RSS Rangers Team Notes

[New York Rangers]

What’s next for Rangers after Gabe Perreault, Scott Morrow assigned to AHL

Ed Mulholland-Imagn ImagesEd Mulholland-Imagn Images

Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow won’t begin the 2025-26 season in the NHL with the New York Rangers. Arguably their two best prospects were assigned to Hartford of the American Hockey League on Friday, one day before New York’s preseason finale against the Boston Bruins.

Each youngster impressed Mike Sullivan and the coaching staff during training camp. But it was always going to be difficult for either to crack the opening-night lineup considering how deep the veteran Rangers roster is.

Perreault played all five preseason games to date and leads the Rangers with two goals. His four points are second most on the team, behind rookie center Noah Laba (five points; one goal, four assists), who’s one of 24 players remaining on the roster.

Gabe Perreault finds Noah Laba with a head full of steam, and Laba puts on a great move for the OT winner #NYR pic.twitter.com/nQoi75x4C2

— Broadway Block (@Broadway_Block) September 30, 2025

Sullivan was pleased with the way each played during camp and said he sees them as impact players in the not-too-distant future.

“We’re really excited about both of those guys,” he said Friday. “We think they had terrific training camps; they certainly made an impression on everybody, and we believe these guys have the potential to have a lasting impact on the New York Rangers.

“We’re trying to make the best decisions we can to try to help that process and get these guys as close to pushing their way onto the roster as they can.”

The Rangers must trim one more player to be at the 23-man limit before the regular season opens Tuesday with a home game against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Perreault, 20, was held without a point and did not have a shot on goal in a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday despite playing on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Will Cuylle. Perreault (2023) is the second first-round pick by the Rangers assigned to the minors this week; Brennan Othmann (2021) will also begin the season in Hartford.

Like Perreault, Morrow was given a long look in training camp. The 22-year-old defenseman, who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes this offseason in the K’Andre Miller trade, had two points (a goal and an assist) in five preseason games.

“We’re thrilled that he’s a Ranger, and we really like what we’ve seen at this point,” Sullivan raved about Morrow following practice earlier in the week.

With Adam Fox not playing, Morrow quarterbacked the top power-play unit against the Devils. Though the Rangers had only one opportunity with the man advantage, Morrow didn’t look out of place at all, playing to his strength as a highly-skilled puck-moving defenseman. He was on ice for all four goals in the game (one for, three against).

Perreault, a standout the previous two seasons at Boston College, turned pro last spring and was scoreless in five games with the Rangers. Morrow, an NCAA star at UMass for three years, had 39 points (13 goals, 26 assists) in 52 games during his rookie pro season with AHL Chicago in 2024-25. He’s played 16 NHL games with the Hurricanes and had six points (one goal, five assists).

What’s next for Rangers after trimming roster, assigning 2 rookies to minors​

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

1. Not end of the world for Rangers rookies​

The writing was on the wall for most of training camp, and especially of late, that the Rangers likely were going to keep veterans over the kids to begin the season. For one, players like Perreault and Morrow don’t require waivers to be sent down to the minors. Second, it makes no sense to keep either youngster in the NHL if he’s not going to play regularly. Sitting in the press box isn’t the best place to develop talented 20-somethings, neither of whom made it impossible for the Rangers to cut them.

“They’re two young players that we’re extremely excited about,” Sullivan said. “These guys, in our estimation, are NHL players in the making. Our job is to try to create a path to help them grow and develop, and to become what we hope will be the impact players that we think they’re capable of being.”

So, they will join Othmann in Hartford, play big minutes in every game situation and on both specialty teams, and continue to grow their respective games. There’s no question each has the talent to play now in the NHL, but the experience they’ll get in the AHL is invaluable — and it will make each a better player once they inevitably get the call to join the Rangers.

That’s something Sullivan emphasized earlier in the week when he discussed Othmann’s demotion.

“Rosters in the NHL are fluid,” the coach said Tuesday. “They can change in a day. They can change in 24 or 48 hours. They can change next week. If a decision is made today, it’s not etched in stone. There’s no finality to it.”

