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[New York Rangers]

3 things learned about Rangers coach Mike Sullivan as camp begins

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

Mike Sullivan’s tenure as coach of the New York Rangers officially began Wednesday when the Blueshirts welcomed 61 players to the MSG Training Center in Tarrytown, New York.

That’s not to say Sullivan and his coaching staff (which includes former Rangers bench boss David Quinn) have been sitting around doing nothing since the two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Pittsburgh Penguins was hired 4 ½ months ago. He’s been playing “getting to know you” with players he’s spent the past few seasons coaching against.

Sullivan coached three of the Rangers’ most important players, defenseman Adam Fox and centers Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller, in his role as bench boss for Team USA at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February. But he’s spent much of the time since his hiring working to build relationships with the rest of his team

“I think it starts with communication … just the time and effort he’s put in to get to know these players,” general manager Chris Drury said Wednesday when he and Sullivan met the media. “He had a few of them at 4 Nations obviously. But just giving the group, including his staff, the chance to hit the ground running by relationship-building during the summer — different travels here and there to get to know players; as he said, it was time well spent. I think it’s going to give us a chance to get off to a good start in training camp.”

Here are three things we learned from Sullivan on Day 1 of training camp.

Related: New Rangers captain J.T. Miller leads by example, ‘drags people into it’: GM says

1. Mika Zibanejad will start camp on right wing with J.T. Miller​

Perhaps the most important visit Sullivan made after his hiring was a trip to Sweden to meet with Mika Zibanejad, a career-long center whose game perked up in the last third of the season when he was shifted to right wing on a line with center J.T. Miller, who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31 and named the 29th captain in Rangers history on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old had 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) through his first 50 games, then put up 33 (11 goals, 22 assists) in the final 32 games after Miller was acquired from Vancouver. They produced a 52.14 percent xGF across 259:15 minutes at 5-on-5 together, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Sullivan said he doesn’t plan to tinker with something that worked well.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

“I would envision Mika starting the season in the top six on the wing,” he told the media. “In my conversations with Mika during the offseason, he expressed to me the chemistry he felt he built with J.T. J.T. expressed the same thing. I think these guys are important guys for our team, so common sense would suggest maybe that we start there and see if that’s the best interest of the group.”

Getting to know Zibanejad away from the rink was something Sullivan was focused on.

“I know how good he can be, and my hope in going to see him was to get to know him a little bit, to give him a chance to get to know me,” he said. “I could share some of my intentions going into this season as the head coach and how I was going to approach this opportunity we have in front of us to reiterate to him the importance of building (a) relationship and a partnership with the players. That’s so essential in today’s game, and I felt that we accomplished all of those things by going over to see him in Sweden.

“It was a great trip. I got to meet his family, and I think those things are important – to get to know people. We had great conversations over there. I wouldn’t have known some of the things I know now if I didn’t go – for example, the relationship and the chemistry he felt he had with J.T.”

2. Which wing will Alexis Lafreniere play?​

Lafreniere was one of the Rangers’ biggest disappointments last season. After posting career highs of 28 goals and 57 points in 2023-24 and getting off to a fast start last season (eight points in his first eight games), the first player taken in the 2020 NHL Draft signed a seven-year contract extension – and promptly saw his scoring numbers fall off a cliff. He finished with 45 points (17 goals, 28 assists).

Lafreniere thrived in 2023-24 playing on right wing, his off side, with Artemi Panarin on left wing and Vincent Trocheck in the middle. But with Chris Kreider gone after a trade to the Anaheim Ducks in June, Sullivan was asked if Lafreniere could go back to the left side.

“I would envision us exploring combinations with respect to the top six,” he said. “You may see ‘Laf’ on both sides, and we’ll figure out through that process what combinations give us the best chance to succeed. That’s an interesting discussion, playing the off side vs. playing the strong side in today’s game. I’ve always been a strong believer with the way the game is played that wings are at an advantage playing their off side because of how hard teams pinch the walls, and going down on that puck on your forehand gives you an advantage.

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

“But having said that, I think it’s personal to players. Some players feel more comfortable at different spots. I think [Lafreniere] has the ability to play both [wings]. We’ll try to figure that out based on what the combinations look like. … to see what’s in his best interest to set him up for success, but also the team. It’s that balance that we’re going to try to look for. I think players, for whatever reason, have certain comfort level playing on certain sides. I personally think in today’s game that wings are better off playing their off side.”

3. Training camp objectives​

It’s no secret that last season was one of the most disappointing in Rangers history — they went from Presidents’ Trophy winners in 2023-24 to playoff outsiders last season. Drury fired coach Peter Laviolette, hired fellow Boston University alum Sullivan and revamped the coaching staff and front office.

Sullivan said he and Drury agreed that the new coach had to get to know as many as his players as possible before they arrived at training camp.

“I think what went into it was what we discussed when Chris and I talked and I joined the Rangers,” Sullivan said. “We just talked about the group, and I felt it was important that I started building relationships with, in particular, the leadership to start with.”

Getting to know his players is important, but it’s not the only thing Sullivan said wants to accomplish at camp and during the six preseason games before the Rangers open the regular season against his former team, the Pittsburgh Penguins, on Oct. 7.

“I so look forward to the opportunity to get on the ice with these guys.”

Sully officially opens the 2025-26 season: https://t.co/aRKtb52G1J pic.twitter.com/lDjKb9EqG6

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 17, 2025

“I think we have certain objectives when we go into a training camp, that we’re trying to accomplish certain things. I think the most important thing is that we just had this conversation with the players,” he said. “We’re going to take each day as it comes, and we’re going to try to get better every day. We’ve got to become a better version of ourself every day, and all of us have a responsibility and we’ve got to take ownership of that.

“I look at training camp as parallel objectives. We’re going to try to give players an opportunity to show what they can do. We’re going to assess the group and what we have so we can try to make the best decisions, to put the best lineup on the ice on opening night. … I think it’s important that we push each other every day to be at our best. We want to become a better version of ourself every single day.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ned-about-coach-mike-sullivan-as-camp-begins/

 

[New York Rangers]

Mika Zibanejad not hung up on his role with Rangers

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller are pleased at the prospect of being New York Rangers linemates again. The question of who plays which position doesn’t seem to matter to either of them.

Zibanejad, a lifelong center, was having a poor season before the Rangers acquired Miller from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31. Then-coach Peter Laviolette moved Zibanejad to right wing on a line with Miller in the middle, and the combo clicked. Zibanejad had 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) through his first 50 games, then put up 33 (11 goals, 22 assists) in the final 32 games after the trade. They produced a 52.14 percent xGF across 259:15 of 5-on-5 ice time together, according to Natural Stat Trick.

But Zibanejad said Thursday at Rangers training camp in Tarrytown, New York, that neither he nor Miller is hung up about who plays which position.

“I’d say I play more forward than wing or center,” Zibanejad said when asked about lining up at right wing, adding that each takes face-offs on his strong sides and take different responsibilities depending on situations.

Miller, named the 29th captain in Rangers history on Tuesday, agreed that he and Zibanejad “think the game in a very similar way,” and are basically interchangeable.

“We’re the same age, came in around the same time,” he said. “We don’t have to talk to each other much because we just kind of have an idea. It’s basically like we’re not teaching each other, it’s more like ‘hey, going there’ and it’s just a good chemistry. I don’t think we look at it as center and wing – we talked about this at breakfast, and we’re playing forward right now. That makes our lives easier.”

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

One of new coach Mike Sullivan’s first decisions was opting to keep Zibanejad and Miller together, at least at the start of camp.

“In my conversations with Mika during the offseason, he expressed to me the chemistry he felt he built with J.T.,” Sullivan said Wednesday. “J.T. expressed the same thing. I think these guys are important guys for our team, so common sense would suggest maybe that we start there and see if that’s the best interest of the group.”

Zibanejad said he and Miller had instant chemistry when they were put on the same line.

Related: New York Rangers 2025-26 schedule

“Just look at the games we played together,” he said. “I think we’re similar. We think similar. We have different attributes, obviously, but we think the game alike. We talk a lot on the bench as well. With new linemates, sometimes it clicks right away; sometimes it takes a while to develop chemistry, and the time hasn’t always been there. But I feel like as soon as I got to play with him, I felt like it clicked right away. I thought it was a good start last year, and hopefully we can build on that.”

Miller agreed that the two are on the same wavelength, even on their first day on the ice under Sullivan.

“In a little scrimmage today, we must have switched seamlessly at center and wing 5-6 times,” he said. “Little things like that. It’s super comforting.”

Mika Zibanejad sorry to see longtime linemate Chris Kreider leave​

Zibanejad and Miller played together at practice Thursday with Adam Edstrom on left wing. That’s because Chris Kreider, who played left wing with the two 32-year-olds last season, was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on June 12.

For Zibanejad, losing someone who had been a teammate since he came to the Rangers in a trade with the Ottawa Senators on July 18, 2016, wasn’t unexpected – but it wasn’t easy.

“I felt like it was coming,” he said. “It wasn’t out of the blue, so I’m not going to stand here and lie and say, ‘It’s part of the business.’ Obviously, it was tough. It’s an adjustment time.

“But I think as a human being, I’m not going to push those feelings away. I think I just accept that. Accept that it’s my longest linemate, longest teammate I’ve had in my career. It’s one of my best friends. It’s weird not to see him come through these doors. For the first few weeks, kind of waiting for him to come (laugh). I’m happy as long as he’s happy. Just because we’re not teammates anymore doesn’t mean we’re not friends.”

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

One big offseason positive for Zibanejad was a visit from Sullivan, whose efforts to build relationships with the players on his new team included a trip to Stockholm.

Zibanejad said Sullivan’s coming to see him “meant a lot — not knowing him from the past, only playing against him for the past 10 years, but not knowing him personally. So for him to come all the way to Sweden, really, for the day, was highly appreciated [by] me and obviously my family, as well.

“It was a nice gesture and a nice start to the season.”

Related: Rangers centennial jersey pays homage to historic past

So what is Zibanejad’s mindset entering 2025-26 after he and his team struggled last season?

“Reset … I put in the time this summer going into (the 15th season of his NHL career). Calm,” he said. “Just try to think less, honestly. Just go out and play, and just trust the process every day, from practice to preseason games to the games and every day in the season.

“I don’t think worrying about the future, worrying about what’s happening or what’s happened.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/zibanejad-miller-rangers-chemistry/

 

[New York Rangers]

Born in Friartown, Forged for Broadway: Brett Berard’s Rise with Rangers

Before Brett Berard ever laced up skates, the family kitchen in East Greenwich, Rhode Island was his first rink. As a toddler, alphabet blocks became pucks, the floor his sheet of ice, and a Toronto Maple Leafs mini-net — a gift from his dad on a recruiting trip — was the target. The future New York Rangers forward went block by block, stickhandling the length of the floor and firing each one home, reloading and repeating until hours passed.

“Really right from the time he could walk, he seemed to have a passion for hockey,” recalled his father, longtime college hockey coach David Berard. “He would stickhandle … hours at a time … it was a built-in babysitter! I remember telling my wife, Lynne, at one point, ‘I think he is going to want to play hockey someday.’”

By three, Brett was on the ice in Learn to Skate, and by four, he was already skating in house league games — blending joy with competitiveness that hinted at something bigger.

Related: Does a healthy Brett Berard have inside track to opening-night roster spot with Rangers?

A Foundation in Family​

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

Being around the rink was second nature. With his dad coaching at Providence College, Brett wasn’t just watching hockey — he was immersed in it.

“My background as a college coach certainly exposed him to the game of hockey on a different level than most kids,” David explained to Forever Blueshirts. “Having the ability to be around the game as much as he was — getting on the ice during off-hours, going to games constantly, being around the locker room regularly — it gave him more of a perspective on hockey than most would have.

“Ultimately, we felt, as parents, our role was to expose Brett and Brady (his younger brother) to activities and sports that were out there to see what they liked or had a passion for, then support them in it.”

There was never any push, only guidance. Brett played soccer, baseball, golf, lacrosse, and hockey, each with the same exuberance. David and Lynne’s philosophy was simple: expose their boys to opportunity, let curiosity lead, and keep perspective.

