau Coliseum before losing 4-3 in a shootout at MSG one night later.

A back-to-back that will see the Rangers visit the Philadelphia Flyers on March 9 and host the Calgary Flames on March 10 begins what figures to be a brutal month for New York. The Blueshirts will play 13 times in the final 22 days of March, including three back-to-backs, and 16 times in the from March 2-31.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...025-26-nhl-schedule-takeaways-winter-classic/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers featured on 16 national TV broadcasts; complete schedule including 2026 Winter Classic

Jim Rassol-Imagn ImagesJim Rassol-Imagn Images

They might be coming off one of the most dismal and disappointing seasons in franchise history, but the New York Rangers are still a top draw in the NHL. The Rangers will be featured in 16 national television broadcasts in the United States over the course of the 2025-26 season.

Topping the list of their nationally televised games is the 2026 NHL Winter Classic, when the Rangers play the Florida Panthers at loanDepot Park in Miami on Jan. 2. The game will air on TNT, with puck drop against the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions set for 8 p.m. ET.

The Rangers are unbeaten outdoors, with a 5-0-0 all-time record, including victories at the 2012 Winter Classic in Philadelphia against the Flyers and the 2018 Winter Classic at Citi Field over the Buffalo Sabres.

Their most recent outdoor game resulted in a thrilling 6-5 overtime win against the Islanders in the 2024 Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium.

The Rangers share top billing on ESPN’s opening-night tripleheader Oct. 7. After the Panthers play the Chicago Blackhawks at 5 p.m. ET, the Rangers open up their season at 8 p.m. ET, when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden. The ESPN tripleheader concludes with a 10:30 p.m. ET contest between the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings.

That Rangers-Penguins game is not just a clash between Metropolitan Division rivals. It will feature Mike Sullivan’s debut as Rangers coach, not so coincidentally against the team he coached to two Stanley Cup championships over the previous 10 seasons. Behind the visiting bench will be former Rangers assistant Dan Muse, who will make his NHL head coaching debut for the Penguins.

All told, the Rangers will play eight games on TNT, including their annual Black Friday matinee against the Boston Bruins on Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. ET. The Blueshirts play five games on ABC, and three on ESPN.

Related: NHL offseason grades for Rangers, Metropolitan Division rivals

New York Rangers complete national TV schedule for 2025-26 NHL season​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Tue Oct. 7 Rangers vs. Penguins 8 p.m. ESPN

Tue. Nov. 4 Rangers vs. Hurricanes 7 p.m. TNT

Wed. Nov. 12 Rangers at Lightning 7 p.m. TNT

Fri. Nov. 28 Rangers at Bruins 1 p.m. TNT

Wed. Dec. 10 Rangers at Blackhawks 7:30 p.m. TNT

Fri. Jan. 2 Rangers at Panthers (WC) 8 p.m. TNT

Sat. Jan 10 Rangers vs. Bruins 1 p.m. ABC

Wed. Jan. 28 Rangers at Islanders 7:30 p.m. TNT

Sat. Jan. 31 Rangers at Penguins 3:30 p.m. ABC

Thu. Feb. 26 Rangers vs. Flyers 8 p.m. ESPN

Sat. Feb. 28 Rangers vs. Penguins 12:30 p.m. ABC

Sat. March 7 Rangers at Devils 3 p.m. ABC

Wed. March 18 Rangers vs. Devils 7 p.m. TNT

Wed. March 25 Rangers at Maple Leafs 7:30 p.m. TNT

Sat. April 4 Rangers vs. Red Wings 12:30 p.m. ABC

Sun. April 5 Rangers vs. Capitals 7 p.m. ESPN

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...adcasts-schedule-winter-classic-espn-tnt-abc/