2. Rangers must make decision on Noah Laba​

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The biggest surprise of training camp is also the last-standing rookie remaining on the roster with one more small round of cuts to come this weekend. Though he didn’t stand out against the Devils on Thursday, Laba has impressed right from the start of rookie camp right up until this point. He’s big (6-foot-3, 213 pounds), strong, fast, smart, and very mature for a 22-year-old — who just a year ago was playing at Colorado College.

Laba has all the attributes of what you want in a 3C. He’s good on face-offs, responsible defensively and skilled offensively. It’s not that his main competitors, Juuso Parssinen and Jonny Brodzinski, have been bad in the preseason. It’s just that Laba’s been that good.

But like Perreault and Morrow, Laba would still benefit from AHL seasoning and also doesn’t require waivers to be sent down. His immediate fate could be tied to injuries further up the lineup. If J.T. Miller (lower-body injury; practiced Friday in non-contact jersey) and/or Artemi Panarin (upper-body injury; didn’t practice Friday) aren’t ready for opening night, Laba could slip into the lineup, with Parssinen on the wing, as was the case at practice Friday when Panarin didn’t participate.

3. Sign or release Conor Sheary from PTO​

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Should the Rangers decide not to sign veteran wing Conor Sheary, who’s in camp on a PTO, then Laba could make his way on to the roster as the 3C, centering Parssinen and Taylor Raddysh. The problem there is that Sheary’s been really good in the preseason, a demon on the forecheck, and productive with one goal, two assists, and a slew of prime scoring chances.

The 33-year-old also is a favorite of Sullivan’s. They won consecutive Stanley Cup championships together with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017. And the coach spoke glowingly about Sheary this week.

“I’ve coached him for a while,” Sullivan said. “I know his game pretty well, and I know what it looks like when he’s at his best. He’s a great puck-pursuit forward. He’s a dog on a bone on the puck. He knocks a lot of pucks down. He’s got a great stick. He has an offensive dimension to his game. He’s shown an ability to score some goals in this league. He can play on a second power play. I wouldn’t deem him a top-six forward in this league, but he’s a guy that can play in your top six if you need him to, because he has the offensive instincts to do it.”

Sheary moved up into the top six when Panarin was a late scratch Thursday and again at practice Friday. But he appears to be a good fit on the third line. It just feels like he’s going to make the team, likely at the expense of Brett Berard, who feels like an afterthought right now.

4. Who pairs with who on Rangers defense corps​

The Rangers are down to their seven defensemen following Morrow’s demotion. Matthew Robertson is clearly the extra here, so the regular six is set. But Sullivan and assistant David Quinn, who handles the defensemen, must finalize what the pairings look like. That shouldn’t be too difficult.

The most likely scenario has Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox as the No. 1 pair. Carson Soucy and Will Borgen have history together and been paired throughout camp and the preseason. So, they seem set as the second pair. Which leaves Urho Vaakanainen and Braden Schneider on the third pair again, despite the chatter about moving Schneider up into the top four.

5. Rangers likely to trim roster to 22 players before opening night​

Since the defense corps and two goalie are set, the Rangers must trim from the forward group to get down to 23 players. However, general manager Chris Drury’s preference typically is to carry 22 players on the roster.

That would mean carrying 13 forwards. Assuming Panarin and Miller are healthy, that leaves Laba, Sheary, Berard, and Brodzinski competing for two spots. Brodzinski, who plays wing and center, proved the past couple seasons he’s a really good fit as the 13th (extra) forward. If the Rangers sign Sheary to a standard NHL contract, that would mean two more kids head back to Hartford. If Sheary is released, it would be difficult to see Laba not making the team (with Parssinen shifting to the wing).

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-assign-perreault-morrow-to-ahl/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Bruins: Lineups, storylines, how to watch preseason finale

Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesBob DeChiara-Imagn Images

In the midst of a team-building trip, the New York Rangers will also find time to play their final preseason game Saturday, when they visit the Boston Bruins in a matinee at TD Garden.

The “excursion,” as coach Mike Sullivan called it, is a weekend getaway for the Rangers at the end of training camp and before they prepare for the regular-season opener Tuesday against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“We’ve got a window of opportunity for a couple of days where we’ve got a chance to spend some time together, get to know one another a little bit better, and hopefully come together as a team,” Sullivan explained Friday.

As for the preseason finale, that too holds significance. The result won’t matter, but the Rangers still want to build chemistry on the ice and sort out the lineup before the regular season begins.