“I did not coach Brett or Brady in sports. I wanted them to be coached by others, so I could be their dad,” David, now the men’s hockey coach at Stonehill College, added. “Lynne and I would constantly stress four things: work hard, be coachable, be a good teammate, and have fun.”

Those values became Brett’s foundation — lessons that carried him from childhood rinks to the brightest stage in hockey.

Brothers and Rivals​

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

Brett’s fiercest opponent growing up wasn’t across the rink — it was in his own home. Brady, currently a senior forward on the Boston College men’s hockey team, is just 17 months younger than Brett.

Backyard games often erupted into spirited battles full of noise and emotion.

“They’re best friends, but the fiercest competitors to this day,” David shared. “Those battles forged Brett’s tenacity and shaped one of his greatest attributes.”

The edge stuck with Brett. His competitive fire — rooted in those sibling duels — became a hallmark of his game.

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

These days, Brett and Brady still go at it on the golf course and pickleball courts.

“They still compete like crazy,” David laughed, “but they’re much more ‘mature’ if they lose.”

Related: How healthy Brett Berard could crack Rangers opening-night lineup

The Friartown Dream​

Brett committed to Providence College on the spot — a decision that felt as natural as taking a breath.

“It was his dream school,” David said. “A Rhode Island kid growing up skating at Schneider Arena, attending almost every Friars game — it was a no-brainer.”

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

For the Berards, it was deeper than a dream. Providence was their home. David had been a Friars goaltender and later coached there. Lynne captained the field hockey team. When Brett stepped onto the ice in black and white, he wasn’t just playing college hockey — he was carrying forward a family legacy.

“When he played his first game his freshman year, it was a full circle experience for sure. To be able to wear the same jersey as your son was a proud moment,” David said.

Friartown wasn’t just a stop. For the Berards, it was home.

Draft Day and World Juniors Gold​

The fall of 2020 brought challenges, as well as unforgettable milestones.

“The NHL Draft and his first World Juniors experience was a complete whirlwind and totally surreal,” David remembered. “First of all, it was during the pandemic, so the draft was held remotely. He was a freshman at PC, so the entire school experience was different — online classes, weekly COVID testing, masks, limited team activities. It was an uneasy and interesting time for an 18-year-old.”

On October 7, 2020, the Rangers selected Brett in the fifth round, 134th overall.

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

“It was a surreal moment to see his name and picture on TV, with the Rangers logo next to it,” David recalled. “The culmination of a lot of hard work, sacrifice, perseverance and dedication.”

The very next morning, Brett was on a plane to Plymouth, Michigan, for the first U.S. World Junior tryout camp. Against the odds — one of the youngest players there — he earned a spot on the roster. Brett helped the United States win the gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Championship, when he had five points (one goal, four assists) and finished +8 in seven games

“As a 2002 birthdate, the odds were stacked against him making the team,” David said. “But halfway through the opening game against Russia, he was moved up into the lineup and their line had a strong tournament. To watch them beat Canada in the Gold Medal game was amazing. The most memorable part for Lynne and I was getting a phone call from Brett when he was on the ice celebrating, wanting to share the experience with us from Edmonton.”

In just a few months, Brett went from Rangers draft pick to gold medalist — two dreams colliding in the span of a single season.

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

Broadway Bound​

Brett scored 18 goals and averaged better than a point per game (38 points in 36 games) as sophomore at Providence in 2021-22. He added another 10 goals and 24 points the following season, and decided to turn pro after his junior campaign.

In 2023-24, Brett led Hartford and ranked second among all American Hockey League rookies with 25 goals. He started fast with Hartford again last season.

Each step led to one phone call.

“I remember vividly when I received the call that Brett was called up,” David said. “It was Sunday, November 24 (2024) … He asked what I was doing tomorrow night. I said not much, just have practice, why? He then said he was called up and would be playing against St. Louis the following night at MSG. It was an incredible moment.”

Brett had an assist in his NHL debut, a 5-2 loss to the Blues. Nearly 40 family and friends made it to the Garden that night, Nov. 25. From a childhood floor to Broadway ice, the dream had a date and a place.

Two nights later, Brett scored his first NHL goal — a beauty off the rush — in a 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh.

BRETT BERARD FIRST NHL GOAL pic.twitter.com/AQyxYgZFn5

— NHL (@NHL) November 28, 2024

Lessons in Resilience​

Every rookie faces adversity, and Brett’s arrived less than a week into his NHL career. His parents were in the stands that night at MSG and saw it unfold in real time during a game against the Montreal Canadiens.

“I knew after he got hit that he was hurt,” David recalled. “He left the bench for about eight minutes as they checked him out, but eventually came back late in the third and played a couple of shifts. But it turned out to be more serious.”

The heavy collision in his fourth NHL game on Nov. 30, 2024 resulted in a torn labrum. Brett missed a week of action but refused to let the injury define his season. He declined surgery and learned how to manage his game, while wearing a brace for his injured wing.

“Obviously, he never got back to 100 percent the rest of the year, but his mindset was he had worked so hard to get to the NHL that he was going to find a way to play through it,” David said.

What could have been a setback became a defining lesson.

“The road to achieving your goals isn’t a straight climb … you learn more from the struggle than the highlights,” David reflected. “It made him a better player and a better person.”

Despite playing in pain, Brett continued to be a sparkplug for the Rangers. He finished the season with 10 points (six goals, four assists) in 35 NHL games, including his first two-goal outing against the Islanders on April 10.

Competing for Opening Night​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Now healthy and visibly stronger from his offseason training at Prentiss Hockey Performance, Brett heads into training camp with the Rangers aiming to win a spot at left wing — the position he’s played throughout his career. The 23-year-old will attempt to do so under new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan, whose teams thrive on pace, structure, and work ethic. Sounds like a natural match for Brett’s tenacious style.

The battle to earn a spot on New York’s opening-night roster is fierce. Brett’s competition includes a pair of first-round picks — Gabe Perreault (2023) and Brenann Othmann (2021) — and players with more NHL experience, like Juuso Parssinen and Conor Sheary (who’s in camp on a PTO).

However, Brett enters camp not as an underdog, but as a player whose relentless speed, grit, and forechecking align perfectly with the new Rangers identity.

Full Circle​

Photo courtesy David and Lynne Berard

From a kitchen floor in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, to Providence College ice, from winning gold at the World Juniors to stepping into Broadway Blue, Brett Berard’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and family.

Those early days of alphabet blocks as pucks, and Lynne’s Suburban overflowing with friends after hockey and baseball games and practices, are more than just childhood memories — they’re the roots of a life built on meaning, competition, and community.

That unyielding spirit still shines through today on the highest stage, evident to all who champion him with the Rangers And now, Brett’s built for the moment, ready to seize his place on hockey’s brightest stage, with his parents’ words still guiding him.

“Work hard, be coachable, be a good teammate, and have fun.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/brett-berard-hockey-journey/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers notebook: Artemi Panarin leaves practice with injury

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Artemi Panarin left practice Friday with what the New York Rangers called a lower-body injury. He didn’t return, but coach Mike Sullivan said he’s not worried.

“He’s just day to day with the lower-body injury,” Sullivan said. “It’s more precautionary than anything. It’s so early in training camp. We just want to make sure … we get ahead of anything that could potentially be on the radar.”

There was no word about whether Panarin will practice Saturday or play in the preseason opener against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Sunday afternoon.

Artemi Panarin sets up Carey Terrance. #NYR pic.twitter.com/YCqXZQHz12

— Remy Mastey (@MasteyRemy) September 19, 2025

To say that losing Panarin for any length of time in the regular season would be a disaster is an understatement. The soon-to-be 34-year-old left wing led the Rangers with 37 goals and 89 points in 2024-25, though those numbers were a big drop from the 49 goals and 120 points he piled up in 2023-24. He’s also entering the final season of his seven-year contract; general manager Chris Drury said earlier this week that he wasn’t divulging anything about talks concerning a new contract.

Panarin was idled by the same kind of injury near the end of camp last season but piled up 15 points in the Rangers’ first eight regular-season games. He’s missed just two games during the past three seasons.

Other news from the second day of Ranger training camp:

Mike Sullivan outlines roles for his assistants​

Much of Sullivan’s post-practice media scrum consisted of detailing what roles assistant coaches David Quinn, Joe Sacco and Ty Hennes will play this season.

Quinn, who worked with Sullivan in Pittsburgh last season after spending two seasons coaching the San Jose Sharks following his firing by the Rangers in 2021, will handle the defensemen and the power play. Sacco, who wasn’t retained after serving as interim coach for the Boston Bruins last season, is in charge of the forwards and the penalty kill.

All three have one thing in common: They played at Boston University, as did Rangers GM Chris Drury.

Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Hennes’ ties with Sullivan go back to 2018-19, when he started as a skating and skills coach. He mostly led skills drills and injured players’ rehab skates for four seasons before being promoted to an assistant role in 2022-23.

“Ty is going to wear a lot of hats,” Sullvan said. “He’ll be very involved with skill development and player development, but also he does some tracking of statistical things for us manually that we value.”

Sullivan said his new group is already working well together.

“I really like our staff,” he said. “I think there’s a chemistry that’s so important among the coaching staff, just like a group of players. I like the group that we’ve assembled. I think everyone, they get along pretty well. We have some laughs, but when it’s time to go to work, we go to work.”

Will Cuylle likely to start season in top six​

One of the few positives from last season was the development of second-year forward Will Cuylle, who reached the 20-goal mark and set a Rangers record for hits in a season with 301. He began the season on the third line but spent much of the second half of the season in the top six – and Sullivan said that’s where he’s likely to begin the new season.

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

“He’s big, he’s strong, he’s powerful,” Sullivan said. “He plays a solid, straight-ahead game. He goes to the net. He’s physical. Every team in the League loves to have those type of players.

“As far as the role he’s going to play on the team, I think he’s going to play a similar role to the one he played last year. I think he’s a power forward (who) we can use around the lineup. I would envision him playing in the top six, at least to start, and see where it goes.”

Mike Sullivan talks coaching role with Team USA​

The new Rangers coach will be handling two jobs this season: He’s also been named as coach of Team USA at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics — repeating the role he played in February at the 4 Nations Face-Off, when the United States lost the gold medal game to Canada in overtime.

He was asked if being coach of Team USA would add another layer to the coach/player dynamic.

“It’s something I’m definitely aware of, but I’m not sure what that dynamic means to our relationships,” he said. “I can speak for myself — I’m going into this now and my main focus is on the New York Rangers, and I can assure you that everything we’re doing is on the New York Rangers. We’re going to do everything we can to try to bring what we can to the table every day to help move this team forward.”

Sullivan said Team USA general manager Bill Guerin, the GM of the Minnesota Wild, “also has a group of managers that I think are very experienced and knowledgeable in building these types of teams; they will have voices in those decisions also. So although I will have some influence, ultimately those decisions will primarily be Billy Guerin’s. I don’t foresee the relationship between the players we have that are challenging for those roster spots having a huge impact.”

Dave Starman to succeed Dave Maloney as Rangers radio analyst​

If you watch the NHL Network’s coverage of the World Junior Championship, you’re undoubtedly familiar with Dave Starman, who’s excelled for years in his role as analyst for Team USA’s games. He’s also worked for CBS Sports, among other media outlets, and covered the WJC for NHL.com. Now you’ll hear him on a regular basis; he will take over as the Rangers radio analyst, working alongside play-by-play announcer Alex Faust.

I'm not quite sure I have the words to describe how special this is. Sal and JD were two of my most important mentors when I started as an analyst in 1991. #whosaysyoucantgoback? Nice being home! https://t.co/ckV8Df8mhu

— Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) September 19, 2025

Starman is succeeding Dave Maloney and Faust will do the same for Kenny Albert; the longtime radio pair are taking over the TV side after the retirements of Sam Rosen and Joe Micheletti following the 2024-25 season.

Dave has also been an NHL scout, is a member of USA Hockey Player Development staff in New York State and has spent 25 years as an instructor with the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program. He knows the game inside and out and should prove to be a worthy successor to Maloney.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/artemi-panarin-leaves-practice-with-injury/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers Daily: Injury scares; Kings’ Anze Kopitar to retire

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Injuries happen. This is professional sports after all. The New York Rangers are not immune to that fact.