The Rangers (2-2-1) come off a 3-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday, They followed that up by assigning top prospects Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow to Hartford of the American Hockey League on Friday. That leaves the roster at 24 players, one over the 23-man limit to begin the season.

Artemi Panarin is out with an upper-body injury after recently getting over a lower-body issue. The star winger didn’t practice Friday and enters the 2025-26 campaign without playing a single preseason game.

J.T. Miller is questionable to play Saturday. He’s battling a lower-body injury, though the Rangers captain returned to practice Friday wearing a no-contact jersey.

“We’re trying to err on the side of caution with these guys,” Sullivan explained after practice Friday. “Artemi skated this morning before the team skated, and so it’s not that he’s not on the ice. He is. We’ll continue to rehab him and go through a return-to-play process that he’s been going through. We’re hopeful that he’ll be ready (for opening night). He’s certainly making strides.

“The fact that [Miller] joined the team today is a real encouraging sign. It’s hard for me to put a time frame on when the red jersey is going to come off, but I don’t anticipate it being long.”

Sam Carrick, who missed the game against the Devils with a lower-body injury, practiced Friday and is expected to play against the Bruins (3-1-1), who defeated the Rangers 5-4 in overtime on Sept. 23.

3 storylines when Rangers visit Bruins​

1. Final impressions​

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

If Panarin and Miller are healthy and able to play Tuesday against the Penguins, the Rangers likely will cut two forwards following the preseason finale. That would give them 13 forwards (one extra) and 22 players overall. General manager Chris Drury prefers carrying 22 players as opposed to 23 to save salary cap space.

However, the health of Panarin and Miller factor into the equation should one or both not be available when the puck drops on the regular season.

Sullivan will watch rookie center Noah Laba closely against the Bruins. The 22-year-old likely did enough to earn a roster spot with his strong two-way play in the preseason that includes a team-high five points (one goal, four assists). But it’s a numbers game and Laba can be sent to the minors without clearing waivers. That’s a big deal and is why, in part, Perreault and Morrow, didn’t land roster spots.

With Panarin out, Conor Sheary — in camp on a PTO — gets a look in the top six. It’s his last chance to show the Rangers he deserves an NHL contract and a roster spot. If Miller doesn’t play, either Jonny Brodzinski or Brett Berard draws in against the Bruins, to make another case to stick around.

2. Igor! Igor!​

Igor Shesterkin starts in goal for the Rangers, after Sullivan explained earlier in the week that “spacing” between starts three days before the season opener is the reason why the No. 1 gets the call here and not Thursday against the Devils.

Shesterkin’s been terrific in his first two preseason starts, allowing two goals on 33 shots (1.72 goals-against average, .932 save percentage). The 29-year-old will go the distance Saturday, and another solid showing will foster a feel-good vibe going into the Penguins game Tuesday.

Igor’s on a mission after a sub-par — by his standards — season in 2024-25. He’s also now the highest-paid goalie in the NHL and, simply, the most important player on the Rangers. Seeing him at the top of his game lifts everyone on the roster,

3. Finish strong​

It’d be nice to close out the preseason schedule with a win. More importantly, the Rangers want to play a smart, well-structured game to use as a springboard into their centennial season.

Speaking of finishing strong, something to keep an eye on is that the Rangers have been outscored 10-0 in the third period this preseason. They’ve allowed at least one third-period goal in each of their first five preseason games, and blew three third-period leads (1-1-1).

Nikita Zadorov completes the comeback OT win

What a game. pic.twitter.com/zFmuXRF4EC

— NESN (@NESN) September 24, 2025

When these teams met at Madison Square Garden in September, the Rangers surrendered three goals in the third period to let a 4-1 lead slip away. Nikita Zadorov scored the winner in overtime, Boston’s fourth consecutive goal of the night.