Yet, it is jarring when star forward Artemi Panarin didn’t finish practice Friday nor skate Saturday due to a lower-body injury. Even if coach Mike Sullivan downplayed the severity of the issue, explained that the Rangers are simply being cautious this early in training camp, and that Panarin is day to day.

It’s jarring, though, because the Rangers don’t have another game-breaker like Panarin on the roster or in the pipeline. Of course, many teams don’t have even one Panarin comparable, much less another to step up in an injury absence. But we’re focusing on the Rangers here, not any other team.

Let’s face it, the Rangers are spoiled. Panarin’s missed two games the past three seasons combined. He scored 49 goals and recorded 120 points two years ago, second most in franchise history. Only Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Nathan MacKinnon have more points than Panarin (550) since he signed with the Rangers ahead of the 2019-20 season.

Remove him from the Rangers lineup and who scares you? Or better question, how scared are you if he’s out of the lineup?

Listen, the Rangers have plenty of talent on the roster. But players like Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, and Adam Fox are special, pretty much irreplaceable for what they bring to the Rangers. Removing them from the lineup for any extended stretch would be crushing.

Shesterkin’s at the top of that list. But Panarin’s skill set and scoring volume and consistency is pretty much just as difficult to replace.

It appears Panarin will be fine. Just a precaution, as Sullivan explained. And there was no harm, no foul when Brennan Othmann took a puck to the face Thursday and Vincent Trocheck had a brief moment Friday.

Injury scares are a thing. Injuries themselves are a reality every team deals with.

But it does make you think, and sweat, even just a little.

New York Rangers news and analysis​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Shout out to our Jennifer O’Regan, who delivered the goods with an outstanding intimate feature story on how family played such a key role in Brett Berard’s journey to the NHL. Her exclusive interview with Brett’s parents — as well as those awesome childhood photos — make this a must-read for Rangers fans.

Igor Shesterkin cut to the chase Friday. The Rangers’ goal is not simply to be better this season, it’s “Stanley Cup.”

Our Tom Castro takes a deep dive into Alexis Lafreniere seeking a bounce-back season with the Rangers in 2025-26.

Breaking down how coach Mike Sullivan can help bring out the absolute best in Adam Fox this season.

Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller are focused on being “forwards,” not who plays center or on the wing, as Rangers linemates in training camp.

NHL news and rumors​

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

LA Kings Insider: Kings captain and two-time Stanley Cup champion Anze Kopitar announced that this will be his final season in the NHL.

Minnesota Sports Fan: Here’s the latest on what Kirill Kaprizov had to say on his contract situation with the Minnesota Wild, and his agent making an appearance at training camp.

Forever Blueshirts: Former Rangers forward Kevin Hayes is out at least a month and will miss the start of the Pittsburgh Penguins season after he sustained an upper-body injury in training camp.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Evgeni Malkin is in the final season of his contract, so the Penguins forward discussed his future and what could be next for him with reporters at training camp.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald is “disappointed” RFA defenseman Luke Hughes is unsigned and not in camp yet.

TSN: Alexander Kerfoot is week to week with a lower-body injury for the Utah Mammoth.

NHL.com: Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin released a statement detailing how his wife Caroline had a heart transplant this summer.

Sportsnet: Alex Ovechkin didn’t skate Friday, one day after leaving Washington Capitals practice to be evaluated for a lower-body injury.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...emi-panarin-injury-scare-anze-kopitar-retire/

 

[New York Rangers]

3 takeaways from Mike Sullivan on eve of his Rangers coaching debut

The Journal News-Imagn ImagesThe Journal News-Imagn Images

Mike Sullivan will step behind the New York Rangers bench as head coach for the first time on Sunday afternoon when they open their preseason schedule against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

Sullivan didn’t divulge his lineup, but it’s apparent from his session with the media Saturday that the lineup the Rangers ice in Newark isn’t likely to have a lot of familiar names. One player who’s all but certain to be watching in street clothes is their top scorer, Artemi Panarin, who didn’t practice after leaving practice Friday with a lower-body injury. He’s listed as day to day.

The objective heading into the preseason opener, according to Sullivan, is twofold.

“We want to supply an opportunity for players who are challenging for a roster spot, to give them an opportunity to show what they can do and why they’re deserving of making the New York Rangers,” he said Saturday. “The other objective is that we have to get the group ready for Game 1. There’s always going to be those two objectives that we’re trying to balance.”

There will be 13 fewer bodies available for the six preseason games; on Saturday, the Rangers pared their camp roster from 61 to 48.

Game 1 is Oct. 7 at Madison Square Garden against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team Sullivan coached for the past 10 seasons. He led the Penguins to the Stanley Cup in 2016 and 2017, but they missed the playoffs in each of the last three seasons. Sullivan and the Pens reached a parting of the ways in late April, and the Rangers hired him on May 2. As much as Sullivan would like to have his team win Sunday, his focus is having his current team ready when his old team comes to town in a couple of weeks.

Related: Alexis Lafreniere eager to rebound under new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan

3 takeaways from new coach Mike Sullivan as preseason nears​

1. Three is the magic preseason number​

So what’s the ideal number of preseason games for an established player? And why?

For Sullivan, the answer is three.

“We’ll talk that through with some of our players and we’ll give them what we think are sufficient games that we think is ideal to set them up for success,” he said. “I like to see our established players get into three games in a perfect world. If we can get them into three games, maybe one of the games we mix the groups and give them a chance to play with some of the younger kids and some of the guys who are challenging for spots, and then as we get closer to the end of camp, we start to work them into combinations that we might potentially see for Game 1.”

Day on film. pic.twitter.com/e9LSmi0t0o

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 20, 2025

The new coach also noted that there’s really not a lot of time between now and the opening of the regular season.

“When you look at the amount of practices we have between now and opening night, if you take away the game days, we’re down to single-digit practices,” he said. “It may seem like it’s a long time, but it really isn’t.

“We’re going to start paring down the group – the first few days there were three teams. Now we’ll break down to two teams after (Sunday’s) exhibition game, and we’ll go from there. … We’re trying to give guys an opportunity to show what they can do, to challenge for a roster spot, and we’re trying to get the team ready for Game 1.”

2. ‘A line in the sand’ on puck management​

It’s no secret that the Rangers managed the puck well at times last season, while more often even their top players seemed to have no idea what they were doing.

Sullivan has plenty of experience coaching top-level talent – including 10 seasons with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. He said it’s important to find the right mix of letting his talented players do their thing without being too careless.

The final practice is over and everyone has cleared the ice — except for three people.

JT Miller, Mika Zibanejad and Mike Sullivan are ending the day with a private discussion. #NYR pic.twitter.com/UegtjCj8HG

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 20, 2025

“My philosophy has always been that we don’t want to take the sticks out of our best players’ hands,” he said. “I think if we did that, we don’t allow them the opportunity to do what they do. That’s what separates them from others. So why would I create an environment where they are reluctant to act on their instincts?

“But having said that, there’s inherent risk in playmaking. I think my job – and I’ve had this conversation with my guys already – is to define that line in the sand. We don’t want to play reckless hockey. We want them to act on their instincts. We want them to play a game with confidence. But there’s a fine line – we don’t want to play a reckless game because it’s hard to win that way. It’s my job, I think, to define that line where that game begins to become reckless.”

3. Thoughts on some of the kids​

You can count Sullivan as a fan of Matt Rempe, whose game continues to grow along with his size. It’s been a “getting to know you” exercise, but Sullivan has found several things to like with what he’s seen at camp.

“I think it’s pretty clear what he brings to the table,” he said of the 6-foot-8 forward. “He’s a big, strong guy. He’s an intimidating presence. He sticks up for his teammates. He’s tough as nails. We know all that about him. I think what I’ve learned being his coach is that, No. 1, he’s a terrific person. His enthusiasm for the game – he loves to play, he loves to be on the ice. He’s an enthusiastic learner, which is the type of player we like to have. He’s eager to learn and he wants to engage in hockey talk all the time. That’s what I’ve learned since I became his coach that I didn’t know.”

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Sullivan has also been pleased with other young players – most notably forwards Noah Laba, Gabe Perreault and Brett Berard, who played as a line at practice.

“I think Laba’s a guy we think could develop into a real solid two-way center iceman,” he said. “He’s got an NHL body. He’s strong, he skates well, he brings good speed, and from what I’ve seen so far, he has a two-way game. He has some offense to him, and he also has the ability to defend.”

He also likes Perreault’s smarts and skills.

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

“Perreault obviously is a talented player with great offensive instincts,” he said. “He has the ability to make plays.”

Sullivan likened Berard to one of his former Penguins, Conor Sheary, who signed a PTO with the Rangers in July and is trying to make the team.

“I’m trying to learn Brett’s game a little bit more,” he said. “What I have noticed is that Brett brings a lot of energy – he’s a buzzsaw out there on the ice. He’s got a good motor. I think they (Berard and Sheary) are similar in that regard. You can see the energy Brett brings to the table, his motor and his ability to get after pucks.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-takeaways-from-new-coach-entering-preseason/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers lineup for preseason opener vs. Devils includes Matt Rempe, Gabe Perreault

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

There’s a youthful bent to the New York Rangers lineup when they open up the preseason schedule Sunday against the New Jersey Devils.

Eleven of the 20 players dressing for the Rangers are age 23 or younger. That includes Matt Rempe (23), who’s looking to establish himself as a regular in the Rangers lineup this season after bouncing between the NHL and minor leagues a year ago. The towering 6-foot-8 forward already has a history with the Devils, including several fights and an elbowing major against Jonas Siegenthaler on March 11, 2024 which led to a four-game suspension.

Rempe began training camp skating regularly with center Sam Carrick. But the veteran fourth-line staple is not part of the lineup Sunday. So, it’s quite possible Rempe will be on a line with rugged former Devils center Justin Dowling, whom the Rangers signed as a free agent this summer.

Also, notable are that the four best players from rookie camp are in the Rangers lineup for the preseason opener. Former first-round picks Gabe Perreault (2023) and Brennan Othmann (2021) will play, as will 21-year-old center Noah Laba and defenseman Scott Morrow. Perreault, Laba, and Othmann excelled as linemates in two rookie games last weekend against Philadelphia Flyers prospects.

Morrow was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes this offseason in the K’Andre Miller trade, and has a good chance to land a spot on the opening-night roster.

Other notable Rangers playing Sunday are forwards Juuso Parssinen, Jonny Brodzinski, and Taylor Raddysh; defensemen Will Borgen and Urho Vaakanainen; and goalie Jonathan Quick. Forward Conor Sheary, who won two Stanley Cup championships under Mike Sullivan with the Pittsburgh Penguins and is in camp on a PTO, also is in the lineup.

Related: 3 takeaways from Mike Sullivan ahead of his Rangers coaching debut

Rangers set lineup for preseason opener against Devils​

Taking the ice this afternoon: pic.twitter.com/bk7QwF83gV

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2025

Many key veterans won’t play Sunday, and instead remained back at the MSG Training Center, where assistant David Quinn focused on special teams at practice. Artemi Panarin didn’t skate again Sunday and remains day to day with a lower-body injury sustained Friday.

Even without Panarin, the Rangers practiced their power play. Adam Fox quarterbacked PP1, as usual, with J.T. Miller, Mike Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere rounding out the five-man unit.

Here’s a look at PP1, with David Quinn running the show. Gavrikov has been disruptive on the PK. #NYR pic.twitter.com/CIxK2aG2C3

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 21, 2025

When Panarin’s healthy, he’ll return to the top unit. Morrow, Brodzinski, Othmann, and Perreault are among those playing Sunday, who will vie for PP2 time with the Rangers, should they make the varsity roster.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/lineup-preseason-game-devils/

 

[New York Rangers]

Key Rangers takeaways from 5-3 win against Devils in preseason opener

Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesEd Mulholland-Imagn Images

Though most of their lineup regulars didn’t make the trek across the Hudson River on Sunday, the New York Rangers were still plenty good enough to win their preseason opener 5-3 against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center.

Those who did travel to Newark made the most of their opportunity. The Rangers had five different goal scorers, and 11 of the 18 skaters landed on the score sheet, in a game the visitors never trailed.