The Rangers prefer to avoid that this time and finish the preseason with a strong third period, a spart of a solid overall showing.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Conor Sheary — Vincent Trocheck — Alexis Lafreniere

Will Cuylle — J.T. Miller — Mika Zibanejad

Juuso Parssinen — Noah Laba — Taylor Raddysh

Adam Edstrom — Sam Carrick — Matt Rempe

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox

Carson Soucy — Will Borgen

Urho Vaakanainen — Braden Schneider

Igor Shesterkin

Jonathan Quick

Rangers vs. Bruins: When, where, what time, how to watch​

Who: New York Rangers at Boston Bruins

When: Saturday, Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. ET

Where: TD Garden

How to watch: MSG

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

 

[New York Rangers]

Brandon Halverson joins AHL-bound ex-Rangers after clearing waivers

Jean-Yves Ahern-Imagn ImagesJean-Yves Ahern-Imagn Images

Brandon Halverson, a goaltender selected by the New York Rangers two rounds before Igor Shesterkin in the 2014 NHL Draft, was assigned to Syracuse of the American Hockey League by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday after clearing waivers, joining a number of ex-Blueshirts who’ve gone through the waiver wire in the past week.

The Rangers selected Halverson in the second round (No. 59 overall) in 2014, then chose Shesterkin in the fourth round (No. 118). Shesterkin came to North America from Russia in 2019 and had become one of the NHL’s top goaltenders; Halverson made one appearance in relief for the Rangers in a 6-3 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Feb. 17, 2018.

The Rangers let him become a free agent in 2019, and he didn’t resurface in the NHL until last season. Halverson’s second NHL appearance, and first start, came with the Lightning on March 22, when he allowed five goals in a 6-4 road loss to the Utah Hockey Club (now the Utah Mammoth).

Peter Creveling-Imagn Images

With starter Andrei Vasilevskiy sidelined due to injury for much of training camp, Halverson made three appearances for the Lightning during the preseason, going 2-0-0 with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .917 save percentage. But Tampa Bay claimed goalie Pheonix Copley on waivers from the Washington Capitals earlier this week, and Halverson is headed back to Syracuse, the Bolts’ AHL affiliate.

Halverson was an AHL All-Star last season with the Crunch and was a co-winner of the Harry “Hap” Holmes Memorial Award for allowing the fewest goals in the AHL.

Brandon Halverson, Ryan Graves among ex-Rangers waived​

Another Rangers draft pick, defenseman Ryan Graves, is also likely headed for the AHL after he was placed on waivers Saturday by the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Rangers’ opponent on opening night at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

The Rangers selected Graves in the fourth round (No. 110) in the 2013 draft. But he never made it to Broadway: After nearly three seasons with AHL Hartford, the Rangers traded him to the Colorado Avalanche for Chris Bigras on Feb. 26, 2018.

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Graves joined the Avs for 26 games in the 2018-19 season, then led the NHL in plus-minus (plus-40) in 2019-20. Colorado traded him to the New Jersey Devils in July 2021, and he played two solid seasons in Newark before the Penguins signed him to a six-year, $27 million contract ($4.5 million average annual value, according to PuckPedia) in July 2023.

But the 6-5, 227-pound defenseman’s time in Pittsburgh hasn’t worked out, to say the least. His struggles have been among the reasons the Pens have failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the last three seasons – and the term and money left on his contract make him almost untradeable. He’s likely to spend the season in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

The Buffalo Sabres waived two former Rangers, defenseman Zac Jones and center Jake Leschyshyn, on Sunday. Jones signed with the Sabres as a free agent this summer after the Rangers didn’t make him an offer. He had 11 points (one goal, 10 assists) in 46 games with the Blueshirts last season. Leschyshyn, son of longtime NHL defenseman Curtis Leschyshyn, spent all of last season in Hartford but had small stints with the Rangers in each of the previous two seasons.

Bob Frid-Imagn Images

One of the Rangers’ worst draft picks in recent years, forward Vitali Kravtsov, was waived by the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday; he cleared and was assigned to Abbotsford of the AHL. The Rangers took the Russian forward with the No. 9 pick in 2018, but he had just 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 48 games with New York before being traded to the Canucks in February 2023.

Kravtsov played 16 games in Vancouver before spending the past two seasons in the KHL, then signed with the Canucks in August after a 27-goal, 58-point season with Chelyabinsk Traktor in 2024-25.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/halverson-graves-ahl-bound/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers Daily: Preseason wraps up; Gavin McKenna impresses in NCAA debut

Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesEric Canha-Imagn Images

A mixed bag of a preseason is over. The New York Rangers are two days away from opening up their centennial season, when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

They have a day off Sunday, part of their weekend retreat to New England. Team-building is at the heart of the getaway, something coach Mike Sullivan discussed with the leadership group over the summer.

The Rangers closed out their preseason schedule with a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins at TD Garden on Saturday afternoon. This time it was another painfully slow start which doomed the Rangers. At least it wasn’t another terrible third period that cost them — the Rangers were out-scored 10-0 in preseason third periods prior to Saturday.

The Mitts on display. pic.twitter.com/SrmjtMJ2qw

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) October 4, 2025

What the Rangers didn’t do in their 2-3-1 preseason is play a full 60 minutes of representative hockey in any of those six games. Perhaps, the 5-3 win in Newark against the Devils in the preseason opener. Certainly not since.

Is that a concern? Yes and no.

At the end of the day, preseason results don’t matter. And no one should be in a panic about stats, especially when it comes to lineup regulars, who are simply shedding the rust and prepping for when the games count.

However, the Rangers looked mighty disjointed at times, and some of the old habits (ie: blown third-period leads) raise PTSD levels after their heinous play just a year ago. The absences of Artemi Panarin and J.T. Miller didn’t help the lineup cohesion. Moreover, their injuries are cause for at least mild concern at this point.

Panarin didn’t appear in a single preseason game, first because of a lower-body injury and then with an upper-body issue. Miller played one game — and scored a goal — but has his own lower-body injury.

“We’re trying to err on the side of caution with these guys,” Sullivan explained after practice Friday.

Panarin skated on his own Friday and Miller wore a no-contact jersey in his return to Rangers practice the same day. Sullivan remains optimistic about both being ready Tuesday. We’ll see.

Most importantly, training camp is over. The preseason is complete.

When the Rangers show up to practice Monday, it’s Game On. The 2025-26 journey officially begins Tuesday.

New York Rangers news and analysis​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Here are our key Rangers takeaways from a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins in their preseason finale.

So, what’s next for the Rangers, who have some big roster decisions to make now that the preseason is over.

ICYMI: Mike Sullivan and the Rangers have a serious “balancing act” to consider when it comes to making roster decisions on their young players and prospects.

NHL news and rumors​

Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

NHL.com: Nick Cotsonika reports how Gavin McKenna, expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, had himself quite the successful season-opening weekend for Penn State.

Minnesota Sports Fan: The Minnesota Wild locked up goalie Filip Gustavsson with a five-year, $34 million contract.

Forever Blueshirts: Ryan Graves was one of several former Rangers to land on the waiver wire and/or clear waivers this week, when the Pittsburgh Penguins placed the defenseman on waivers Sturday.

Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning combined for a whopping 65 penalties totaling 312 PIM in their preseason finale, a a 7-0 Panthers win.

Sportsnet: Cole Perfetti is being evaluated for a lower-body injury by the Winnipeg Jets and could miss significant time.

Front Office Sports: The Dallas Stars are considering future arena options, including one in Plano, when their lease runs out at American Airlines Center in 2031.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...rs-training-camp-insights-preseason-analysis/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers 2025-26 fortunes most linked to Igor Shesterkin success

Eric Canha-Imagn ImagesEric Canha-Imagn Images

Though Igor Shesterkin is the highest-paid goalie in NHL history, with a contract that has an average annual value of $11.5 million, he’s coming off a down season by his lofty standards. In fact, the New York Rangers’ No. 1 netminder has seen his goals-against average rise and save percentage drop in each of the past three seasons. And it’s possible that no team in the League is more dependent on its goalie in order to contend for a playoff berth than the Rangers.

Oddly, though, Shesterkin flew almost completely under the radar during this just-completed training camp and preseason.

Instead, the focus was elsewhere. There’s a new high-profile coach, Mike Sullivan. J.T. Miller was named captain — and then sustained a lower-body injury. Artemi Panarin didn’t appear in a single preseason game due to injuries. The kids — Noah Laba, Gabe Perreault, and Scott Morrow — were the three most talked about players in camp. And bounce-back performances were expected from Mika Zibanejad, Alexis Lafreniere and Adam Fox.

Shesterkin was more or less an afterthought.