Gabe Perreault, New York’s first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, opened the scoring 3:08 into the first period. He buried a a snap shot from the bottom of the slot off a slick feed from defenseman Casey Fitzgerald, the son of Devils general manager, Tom Fitzgerald.

Gabe with the first of the preseason from the slot. pic.twitter.com/yQoBN07Yoc

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2025

New Jersey tied it at 10:49 when Brian Halonen beat Jonathan Quick inside the near post for a power-play goal. Quick played the first 22:42 and that was the only goal he allowed on 13 shots. Dylan Garand finished up between the pipes and surrendered two goals, including a 5-on-3 power-play tally in the closing minutes, on 15 shots.

The Rangers pulled away in the second period, scoring three straight goals — and four overall — to take a 5-2 lead after 40 minutes of play. Dylan Roobroeck, Conor Sheary, and Scott Morrow each scored in a 10-minute span to make it 4-1 midway through the period.

After Paul Cotter scored for the Devils at 15:52, the Rangers answered back 59 seconds later. Jonny Brodzinski buried the rebound of Urho Vaakanainen’s left-wing shot to restore New York’s three-goal lead. That score held up until Arseny Gritsyuk wired a one-timer from the right circle over Garand’s glove for a 5-on-3 goal with 1:39 to play in regulation.

Let’s break down the key Rangers takeaways from their 5-3 preseason victory Sunday.

Related: Igor Shesterkin has big expectations for 2025-26 Rangers: ‘Stanley Cup’

Rangers fourth line stands tall, literally and figuratively​

Forget about Twin Towers. In his first game behind the Rangers bench as head coach, Mike Sullivan decided to go with a fourth line that featured Tri Towers. That young threesome of Matt Rempe (6-foot-9), Roobroeck (6-foot-7), and Nathan Aspinall (6-foot-5) stood out Sunday, and not just because of their height.

Roobroeck, who scored 20 goals as a rookie pro with Hartford of the American Hockey League last season, led the Rangers with two points and won eight of nine face-offs. The 21-year-old potted a rebound from in front after Rempe created the scoring opportunity with a combination of speed and his long reach cruising down right wing 3:11 into the second period. Roobroeck later picked up a secondary assist on Brodzinski’s goal.

Aspinall, a 2024 fifth-round pick, held his own on the ice and in a second-period fight with New Jersey’s Nathan Legare. He was plus-2, as were each of his linemates.

Rempe’s strong all-around game was most important. He created scoring chances, had an assist, and played smart in 14:17 TOI, that included nearly two minutes on the power play.

“I thought ‘Remps’ had a great game,” Sullivan told reporters postgame. “He was really strong on pucks. He hangs on to pucks down low. … He made good decisions when plays weren’t there off the rush. He would drive pucks low, and he would go to work down underneath the hashmarks. When he does that, I think he’s a handful for our opponents.”

Old friend impresses Rangers coach Mike Sullivan with ‘terrific game’​

Conor Sheary, in Rangers camp on a PTO, sure made a strong case for himself Sunday. The diminutive (5-foot-8) forward, scored on a breakaway and had several other prime scoring chances, skating on the top line with Perreault and Juuso Parssinen.

Sheary played in all game situations, tied for the team lead with three shots on goal, and totaled nearly 17 minutes of ice-time. The 33-year-old played with jump, as evidenced on his goal 11:45 into the second period.

Sheary goes top shelf on the breakaway. pic.twitter.com/9Cb2xyhIxn

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2025

Sullivan knows Sheary well since together they helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. That won’t hurt Sheary’s chances of, at least, getting a long look in camp to play in New York’s bottom six this season, though he’s still a long shot to make the team.

“I thought Conor had a terrific game,” Sullivan stated. “I thought he did a lot of the little things, just putting pucks behind their D, chasing pucks down, creating turnovers.”

He, Perreault and Parssinen were dominant on several first-period shifts, and the best Rangers threesome throughout the game. Parssinen was solid as he bids to land the 3C role, and Perreault flashed his high-end skill and hockey IQ throughout.

Costly mistake by Brennan Othmann​

Oner of the players Sheary must beat out for a roster spot is Brennan Othmann, New York’s 2021 first-round pick. Othmann didn’t do himself any favors in the competition Sunday.

The 22-year-old had a relatively quiet afternoon, playing on a line with veterans Justin Dowling and Taylor Raddysh. Othmann recorded one shot on goal, a left-wing snap shot off the rush in the third period which was a good scoring chance.

But later in the period, Othmann was assessed a five-minute major penalty for elbowing New Jersey defenseman Calen Addison in the head. It can be argued that Othmann led with the shoulder, not the elbow. But either way, it’s clear that the point of contacts was Addison’s head. As such, Othmann may be in line for a suspension, which could derail his chance to crack the opening-night roster.

This might turn into a suspension for #NYR Brennan Othmann pic.twitter.com/PJ7UTq33dy

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 21, 2025

That’d be a blow for both the Rangers and one of their most important prospects, one who’s confidence is growing after coming off an excellent rookie camp.

More good than bad for Scott Morrow​

Like Perreault and Othmann, Morrow had an excellent rookie camp and stood out in the two games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects last weekend. That’s what the Rangers expected, to be honest. Those are three of New York’s top prospects and closest to being NHL-ready.

Not surprisingly, Morrow got plenty of run Sunday. He logged 19:27 TOI, third on the Rangers behind veteran defensemen Will Borgen (21:56) and Vaakanainen (23:58). Morrow also quarterbacked the top power-play unit, though the Rangers were 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

Scott Morrow – New York Rangers (1)* pic.twitter.com/u8LcH1biPn

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) September 21, 2025

Morrow did some nice things, though, making his case to earn a spot on the right side of the third pair. He scored a goal, when his straightaway shot hit the backside of New Jersey’s Dmitry Osipov and snuck through the pads of goalie Nico Daws 13:29 into the second period. The 22-year-old also showed quick feet and good anticipation keeping several pucks in near the blue line throughout the afternoon.

It was more of a mixed bag defensively for Morrow, who was caught deep on a partial Devils breakaway in the opening period and beaten a couple other times. Nothing too egregious, but things for him to clean up as the preseason competition continues.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ways-analysis-defeat-devils-preseason-opener/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers’ Brennan Othmann avoids hearing, suspension after major penalty

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Fortunately for Brennan Othmann, he won’t spend the first off day of New York Rangers training camp sitting in a hearing with NHL Department of Player Safety.

The League isn’t considering supplemental discipline for the 22-year-old forward after he was assessed a five-minute major penalty and game misconduct for elbowing New Jersey Devils defenseman Calen Addison in the head during a preseason game Sunday.

The incident occurred at 16:37 of the third period. Addison had his head down, playing the puck along the extended goal line near the corner in New Jersey’s end of the ice. Rangers forward Taylor Raddysh was right behind him.

Brennan Othmann was given a five-minute major for elbowing and a game misconduct after catching Calen Addison with a high hit…

(MSGN, h/t @NYRFanatic)pic.twitter.com/GvNHvvPfD4

— BarDown (@BarDown) September 21, 2025

Othmann came in at high speed on left wing and went right through Addison with a big hit. It’s difficult to see on replay whether Othmann’s shoulder or elbow connected with Addison. But it does seem clear that the initial contact is the head.

Addison fell to the ice and didn’t play another shift. Othmann was ejected from the game and New Jersey scored one goal during the five-minute major, a 5-on-3 tally after Urho Vaakanainen also ended up in the penalty box for a cross-checking minor at 17:25. The Rangers still won the game, 5-3.

Related: Key Rangers takeaways from 5-3 win against Devils in preseason opener

Brennan Othman not suspended, continues to compete for roster spot with Rangers​

Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORKCredit: Frank Becerra Jr. / The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Othmann skates a fine line here. He’s in a serious battle to earn a spot on the opening-night roster. So, Othmann must show coach Mike Sullivan he’s capable of playing a fast, hard, physical style, which are staples of his game. But Othmann must be smart, too. So, the Rangers certainly hope he learned a lesson about crossing the line with the hit Sunday.

That he wasn’t suspended must bring a sigh of relief to Othmann. The 2021 first-round pick needs each and every chance in the preseason to prove to the new coaching staff he’s capable of being an NHL regular. Last season, the 6-foot, 192-pounder had his first extended run with the Rangers, but failed to score a goal and had just two assists in 22 games.

Othmann got off to a great start this month, dominating rookie camp and two games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects, totaling five points (one goal, four assists). He was fine against the Devils, skating on a line with Raddysh and Justin Dowling, and had one noticeable scoring chance off the rush early in the third period.

However, his competition for a roster spot and likely place on the third line stood out more Sunday. Fellow first-rounder Gabe Perreault (2023) scored the game’s first goal, excelled cycling the puck in the offensive zone, and simply was flying out there. Conor Sheary, a 33-year-old in camp on a PTO, scored on a breakaway and was a buzzsaw in all three zones, skating on a line Perreault and Jusso Parssinen.

It didn’t help Othmann’s case to make the team that Jonny Brodzinski also scored a goal against the Devils. Brodzinski feels like a lock to at least be the 13th forward, if not a third-line option at center or on the wing.

Since he wasn’t suspended, Othmann has a full runway — including as many as five more preseason games — to prove himself over the course of training camp. For that, he must feel even just a bit fortunate.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...othmann-avoids-fine-suspension-elbow-penalty/

 

[New York Rangers]

Top 2025 draft pick praised after preseason debut with Rangers archrival

Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesKirby Lee-Imagn Images

It’s looking like the New York Rangers will have a major thorn side in their side for years to come. That’s after Matthew Schaefer exploded on the NHL scene with a terrific all-around performance in his first preseason game with the New York Islanders on Sunday.

The No. 1 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, who turned 18 less than three weeks ago, drew rave reviews from far and wide after the Isles’ 3-2 shootout loss (in 11 rounds) to the Philadelphia Flyers at UBS Arena.

“He’s going to be one of, if not the best defensemen in the League, I think, based off his instincts,” Islanders center Mathew Barzal stated postgame. “He’s got it.”

Barzal, of course, knows a thing or two about breaking into the NHL and achieving stardom right away. As a 20-year-old in 2017-18, Barzal put up 85 points (22 goals, 63 assists) and won the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year.

Matthew Schaefer loooks good in blue and orange pic.twitter.com/O5EDJaA5ml

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) September 22, 2025

Islanders fans certainly love hearing that kind of talk. They welcomed their new hero by loudly cheering for Schaefer and chanting his name throughout his (unofficial) NHL debut.

“Definitely got shivers,” the youngster admitted afterward. “We thought it was for [defense partner Scott Mayfield], but I guess it was for me. Obviously, you get chills.”

Of course, the chants will be quite different when Schaefer crosses over into Manhattan to play at Madison Square Garden, which could happen as early as Thursday night when the Rangers host their biggest rival in a preseason game. After all, you know how another former No. 1 overall pick who played defense for the Islanders is treated to this day by the Blueshirts Faithful.

We suppose you’ve heard of Denis Potvin, the first player taken in the 1973 draft. Rangers fans still haven’t forgotten him.

Like Potvin, Schaefer has the potential to be a major pain in the butt for the Rangers for years to come.

Related: Key Rangers takeaways from 5-3 win against Devils in preseason opener

Rangers rival has star in the making with Matthew Schaefer​

Palmieri nets it! Schaefer and Mayfield with the assists! pic.twitter.com/WPr6iEogG3

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) September 22, 2025

Schaefer logged 24:39 total TOI and recorded an assist on the Islanders’ first goal of the contest, scored by veteran forward Kyle Palmieri. He skated a majority of his shifts next to Mayfield and tied for the team lead with five shots on goal.

His role in the preseason contest was far from limited. He earned 1:23 power-play TOI and 2:06 on the PK, not to mention he took the fourth shot in the shootout for the Islanders.

Schaefer also opened eyes with an incredible backcheck, chasing down Flyers scoring sensation Matvei Michkov in overtime.

Just an absolutely insane defensive backcheck from Matthew Schaefer on Matvei Michkov

In the first overall pick’s first NHL game too

(via @OSulr81) pic.twitter.com/CqRBhSJOdg

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 22, 2025

“I thought he was really good … It’s pretty exciting to see him play,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “The backcheck that he made against their guy on the breakaway [in overtime], it was out of this world.”