But the Rangers won’t return to the postseason unless Shesterkin reverses some concerning trends. With the 2022 Vezina Trophy winner’s monster eight-year, $92 million extension kicking in this season, the Rangers need the 29-year-old to return to the spectacular form that earned him that record-setting contract.

Igor Shesterkin’s effectiveness has fallen for the past three seasons​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

It’s important to note that Shesterkin was not exactly bad last season. He saved 21.6 goals above expected, seventh-best in the League, per Money Puck. His six shutouts were tied for second-most in the NHL. Yet his 2.86 GAA was the highest of his career; and his .905 save percentage was far and away the worst of six NHL seasons.

Shesterkin put together one of the best seasons by a goalie in NHL history in 2021-22, leading the League with a .935 save percentage and a 2.07 GAA. Some regression was of course expected from those heights, but in the three seasons since, his save percentage fell to .916 in 2022-23, .912 the following season and .905 last season. His GAA jumped to 2.48 in 2022-23, then 2.58 the next season before rising to his career-worst mark in 2024-25.

Shesterkin’s results, of course, must be qualified by the fact that the Rangers simply have never been an elite defensive team during his six-season career. That’s why he’s been as crucial to his club’s fortunes as any goalie in the NHL. The Rangers don’t get anywhere near the 2022 and 2024 Eastern Conference Finals without his brilliance. Shesterkin’s often-spectacular work in net, consistently covering up for defensive breakdowns, has been the No. 1 reason the Rangers have been a playoff contender during the past four seasons.

Last season, Shesterkin faced the most shots (1,751) and made the most saves (1,584) in the NHL, playing for a team that gave up 3.11 goals per game, 14th-most among the 32 teams. Despite the lack of support from his teammates, the player whose consistency and focus has been a hallmark of his play seemed to show cracks at times.

Whether Shesterkin was worn down mentally and/or physically by having to constantly keep his defensively-challenged team in games — he also made 61 starts and played 3,505 minutes, each a career high — isn’t known. Perhaps Sullivan’s demand for increased commitment to team defense — along with key new personnel — will go a long way to help Shesterkin at least somewhat resemble his 2021-22 self as he gets set to enter his 30s.

Sullivan, general manager Chris Drury’s long-preferred coach, was hired in large part to clean up New York’s chronic goal-prevention failings. The club struggled badly last season with former coach Peter Laviolette’s hybrid man/zone approach in its own end. Sullivan’s zone system, which emphasizes pushing play to the perimeter and then winning puck battles in the defensive zone, should better suit this roster and, in theory, tighten things up in front of Shesterkin.

The thinking is that if the Rangers give Shesterkin even just a little more consistent help, he’s capable of handling the rest as an elite goalie in the middle of his prime.

Arrivals of Mike Sullivan, Vladislav Gavrikov might help Igor Shesterkin’s game​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Of course, it’s not as if Sullivan has been asked much, if anything, about this during camp. There’s a sense that Shesterkin’s return to elite form is all but a given. For the sake of the Rangers, who made what was a necessary but huge financial bet on that happening, they better hope so.

The addition of free-agent defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov should be a major help to Shesterkin and the Rangers. Signed to a seven-year, $49 million contract July 1, Gavrikov is expected to team with Fox and solidify the top pair. Though plenty of questions about the blue line remain beyond that duo, Gavrikov should help settle down a group that often collapsed last season.

While it’s tough to judge the meaning of preseason results for netminders, it’s worth noting that Shesterkin was very good in his first two starts, giving up one goal in each, before he allowed three goals on 15 shots in the preseason finale, a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday.

The Rangers won’t be back in the Stanley Cup Playoffs after missing them last season if Zibanejad and Lafreniere don’t rediscover their past form. They won’t be back if they can’t find more offensive production from the bottom-six forward group, or if Fox continues to look a step slow and chaos continues to reign in their own zone.

Even if Sullivan and his staff can fix all of that, however, it won’t matter if the club’s most important player can’t reverse what has been slow but steadily sinking effectiveness. Without Shesterkin at his best, all of the higher-profile storylines from this Rangers camp will become secondary. In that case, the new coach will surely face plenty of questions from the media about the highest-paid goalie in history — one who holds the biggest key to whether Sullivan’s tenure on Broadway will be a success.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/igor-shesterkin-rangers-playoff-hope/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers preseason: The winners, losers, and everything in between

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The New York Rangers concluded a six-game preseason on Saturday afternoon in somewhat underwhelming fashion, falling 4-1 to the Boston Bruins. New York finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with five points and a 2-3-1 record, dropping four of their last five contests.