Of course, the adjustment to the big leagues comes with some growing pains. The excited youngster took two penalties and, on his second shift, sent an errant pass that directly resulted in a Flyers goal.

But overall it was an impressive debut.

Related: Alexis Lafreniere eager to rebound under new Rangers coach Mike Sullivan

“It was fun to watch. He’s only 18 years old, but it’s pretty impressive to see him play the way he’s playing,” Roy said. “The fans love him.”

Schaefer was the first of three first-round picks in the 2025 draft; they added forward Viktor Eklund with the No. 16 selection and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson at No. 17 following a trade that sent their best offensive defenseman. Noah Dobson, to the Montreal Canadiens.

Rangers fans may get their first look at Schaefer this week. It won’t be their last.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-in-draft-praised-after-debut-with-archrival/

 

[New York Rangers]

3 things to watch for when Rangers host Bruins in preseason clash at MSG

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The boys are back home, albeit for a preseason game, when the New York Rangers host the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

It’ll be their second preseason contest, and first game of any kind on home ice since they closed their dismal 2024-25 season with a 4-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 17. Now, five months later, they’ve got a new coach, clean slate, and plenty of motivation ahead of a new season.

The Rangers are coming off a 5-3 road win over the New Jersey Devils in their preseason opener Sunday. Seven skaters who dressed in that victory are in the lineup Tuesday, including six forwards: Anton Blidh, Justin Dowling, Noah Laba, Brennan Othmann, Juuso Parssinen, and Gabe Perreault. Rookie Scott Morrow is the only defenseman playing in consecutive games.

Igor Shesterkin didn’t make the trek across the Hudson River over the weekend. But the Rangers No. 1 goalie will start on home ice against the Bruins. Adam Fox, Will Cuylle, and Vladislav Gavrikov are other high-profile Rangers making their preseason debuts.

On tonight: pic.twitter.com/IqelIt5DBv

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 23, 2025

That said, let’s dive into several important things to watch for when the Rangers host the Bruins in their preseason game at MSG on Tuesday.

Related: Rangers’ Brennan Othmann avoids hearing, suspension after major penalty

1. Artemi Panarin among Rangers big guns out again​

Let’s start with who we won’t see in the Rangers’ lineup. Each of their big guns up front will sit it out again Tuesday. That means no Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere, nor Vincent Trocheck.

Panarin remains day to day with a lower-body injury. However, there was a small update Tuesday morning that the Breadman is skating on his own. So, his return to practice should come soon.

Like Panarin, the other four are lineup locks. Coach Mike Sullivan chose to get a longer look at other forwards competing for spots, as well as younger players who might help down the road.

It is a bit of a surprise that veteran defenseman Carson Soucy didn’t play in either of the first two preseason games. And in a precautionary move, Braden Schneider is being held out of at least the first three preseason contests following offseason shoulder surgery.

2. First look at Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov on top defense pair​

Been waiting for this moment since Gavrikov signed a seven-year, $49 million contract in free agency July 1. It’s only a preseason game, but actually getting to watch Fox and Gavrikov partner on the same defense pairing is a big deal.

Sure, Ryan Lindgren complemented Fox’s game nicely for several seasons. But Gavrikov? We’re talking about a true top-pair shutdown defenseman, one of the best in the League at what he does. Put him on the left side of Fox, and let’s see how this elevates the former Norris Trophy winner’s game even more.

Vladislav Gavrikov — calm, positional, quietly elite. Exactly the steady presence this blue line needed. #NYR pic.twitter.com/I9EULIq8hU

— Jennifer O'Regan (@Jenny_ORegan) September 20, 2025

This could be the best No. 1 pair the Rangers have had since, dare we say, Brian Leetch and Jeff Beukeboom in their Stanley Cup heyday. Marc Staal and Dan Girardi, or Ryan McDonagh and Girardi, in the 2010s? Solid, for sure. But we’re talking about a whole other level here. And we get our first look Tuesday night.

3. Rangers run it back with the kids​

Sullivan’s going to give Perreault, Othmann, Morrow, and Laba each a long look in training camp and the preseason. They were easily the four best players at Rangers rookie camp and in two games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects earlier in the month. Each has the chance to make the opening-night roster or help the Rangers at some point this season.

Assuming Zibanejad starts the season playing right wing on a line with Miller, that leaves Perreault and Othmann competing for likely one spot on the wing of the third line. But it’s not just the former first-round picks competing against each other. There’s veteran Conor Sheary, who’s in camp on a PTO and had a terrific game against the Devils; Brett Berard, who just might have the edge to land a third-line role; and versatile veteran Jonny Brodzinski.

Othmann was the better player against the Flyers, but Perreault scored against the Devils. Let’s see which one plays better against the Bruins.

Gabe with the first of the preseason from the slot. pic.twitter.com/yQoBN07Yoc

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2025

Laba looks the part of someone who can handle the 3C role. He does so many things well on both sides of the puck. However, he’s a long shot to beat out Juuso Parssinen or Brodzinski for that specific role to begin the season. But if the 22-year-old continues to show well in preseason, don’t be surprised if he lands on Broadway sooner rather than later this season.

The good outweighed the bad with Morrow against the Devils, though there were instances of each. The 22-year-old needs work on his defensive game, for sure, but he he makes excellent reads offensively, moves the puck quickly and decisively, and scored a goal against the Devils. He needs to prove he can play defense adequately in the NHL to land in the top six, though.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-boston-bruins-preseason-preview/

 

[New York Rangers]

Key takeaways after Rangers blow lead in 5-4 OT preseason loss to Bruins

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

It’s a good thing for the New York Rangers that preseason games don’t count. If they did, new coach Mike Sullivan would have been furious after watching his team blow a three-goal lead in the third period and lose 5-4 in overtime to the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

The 16,149 fans who welcomed the Rangers to the Garden for their first preseason game couldn’t be blamed thinking this one was in the bag after 40 minutes. Two days after a three-goal second period helped them beat the New Jersey Devils 5-3 in their preseason opener, the Rangers got second-period goals by Gabe Perreault, Sam Carrick and Vladislav Gavrikov to grab a 4-1 lead after 40 minutes.

But the Bruins, who were nearly as disappointing as the Rangers last season, took total command in the third period. Michael Eyssimont made it 4-2 by scoring a shorthanded goal at 7:05 after stripping the puck from Adam Fox, then cut the margin to one goal at 11:11. Marat Khusnutdinov converted a pass from Eyssimont at 18:55 for a sixth-attacker goal that sent the game to overtime tied 4-4.

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Rangers killed off a power play in overtime before Khusnutdinov sent defenseman Nikita Zadorov into the Rangers zone, where he spun off of defenseman Matthew Robertson before beating Talyn Boyko, who didn’t help his case for avoiding a return to the ECHL by allowing four goals on 24 shots.

“Of course it does,” coach Mike Sullivan said when asked whether the result of a meaningless preseason game bothered him. “I told that to the players after the game. It’s not about the loss; it’s about how we lost. That’s the most important thing.”

The good news for the Rangers, aside from most of the first 40 minutes, was that Igor Shesterkin was sharp in his first appearance. Shesterkin made 10 saves on 11 shots in 29:53; he had no chance on Matej Blumel’s game-opening goal at 8:30 of the first period.

Brett with the feed and Fix-Wolansky buries it. pic.twitter.com/ql8meWzApv

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 23, 2025

But Trey Fix-Wolansky tied the game 44 seconds later, and the Rangers dominated the second period, outshooting Boston 18-7 and scoring three times. Gabe Perreault put the, ahead 2-1 at 3:25 off a superb feed by Will Cuylle, Sam Carrick capitalized on a Boston turnover and scored an unassisted goal at 9:53, and Vladislav Gavrikov finished off a 3-on-2 shorthanded rush with a wrist shot past Joonas Korpisalo at 11:08 for a 4-1 lead.

Rookie center Noah Laba had two assists, continuing his impressive play.

Let’s break down the key Rangers takeaways from their 5-4 preseason overtime loss to the Bruins on Tuesday.

Gabe Perreault helps his case for roster spot​

Perreault is the Rangers’ top prospect, and he continued to show why by making it two goals in as many games this far in the preseason.

His snipe from the left circle was a thing of beauty.

“It was a great play by (Cuylle) in the neutral zone there. I saw some space, tried to rip one in the net and I was lucky enough that it went in. … The forecheck of our line has been really good, but obviously in the third period we didn’t get enough from myself and the team in general. But we did a lot of good things in the first two periods.”

Right on target. pic.twitter.com/IVzxK4pInq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 24, 2025

Sullivan has been impressed with what he’s seen so far.

“He seems to get better with each game he plays,” the coach said. “We really liked his game in New Jersey the other day. We liked his follow-up game tonight.”

The only disappointment for Perreault was the final score.

“It’s pretty simple: You can’t stop playing,” he said. “We were definitely the better team in the first two periods, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to win the game. Myself and everyone else need to be better in the third. A lot of things to learn from.”

Vladislav Gavrikov shows why Rangers wanted him​

The score sheet says Gavrikov had a goal, two blocked shots and was plus-2 in a team-leading 23:51 of ice time in his first game playing the left side of the top defense pairing with Fox, earning the game’s Third Star.

What it doesn’t show is that the Rangers’ biggest free-agent signing started the play that led to Perreault’s goal by breaking up a play at the Boston blue line, freeing the puck for Cuylle to set up the go-ahead goal. It also doesn’t show the smarts that led to his goal; Gavrikov came late to give the Rangers a 3-on-2 shorthanded rush, gave Laba a target and beat Korpisalo cleanly with a wrist shot.

Gavrikov buries the shorty. pic.twitter.com/73dABnhida

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 24, 2025

If his first game as a Ranger is any indication, Gavrikov is going to be just what the Rangers need to complement Fox – the same role that Dale Rolfe played for Brad Park in the 1970s and Jeff Beukeboom did for Brian Leetch in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Noah Laba could be NHL-ready sooner than expected​

Laba is the team scoring leader through two preseason games with three points, all assists, including two against the Bruins.

He started the play that ended up as the Rangers’ first goal by picking off a pass just inside the Boston blue line and finding Brett Berard, who slipped a pass to Fix-Wolansky. He had the only assist on Gavrikov’s goal, again picking off a pass and leading the rush. He drew the defense to him, saw Gavrikov coming and fed him for the goal.

“He’s been grinding every single practice,” Gavrikov said of Laba. “I’m happy to see him performing that good.”

So what does the 22-year-old think he’s shown the coaching staff so far?

“A 200-foot game, playing both sides of the puck, trying to create time and space for my teammates and help the team win,” he said. “They demand a lot, as they should. They want you to play hard in the defensive zone as well as forecheck hard, create O-zone chances and at the end of the day, shoot the puck, shoot to score.”

Laba also said he’s getting more comfortable as he gets more ice time.

“I feel good,” he said. “It’s an adjustment, for sure, after getting the last game under my belt I’m feeling a little more comfortable this game than I did last game.”

Sullivan not pleased with third-period collapse​

Preseason game or not, no coach likes to see his team blow a three-goal lead in the third period. Sullivan is no exception.

“At the end of the day, I get it – it’s an exhibition game,” he said. “We haven’t worked on a lot of things; we’re a work in progress. But I think the takeaway is that we need to expect more from one another.

“If we’re going to make mistakes of enthusiasm out there, we’ll live with those. – we’ll work through them, we’ll help the players work through them. But I just thought there were circumstances where we beat ourselves a little bit. I know we’re better than that.”

Sullivan also said one thing he wants to work on during the preseason is setting a standard. Suffice it to say this game wasn’t the kind of standard he had in mind.

“One of the things we talked about on day one was the responsibility we all have to live up to and set a standard here – a standard of excellence we all aspire to have in the environment every day. For me, that’s the most important thing – living up to that standard, and ultimately that standard becomes what we’re willing to accept. “So if we’re willing to accept this, where do we go from here. That’s the conversation we had with the group afterwards.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...key-takeaways-in-ot-preseason-loss-to-bruins/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers coach believes Gabe Perreault ‘an NHL player in the making’

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The best news for the New York Rangers from their first two preseason games is the performance of their top prospect.

Gabe Perreault looks like a future star, which is what the Rangers hope he’ll become. The first-round pick (No. 23 overall) in the 2023 NHL Draft scored scored goals in each of New York’s first two preseason contests, including a snipe from the left circle on Tuesday in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins at Madison Square Garden.

Right on target. pic.twitter.com/IVzxK4pInq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 24, 2025

If the son of former NHL center Yanic Perreault continues to play this way during the rest of the preseason, he’s going to make it tough for the Rangers not to put him on the opening night roster. He and Brennan Othmann are likely in a battle for one spot among the 22 or 23 players who will break camp with the team. Veteran forward Conor Sheary, who’s in camp on a PTO and also scored Sunday, and Brett Berard are among the other forwards competing in camp. Jonny Brodzinski likely will be the 13th forward, if not in a bottom-six role.

Othmann outplayed Perreault in the two rookie games against the Philadelphia Flyers and was arguably the Rangers best player. However, Perreault has been more productive and much more noticeable on the ice against NHL players.

“Obviously, I think Gabe has NHL talent. I think that’s on display,” Sullivan said postgame Tuesday. “He’s a really talented kid and I think he’s a terrific hockey player. He’s young, and in my experience of coaching young players like that, a lot of it is just about the thankless jobs – knowing when to put a puck deep, defensive responsibilities, awareness in the defensive zone and then strength, just being strong on puck battles. He sees it extremely well.

“My impression of him, in just watching him, is that he’s an NHL player in the making.”

Related: Key takeaways after Rangers blow lead in 5-4 OT preseason loss to Bruins

Rangers weighing options with Gabe Perreault this season​

Perreault’s hockey smarts are his greatest attribute. His on-ice vision helps compensate for his lack of size (5-11 and 180 pounds) and a perceived lack of foot speed. But adding strength is doable, and NHL history is full of players who’ve bettered their skating on the way to stardom – John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs is a current example.

Having a father who was a longtime NHL player doesn’t hurt.

“He was my coach growing up, and that’s one of the things he always said to me: ‘Make plays,’” Perreault told The Athletic, which rated him as the Rangers No. 1 prospect. “He was a super smart player, and I think a lot of my smarts come from him.”

Ideally, Perreault will find a spot in the top six. But with New York’s first two lines loaded with veterans, the question is whether the Rangers would be better off giving him more ice time at Hartford, their American Hockey League affiliate, or on the third line in New York (his size pretty much precludes a fourth-line role).

Gabe with the first of the preseason from the slot. pic.twitter.com/yQoBN07Yoc

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 21, 2025

“I don’t think he needs to be a top-six player,” Sullivan said when asked where the 20-year-old should start the season. “I think it’s important that he gets minutes and that he plays, because it’s probably in the best interest of his overall development, which would, in turn, be in the best interest of the New York Rangers. Whether that takes place in New York or in Hartford (is) yet to be determined.

“I think he plays with courage; he’s willing to go into the battle areas. I think he can get a little bit stronger, and that’s going to help him. But we’ve been really encouraged with his game.”

Perreault still needs to work on his defensive game. Per Natural Stat Trick, for example, the Rangers had a 38.67 percent expected goals rate with Perreault on ice against the Bruins. They were outscored 3-1 with him out there Tuesday, including a short-handed goal that was more Adam Fox’s fault than his.

So, he is a work in progress, as most 20-year-olds are. But the kid is a fairly elite offensive talent, even if he failed to record a point in his first five NHL games late last season.

After setting the U.S. National Team Development Program record with 132 points (53 goals, 79 assists) in 63 games during his draft year, Perreault piled up 108 points (35 goals, 73 assists) in 73 games during his two seasons at Boston College. He also had three goals and 10 points for Team USA in each of the past two World Junior Championships, helping the Americans win gold each time.

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Sullivan said he and his staff are still trying to decide what’s best for Perreault and the Rangers, for both the short and long term.

“As I said, we’re really encouraged with his game,” Sullivan said. “He seems to get better with each game he plays. We really liked his game in New Jersey the other day. We liked his follow-up game tonight. We’re trying to reserve judgement and let the camp unfold here, and with each experience we go through, we learn a little bit more about all the players.

“But that’s always going to be the question with young players – what’s going to be the best formula for that player to ultimately become the impact player that we all foresee him to be. Is it playing lots of minutes at the American League level, or is it playing at the NHL level? I don’t know that there’s an exact formula for that.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-top-prospect-gabe-perreault-update/

 

[New York Rangers]

Noah Laba, Matt Rempe ‘strong on pucks,’ draw praise from Rangers coach

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan likes what he sees from two of his young bottom-six forwards during the first week of training camp.

Rookie center Noah Laba and towering forward Matt Rempe drew praise from the coach on Wednesday, one day after the Rangers failed to hold a three-goal lead in the third period against the Boston Bruins and lost 5-4 in overtime at Madison Square Garden.

Laba had two assists against the Bruins, giving him three in the Rangers’ first two preseason games. The 22-year-old, who signed with the Rangers in March after three seasons at Colorado College, had three goals and five points in 11 games with Hartford of the American Hockey League in his first taste of pro hockey last spring. He figured to be a long shot to make the opening night roster, but Sullivan doesn’t sound like he’s ruling that out.

A peek into today’s #NYR scrimmage, Noah Laba skating between Gabe Perreault and Brett Berard.

He’s definitely caught my attention this training camp. He’s looked good. pic.twitter.com/YXPidPTPE9

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) September 20, 2025

“That might be too early to have that conversation at this point,” he said when asked about Laba sticking with the Rangers out of camp. “He certainly has performed very well in this early part of camp, and we feel he’s getting better with every game he plays.

“Whether or not he makes the opening night roster, time will tell. I think it’s too early; it would be premature to weigh in on that at this point. I’m reluctant to make any sort of predictions at this point. I try to reserve judgement and let the camp unfold.”

Laba’s efforts already made an impression on one veteran teammate, defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, who converted a feed from Laba into a short-handed goal against Boston.

Gavrikov buries the shorty. pic.twitter.com/73dABnhida

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 24, 2025

“Perfect,” he said of Laba’s play so far. “He’s been grinding every single practice. I’m happy to see him performing that good.”

One thing that should help Laba’s future prospects is his size. At 6-foot-3 and 214 pounds, he brings the size down the middle that NHL teams crave.

“I think his physical stature sets him up for an opportunity to compete in the NHL,” Sullivan said. “He’s big, he’s strong and he can skate. For some players (who) are making the jump, that’s the first hurdle. I think ‘Labs’ has an NHL body in the sense that he’s big and strong and can skate. There’s a lot of other elements that go into playing in the NHL, but we’re certainly encouraged by what we’ve seen so far.”

With Mika Zibanejad moved to wing on a line centered by J.T. Miller, there’s an opening at third-line center. Is Laba a candidate for the job?

“Labs is one of them, for sure,” Sullivan said after practice. “With each game we play and each practice we have, we learn a little more about the group we have.

“I think Labs has performed extremely well. When I watched him at the rookie tournament to where he is right now, I feel like he’s taken a big, giant step with his pace of play, how quickly he thinks it.”

Laba said after Tuesday’s game that he’s settling in.

“A 200-foot game, playing both sides of the puck, trying to create time and space for my teammates and help the team win,” he replied when asked what the coaches have said they want from him. “They demand a lot, as they should. They want you to play hard in the defensive zone as well as forecheck hard, create O-zone chances and at the end of the day, shoot the puck, shoot to score.”

1ST GAME, 1ST PRO GOAL FOR NOAH LABA!!!!

1-1 | 11:43 remaining in the 1st pic.twitter.com/VrBBeVZbBf

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 21, 2025

If there’s one thing Sullivan and his staff want to change about the Rangers from last season, it’s that they were often too easy to play against. Laba’s size and compete level have impressed the new coach.

“Last night in particular, getting his nose over pucks, creating separation on pucks in the defensive zone, down low. He has the ability to do that because he’s big and strong,” Sullivan said. “That’s an important element of being hard to play against, and the role that if you were to play on this team, that would be a welcome addition.”

Related: Why Rangers will play ‘hybrid game’ style under coach Mike Sullivan

Matt Rempe showing skill to go along with his size​

Of course, when the issue of size on the Rangers is brought up, the first name mentioned is Rempe – who’s listed at 6-foot-9 and 261 pounds. Sullivan said the 23-year-old looks like a player who can be more than just a guy who drops the gloves on occasion and continues to work hard to improve his hockey skills.

“Yes,” was Sullivan’s response when asked if Rempe looks to be making himself into an all-around player. “I think he can skate. … His pace is really strong. He has a strong stride. He’s really strong on pucks. Sometimes as a bigger guy, it’s hard in the puck battles, when you’re in the battle areas, because players get underneath you – their center of gravity is lower than yours. Players can get underneath you, under your hands, things of that nature, and make it hard to protect pucks.”

Rempe didn’t dress Tuesday after picking up the lone assist on Dylan Roobroeck’s goal in a 5-3 win against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. He worked hard on his hockey skills during the offseason, and Sullivan feels that work is paying off.

“He’s strong on pucks, he protects pucks well,” he said. “I think he has the ability to make a play. His willingness to go to the net front and battle for rebounds, make the sight lines difficult for the goaltender – all those things are invaluable to manufacture offense. I think he really has the ability to help us with momentum, just as far as controlling territory, wearing teams down, making it hard on our opponents’ defensemen in the down-low game.

“I feel he has the potential to manufacture offense with some of the game he’s played to this point. I’ve been really encouraged when I watch him play. He’s in great shape, but he’s strong and he’s strong on pucks. He’s ‘hockey strong’ – there’s a difference. He has functional strength on the ice, just with how stiff he is on pucks and in battles and using his body to protect it.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/mike-sullivan-praises-laba-rempe-rangers/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Islanders: What to watch, including J.T. Miller preseason debut

Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images

For the first time since he was named team captain last week, J.T. Miller takes to the Madison Square Garden ice wearing the C on Thursday night, when the New York Rangers host the New York Islanders.

It’s the Rangers third preseason game, but the first for Miller and several other veterans. Forwards Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere also make their preseason debuts, as does defenseman Carson Soucy.

Tonight's roster: pic.twitter.com/bGlgSSKCcI

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 25, 2025

The Rangers are 1-0-1 in the preseason. A 5-3 road win over the New Jersey Devils on Sunday preceded a 5-4 overtime loss to the Boston Bruins at MSG on Tuesday. The Rangers blew a three-goal lead in the third period, and surrendered the final four goals against the Bruins.

Even though it was a preseason contest, coach Mike Sullivan wasn’t happy with how the Rangers lost that game. He relayed that message loud and clear to the Rangers after the loss. The expectations and standard are higher, whether in preseason, regular season, or Stanley Cup Playoffs.

So, they get after it again Thursday, this time against the Islanders (0-1-1). It doesn’t appear that they’ll see No. 1 overall pick Matthew Schaefer, who’s not expected to play. The 18-year-old defenseman made a helluva first on-ice impression in his preseason debut last week and should be a lock to start the season in the NHL.

Gearing up for (preseason) game time. pic.twitter.com/wviPo21WNh

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 25, 2025

Highly-touted rookie Calum Ritchie is in the Islanders lineup Thursday, and David Rittich starts between the pipes. Goalie Jonathan Quick makes his second preseason appearance for the Rangers.

Here are some things to watch for when the Rangers host the Islanders in preseason action Thursday.

Related: Rangers Daily: Rising expectations; Preseason injuries mount in NHL

1. Competition continues, ramps up for Rangers rookies​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

For the third straight preseason game, rookie forwards Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and Noah Laba are in the Rangers lineup. Perreault and Othmann likely are competing for one roster spot on the wing. And Laba is trying to win the 3C role, with Juuso Parssinen his most serious competitor.

Perreault scored a goal in each of the first two preseason contests. The 20-year-old gets the chance to skate on the top line with Miller and Zibanejad against the Islanders, a major opportunity to prove that he can keep up with two of the best forwards on the Rangers roster.

Right on target. pic.twitter.com/IVzxK4pInq

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 24, 2025

Othmann had an outstanding rookie camp and excelled in two games against Philadelphia Flyers prospects. But the 22-year-old is pointless in two preseason games. Othmann avoided a hearing with NHL player safety after he was assessed a five-minute major and game misconduct for elbowing Sunday, and followed that up with a fairly physical showing against the Bruins. Let’s see what he does Thursday, skating in the top six alongside Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere, with Artemi Panarin (lower body) still sidelined day to day.

Laba has three assists in two preseason games and played a really strong two-way game. The 22-year-old’s impressed Sullivan throughout camp. Though a long shot, Laba’s got himself in the mix to possibly center the third line. That’s what he’ll do Thursday, skating between Brett Berard and Conor Sheary.

It should be noted that Berard is also competing for a role on the wing in the bottom six and comes off a solid showing against the Bruins.

2. Conor Sheary tries to force Rangers hand again​

Then there’s Sheary, the diminutive 33-year-old forward who’s trying to force the Rangers hand to keep him on the roster. The two-time Stanley Cup winner under Sullivan with the Pittsburgh Penguins is in camp on a PTO and looked like a real good third-line fit Sunday. He was the best player on the ice against the Devils, scoring on a breakaway, creating numerous scoring chances, and excelling at both ends in a strong 200-foot showing.

Conor Sheary on the breakaway

(via @NYRangers)pic.twitter.com/3jErgdLqyH

— SleeperNHL (@SleeperNHL) September 21, 2025

The Rangers likely prefer if one — or several — of the younger forwards force their way on to the roster. But Sheary’s got the experience championship pedigree, drive, and relationship with Sullivan going his way.

He’s the safety net here. The question is if he can prove more useful if the kids continue to play well.

3. Rangers go big​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

New York’s regular fourth-line center Sam Carrick gets the night off, so 21-year-old Dylan Roobroeck takes his spot between Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom. If you’re thinking this is more like the Knicks than the Rangers, get used to it.

Sullivan deployed a mammoth line combination of Rempe (6-foot-9), Roobroeck (6-foot-7), and Nathan Aspinall (6-foot-5) against the Devils. Now, Edstrom (6-foot-7) steps in for Aspinall, to add a couple more inches to the trio.

“That might be the biggest line I’ve coached,” Sullivan said pregame. “I just think size is hard to play against. They’re big, they’re long, they’re rangy, they lean on people.”

The Rangers sure do love drafting towering forwards. And it’s interesting to see how well these combinations have fared so far, now that these kids are developing and growing up.

That defense pair of Soucy (6-foot-5) and Will Borgen (6-foot-3) is not exactly tiny either. Look for the Rangers to go big Thursday against the Islanders.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-islanders-preseason-game-preview/

 

[New York Rangers]

Key takeaways after Rangers blow another lead, lose 5-4 to Islanders

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Talk about a nasty deja vu. The New York Rangers once again blew a multi-goal lead in the third period, this time in a 5-4 preseason loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers surrendered three unanswered goals in the final period Thursday and let a 4-2 lead evaporate into defeat. Two days prior, they lost to the Boston Bruins 5-4 in overtime after they carried a 4-1 lead into the third period.

“I think it happened two completely different ways,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan explained postgame. “But, yeah, that’s certainly something we don’t want to happen too often. We have to do a better job at controlling momentum and playing with a lead.”

Dylan Garand faced 10 shots after he replaced Jonathan Quick to start the third period. The 2025 AHL All-Star allowed goals to Cameron Berg at 6:59 after a big Islanders penalty kill; Gleb Veremeyev, his second of the game at 15:17; and Kyle Palmieri, the game winner at 16:14.

Garand was handcuffed on Palmieri’s soft backhand shot from left wing, with the puck rolling up his right arm and over his shoulder before landing in the net.

Kyle Palmieri: Coast to coast…sort of. pic.twitter.com/R0ZRozAwQi

— Rob Taub (@RTaub_) September 26, 2025

The Rangers (1-1-1) did a lot of good things over the first 40 minutes, but couldn’t seal the deal. They had four different goal scorers, including J.T. Miller in his first game wearing the captain’s C. Ten Rangers were on the score sheet, led by Vincent Trocheck (goal, assist) and Conor Sheary (two assists).

The Islanders (1-1-1) scored a pair of goals 23 seconds apart to take a 2-0 lead in the opening period. But the Rangers roared back with three goals of their own in a span of 2:31 to carry a 3-2 lead into the first intermission.

Veremeyev fended off the check of Rangers defenseman Scott Morrow to open the scoring with a deflection of a pass out of the corner at 14:23. The Islanders caught Morrow and his Rangers teammates scrambling on the next shift, and Chris Terry scored from behind the goal line at 14:46 to double their advantage.

Though that was a goal Quick would like back, the 39-year-old settled in and stopped the next 11 shots he faced before being replaced by Garand at the start of the third period.

Trocheck deflected an Adam Fox shot past Islanders goalie David Rittich 16 seconds after Terry’s goal. And Brennan Othmann tied things up at 17:21, wiring a left-wing power-play shot past Rittich.

Twelve seconds later it was 3-2 Rangers, after Brett Berard buried a Noah Laba pass between his legs from behind the goal line.

Right place, right time.

Laba with the feed + Brett buries it. pic.twitter.com/O9FsHCQX59

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 25, 2025

The Rangers made it four straight goals when Miller’s one-timer beat Rittich on the power play at 10:17 of the second period. It was their last goal of the night, ahead of the late-game meltdown.

Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways from the Rangers’ 5-4 preseason loss to the Islanders on Thursday.

Related: Why Rangers will play ‘hybrid game’ style under coach Mike Sullivan

1. Puck possession; puck pursuit; puck pressure​

For the first two periods, the Rangers skated fast, played hard, and were the much better team. The 4-2 lead was well-earned, as was their 24-15 shots advantage.

The Rangers rolled four lines, each sticking to a game plan of relentless puck pursuit. That led to a steady diet of winning puck battles and possessing it more than not, quality scoring chances, and serious puck pressure the times the Islanders were in possession.

Miller helped set the tone in his preseason debut, centering Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault. But it wasn’t jus that top line. It was also Othmann, Trocheck, and Alexis Lafreniere, just as it was Laba on the third line with Sheary and Berard. And Matt Rempe (6-foot-9) was a force on a towering line that included Adam Edstrom (6-foot-7) and Dylan Roobroeck (6-foot-7).

If the Rangers commit to this brand of hockey for a full 60 minutes on a consistent basis, it should be a recipe for success this season.

2. Brennan Othmann makes his case for Rangers roster spot​

Othmann played, by far, his best game of the preseason Thursday. For sure, his goal was sweet, ripped confidently past Rittich after a well-placed pass by Morrow. But it’s the fact that he was constantly in front of net wreaking havoc shift after shift, and winning battles along the boards when he wasn’t in Rittich’s face.

Brennan Othmann – New York Rangers (1)*
Power Play Goal pic.twitter.com/bVTqzVy7M7

— NHL Goal Videos (@NHLGoalVideos) September 25, 2025

Simply, you noticed Othmann, and for all the right reasons. This after two fairly quiet games to begin the preseason. The 22-year-old is in a serious competition with Perreault, Berard, and Sheary for, perhaps, one spot on the opening-night roster. He made a strong case against the Islanders.

3. Third-period woes​

Well, if the Rangers wished to distance themselves from last season’s dismal campaign — one that was pockmarked by a slew of blown leads and constant inability to rally in the third period — they sure picked a funny way to do so. Make it a pair of ugly multi-goal blown leads in the final period over consecutive games, albeit preseason games.

Still, it’s not a good look. Even if Garand, the rookie goaltender, must shoulder the blame for the eventual game winner Thursday, two nights after another youngster, Talyn Boyko, was victimized by the Bruins. The Rangers were out-shot 10-5 in the third, and the Islanders had a 66.52 percent expected goal share in the final 20 minutes, per Natural Stat Trick.

The overall eye test in the third period wasn’t terrible, though Fox completely lost his man in the paint for the game-tying goal. Still, you can bet Mike Sullivan isn’t happy after he let it be known how unacceptable the loss was Tuesday, preseason or not.

“You want to win games that you’re playing … We’ve, the two games, been the better team for most of it … But you don’t want that stuff to creep in when you do have a two-goal lead in games,” Fox summed up.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...rs-third-period-collapse-islanders-preseason/

 

[New York Rangers]

A rejuvenated Carson Soucy could be key to solidifying Rangers defense

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

Defenseman Carson Soucy had a strong preseason debut for the New York Rangers in their 5-4 loss to the New York Islanders on Thursday. For new coach Mike Sullivan, Soucy’s play might only bolster what appears to be his plan for the defense corps to open the new season.

With Vladislav Gavrikov, who’s expected to play the left side on the top pair, not dressing against the Isles, Soucy moved up to play with Adam Fox. The duo posted strong underlying metrics, with a 51.2 expected goal share and the Blueshirts outchancing their archrivals 10-4 with the two together at 5 on 5, per Natural Stat Trick.

Soucy became something of an afterthought under former coach Peter Laviolette following his acquisition from the Vancouver Canucks at the March 7 trade deadline. Laviolette made him a healthy scratch a number of times and generally seemed less than enamored with the 6-foot-5, 208-pounder’s game. That’s also made Soucy a target for a portion of the fan base, which feels the pending unrestricted free agent’s $3.2 million salary-cap hit would be better used elsewhere.

Related: Rangers stock report: Who’s trending up, down halfway through preseason

Terrence Lee-Imagn Images

Despite apparently being out of favor, Soucy’s 16 regular-season appearances with the Rangers yielded positive numbers similar to what the 31-year-old has put up for most of his seven-year NHL career. The big left-shot defenseman posted a 53.1 expected goal share with the Rangers and was plus-2.

Those metrics appear to suggest that his 59 games with the Canucks last season were an anomaly. Soucy posted a 44.2 expected goal share and was minus-13 with Vancouver, both career worsts. In 2022-23 and 2023-24, Soucy had expected goal shares over 51.

In the five seasons prior to 2024-25, he was a combined plus-73 and never finished as a minus player in any season during that span while playing for three teams.

Carson Soucy helped chances with strong showing vs. Islanders​

While plus-minus is admittedly an imperfect statistic, it helps to demonstrate that Soucy has driven positive play throughout his career. His showing during an abbreviated stint for a coach who didn’t warm to him last season, along with his solid preseason debut, might be just what Sullivan is looking for.

Speculation swirled during the offseason that the new coach was all but guaranteed to move young right-shot defenseman Braden Schneider to the left side on a permanent basis. The 24-year-old was effective in that situation to start last season when Laviolette paired him with Jacob Trouba following an injury to Ryan Lindgren. Returning to the left could theoretically serve as a way to get Schneider, a 2020 first-round pick, into the top four amid a crowded right side.

That theory, however, was presented before Sullivan had a chance to address it in training camp. The coach seemed lukewarm on the idea when he finally did so last week.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“The short answer is yes, (right-shot defensemen) could play the left side,” he said. ” … (But) I prefer to have defensemen play their strong sides.

” … If (Schneider) plays the right side, and we have Foxy, Will Borgen and Schneids on the right side, then we’ve got a pretty balanced approach, we feel. But I would envision us exploring opportunities to play Schneids on the off side also if we choose to roll the top four on the blue line.”

If Sullivan wants to go with Fox, Borgen and Schneider on the right, as he said, he’ll need someone to solidify the left side with Lindgren having been traded in March and K’Andre Miller dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes on July 1. The addition of Gavrikov as a free agent should go a long way toward stabilizing a formidable top pair, but the potential for a drop-off in effectiveness on the left side behind Gavrikov exists.

Related: Key takeaways after Rangers blow another lead, lose 5-4 to Islanders

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

That’s why Soucy’s play might prove pivotal in 2025-26, and could give Sullivan some appealing options. The Dec. 18 acquisition of Borgen from the Seattle Kraken helped settle the defense, and he and Soucy are friends from their time together in the Pacific Northwest from 2021-23.

The friendship hasn’t yielded a great on-ice partnership, however. In 581:31 with the Kraken, Soucy-Borgen posted a 48.1 expected goal share, with Seattle getting outchanced 261-238, per Natural Stat Trick.

That continued with the pair as teammates again last season, with even less encouraging results. Though a very limited sample size, Soucy and Borgen were caved in at even strength in 18:37 together, putting up a 31.7 expected goal share. The Rangers were outchanced 14-8 and 5-1 in high-danger chances with them paired.

By contrast, Soucy and Schneider put together an impressive 8:36 together last season, posting a 57.7 expected goal share. Perhaps Schneider’s path to a consistent top-four role will indeed run through the right side of the defense.

Soucy’s play could in theory allow Sullivan flexibility with his defense combinations. The coach’s zone defense style of play should simplify matters from the hybrid system employed by Laviolette. Sullivan wants his team to push pucks to the walls and win them by outnumbering opponents. Soucy, part of a blue line that’s been remade with lots of size, should in theory thrive in such battles.

Sullivan will also be hoping for a step forward from Urho Vaakanainen, another left-side defenseman, who was acquired on Dec. 6 in the trade that sent Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks. Right-shot rookie Scott Morrow offers enticing offensive upside and could make the team with a strong camp.

The Rangers need someone to firm up the left side of the defense behind Gavrikov, their big offseason acquisition. A rejuvenated, effective Soucy just might be the answer.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/carson-soucy-could-help-solidify-defense/

 

[New York Rangers]

Artemi Panarin turns down Rangers’ team-friendly proposal: report

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

It looks like Artemi Panarin may not be interested in giving the New York Rangers a hometown discount on his next contract.

Panarin turns 34 on Oct. 30, less than a month into the final season of the seven-year, $81.5 million contract he signed with the Rangers on July 1, 2019. There have been talks concerning a new contract — but no deal.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast this week that the Russian forward rebuffed a proposal to do for the Rangers what longtime Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar did — take less money.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

“Anze Kopitar, who just announced his retirement, he had signed 10 years ago an eight-year deal with an average annual salary of $10 million a year,” Friedman said “At the end of that deal, the L.A. Kings went to him and said ‘we need you to take a little bit less, it’ll really help us win.’ And Kopitar did that [two years, $7 million per year].

“And I understand at some point this offseason, the Rangers had that kind of a conceptual discussion with Panarin. ‘Is there a way that you could do for the Rangers what Kopitar did for the Kings?’ “I don’t know if that’s going to be a possibility, but I do know that the two sides had the conversation, and obviously at this point, Panarin is unsigned, so we’ll see where that one goes.”

Panarin has yet to play in a preseason game because of a lower-body injury sustained a week ago during training camp, though he was cleared for contact Friday. The Rangers are off until they visit the New York Islanders on Monday, and coach Mike Sullivan said there’s no guarantee he’ll see any action before the season starts on Oct. 7.

“In a perfect world, we’d like to get him into a game or two,” the coach said, “but a lot of it is going to depend on where he is. We’ll certainly air on the side of caution.”

The average annual value of Panarin’s contract ($11.64 million, according to PuckPedia) was the highest in the NHL for wings entering last season, according to Friedman. But that’s not the case any more.

“He’s now been surpassed,” Friedman said. “Mikko Rantanen (of the Dallas Stars) and Mitch Marner (of the Vegas Golden Knights) are now the two highest-paid wingers in the league, at $12 million, and they’re probably going to be passed by Kyle Connor (Winnipeg Jets) and Kirill Kaprizov (Minnesota Wild) when they sign.”

Connor and Kaprizov are entering the final year of their contracts and are eligible to sign an extension. Kaprizov reportedly turned down an eight-year, $128 million offer; the $16 million average annual value would be the highest in the NHL.

Artemi Panarin reportedly turns down Rangers’ proposal​

Panarin is the best free-agent signing in Rangers history. He’s helped bring the Rangers back into Stanley Cup contention; they got to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024, winning the Presidents’ Trophy as the NHL’s regular-season champions in ’23-24.

Last season, Panarin led the Rangers in goals (37), assists (52), and points (89), although that was a drop from his career year in 2023-24, when he finished with 49 goals and 71 assists for 120 points, the second-highest single-season point total in team history. Only Jaromir Jagr (123 in 2005-06) had more. He’s been an NHL First-Team All-Star twice (2019-20 and 2023-24) and made the Second All-Star Team in 2022-23.

Through six seasons on Broadway, Panarin has 550 points (186 goals, 364 assists) in 430 games played. Only Connor McDavid (710), Leon Draisaitl (644) and Nathan MacKinnon (633) have more in that time frame. “He has been the key to the Rangers’ revival,” Friedman said.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

It’s hard to imagine that general manager Chris Drury doesn’t want to keep Panarin, and he’s said next to nothing about the contract talks. But he’d have to be a fool not to be well aware of how important Panarin is to the Rangers — there’s no player on the roster or in the pipeline who comes close to what Panarin brings offensively.

“As far as the contract stuff, I’ve also said on record that I don’t talk about negotiations publicly,” Drury said last week. “Any conversations I have with Artemi or his representation will stay that way, just private.”

Related: Why Rangers will play ‘hybrid game’ style under coach Mike Sullivan

But he knows what Panarin means to a team that’s trying to get back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs after one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.

“I’ve said many times on record what I think of him as a player and he’s a huge piece of our team and our organization,” Drury said. “He doesn’t appear to me to be slowing down.”

Friedman also said he wouldn’t be surprised to see the Rangers do what they did with goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who entered the season unsigned but inked a contract extension a few weeks later. The eight-year, $92 million deal kicks in this season.

“I would say last year that the New York Rangers, going into the season with Shesterkin and getting it done,” he said, “maybe at a higher number than they hoped to, says to me that they handled it once, they’ll handle it again if they have to do it a second time.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/artemi-panarin-turns-down-offer-report/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers coach eager to build relationship with new captain J.T. Miller

James Guillory-Imagn ImagesJames Guillory-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers played much of last season under former coach Peter Laviolette without a captain after Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6.

They’re preparing for what they hope will be a rebound season under new coach Mike Sullivan, and they’ll be doing it with a new captain. Center J.T. Miller was named the 29th captain in franchise history last week and took the ice wearing the “C” for the first time on Thursday when the Rangers lost 5-4 to the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Fittingly, he scored a goal and played with typical high-intensity, despite it being a preseason game.

It’s the second time around in New York for both. Sullivan was an assistant with the Rangers from 2009-10 through 2012-13. Miller, their first-round pick (No. 15) in the 2011 NHL Draft, played 26 games for the Rangers in Sullivan’s final season working with coach John Tortorella on Broadway.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Each returned to New York after enjoying success elsewhere. Sullivan coached the Pittsburgh Penguins for 10 seasons, including consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. He replaced Laviolette as Rangers coach in May.

Miller’s had seven 20-goal seasons and averaged more than a point a game for the past six, including a whopping 103 points with the Vancouver Canucks just two seasons ago.

The Canucks traded Miller back to the Rangers on Jan. 31 partly because of a rift with center Elias Pettersson. Sullivan said the issue came up in discussion’s he had with his new captain.

“I’ve had conversations with him about it,” Sullivan said Friday. “Obviously when (general manager) Chris [Drury] and I talked to him about leadership and being the captain of the team, that was part of the conversation.”

Related: Rangers stock report: Who’s trending up, down halfway through preseason

J.T. Miller praised as ‘fierce competitor’ by Rangers coach Mike Sullivan​

At age 32, Miller retains the fire that’s fueled his play and made him a pain in the butt for opponents — and some teammates — over the course of his career. But Sullivan believes there’s an important difference in Miller now as opposed to more than a decade ago.

“I think JT has really matured over the course of his career,” the coach explained. “I think J.T. has taken a great approach to his career both on and off the ice. The type of teammate he is, I think sometimes those types of guys tend to be misunderstood.

“He’s a fierce competitor who tends to wear his emotions right on his sleeve. His intentions are in the right place. He wants to win in the worst way, and we don’t want that aspect of his personality to change. We want him to be himself. He wants to become a better version of himself on the ice and off the ice.”

Tune in to the latest RINK RAP podcast, featuring a detailed look at the top issues and storylines from Rangers training camp

For each of his 10 seasons coaching the Penguins, Sullivan had Sidney Crosby, one of the League’s greatest players and leaders, as captain. The new Rangers coach believes his relationship with Miller will be similar to the one he had with Crosby, and that he’s looking forward to getting to know his new captain better.

“I don’t think it’s different,” he said. “I really value that relationship with the captain. His relationship with the coach is really important. That’s how it was when Sid was the captain and I was the coach in Pittsburgh. Obviously I was there a long time, and when you spend that much time together, you develop a relationship, right?

“I think it’s one of the more rewarding things from a coaching standpoint to have the ability to build a relationship with a player of that stature who’s elite at what he does but also incredibly invested in the organization. I feel the same way about J.T. I really look forward to the opportunity to get to know him better, and for him to get to know me better. I look forward to that opportunity to work together to help this team be its best.”

Let it fly, J.T. pic.twitter.com/IYqKAfjlrN

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) September 26, 2025

It’s a relationship that must work if the Rangers are going to bounce back from one of the most dysfunctional and disappointing seasons in their history. Sullivan said he’s “certainly very comfortable” with where they’re at now.

“He’s a great kid,” Sullivan offered. “He really cares about the Rangers. He’s totally invested in trying to help this team win, and I’m excited to watch him evolve with the group here as the captain. … He’s just a fierce competitor. I’ve coached a number of those guys over the years, and I think part of the DNA of those types of players is that they tend to get emotional because they’re invested.

“I think that’s J.T. in a nutshell.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ike-sullivan-relationship-captain-j-t-miller/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers forward to miss 6 weeks with broken hand

Stephen Brashear-Imagn ImagesStephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Kaapo Kakko faces yet another setback in his NHL career. The former New York Rangers forward will miss the start of the 2025-26 season with the Seattle Kraken and likely be out six weeks because of a broken hand.

The 24-year-old sustained the injury when slashed by Edmonton Oilers defenseman prospect Beau Akey in a preseason game Wednesday. Akey was assessed a two-minute minor penalty for slashing on the play.

Here's the slash from Beau Akey that injured Kaapo Kakko: https://t.co/QjdMVQwq8N pic.twitter.com/b4ccmoy9Sq

— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) September 25, 2025

This is a big blow for the Kraken. Key forwards Jared McCann and Chandler Stephenson each are dealing with undisclosed injuries and remain out of the Kraken lineup, as well.

The Kraken seek a fast start under new coach Lane Lambert in hopes that they can return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after falling short the past two seasons. Seattle made the playoffs with 100 points in 2022-23, the second season in franchise history. But they missed out the next two years, including last season, when they dropped to 76 points and 27th overall in League standings.

Kakko is expected to play a big role in the top six and on the power play for the Kraken this season. He signed a three-year, $13.575 million contract with the Kraken this past summer, avoiding salary arbitration, and started the preseason strong with a pair of assists in their opener against the Vancouver Canucks last weekend.

Related: Rangers stock report: Who’s trending up, down halfway through preseason

Former Rangers forward Kaapo Kakko out 6 weeks with broken hand​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Kakko, the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, had a rocky and frustrating tenure with the Rangers. He never quite lived up to the high expectations. though was a reliable third-line forward. Just not exactly what the Rangers hoped when they selected him after Jack Hughes went No. 1 overall to the Devils in 2019.

In his rookie season, as an 18-year-old, Kakko had 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) over 66 games in 2019-20. Playing on the Kid Line with Alexis Lafreniere and Filip Chytil three seasons later, Kakko topped out at 40 points (18 goals, 22 assists), playing all 82 games. The following season, he dealt with injury and decreased ice time, plummeting to 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 61 games.

Things came to a head with the Rangers last season, when Kakko complained about being a scapegoat for the team’s dysfunctional play, after he was a healthy scratch for a game in December.

“I have not been the worst guy, but that was me out of the lineup,” he told reporters at the time.

The Kraken acquired Kakko from the Rangers on Dec. 18 in a trade for defenseman Will Borgen. They immediately handed him a bigger role, and Kakko responded with 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists) in 49 games. His average TOI jumped to a career-high 17:03, nearly four minutes more per game than what he got with the Rangers (13:17) earlier in the 2024-25 season, when he had 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 30 games.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/kaapo-kakko-injury-update/