But in the preseason, wins and losses often take a back seat to the eye test, with line chemistry, key positional races, and rookies trying to make the varsity taking on greater importance.

The Rangers find themselves at a pivotal crossroads entering the 2025-26 season. With the hiring of two-time Stanley Cup champion head coach Mike Sullivan, New York seeks redemption after they failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four years. At the same time, there’s pressure to develop a promising young core — headlined by 2023 first-round pick Gabe Perreault — and usher in a new era of Rangers hockey.

Accomplishing both will be a tricky tight-rope to navigate for the Rangers, putting the preseason battle between the exciting yet inexperienced youngsters and seasoned, less flashy veterans under a microscope.

Of course, the preseason isn’t always an accurate indicator of regular-season success. It was but two years ago that Alexis Lafreniere and Jonathan Quick floundered in camp, only for the former to post career highs in goals and points, and the latter enjoyed a resurgent season as New York’s backup goalie.

With that in mind, here are the winners and losers from the Rangers exhibition slate.

Winner — Noah Laba​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

The 22-year-old center is the talk of the town — and for good reason. The fourth-round pick from 2022 burst onto the scene in his first NHL training camp, leading the Rangers with six points in six games and tying Perreault for the team lead with two goals.

Beyond his point-per-game pace, Laba played a complete 200-foot game and appeared to be a capable penalty killer as well. Though their profiles don’t perfectly align, it’s reminiscent of Will Cuylle’s 2023-24 preseason, when the then-20-year-old forward led the Blueshirts in points and earned a top-nine role to begin the regular season.

Congratulations to Noah Laba on winning the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award, given annually to the top #NYR rookie in training camp as selected by the media. pic.twitter.com/gxBm8nVm8q

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 6, 2025

Laba’s path to starting on opening day is clouded by a handful of veterans, one of whom would need to pass through waivers to create space on the roster for the exciting youngster. While it would be exciting to see him get run from the jump, the alternative — first line reps alongside Perrault in the AHL — isn’t too bad either. Regardless, Laba left a lasting impression this preseason and has all but cemented an NHL call-up this season, whether it be right now or somewhere down the road.

Winner — Gabe Perreault​

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Sure, Perreault starts his first pro season in the minors, but the 20-year-old made a solid first impression on Sullivan and the Rangers coaching staff. The 2023 first-rounder didn’t shy away from the dirty areas of the ice, won puck battles along the boards and in the corners, displayed high-end skill and hockey IQ, and had four points (two goals, two assists) in five games.

Perreault will only benefit from playing major minutes in Hartford. And he’ll be back to help the Rangers at some point this season. Count on it.

Winners — Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Fox and Gavrikov were tethered at the hip during training camp, working as New York’s top defense pair. Each was productive in the preseason — Fox tallied a pair of assists, while Gavrikov netted a goal and led the Rangers with a plus-3 rating. Stats aside, this preseason confirmed the enticing prospect of pairing New York’s best playmaker on the blue line with an elite shutdown defenseman.

It’s easy to see why the Rangers signed Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million free-agent deal in the offseason. The 29-year-old seems the perfect fit to bring out the best in Fox, the 2020-21 Norris Trophy winner who’s looking to bounce back from somewhat of a down season in 2024-25 — at least by his elite standards.

The two looked compatible in preseason action, and if Gavrikov doesn’t lose a step from his days with the Los Angeles Kings, he’ll be far and away the best partner Fox has played with in the NHL. No offense to Ryan Lindgren but Gavrikov has a higher offensive ceiling and graded out as one of the top defensive defensemen last season. There are plenty of questions surrounding New York’s blue line, but the No. 1 pair shouldn’t be one of them.

Winner — Conor Sheary​

Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

After failing to lock down a consistent NHL role with the Tampa Bay Lightning the past two seasons, Conor Sheary joined the Rangers for training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). The undersized (5-foot-8) forward was a pleasant surprise this preseason, notching a goal and two assists in four games.

Moreover, the 33-year-old displayed a non-stop motor and ability to play both sides of the puck effectively. That could make him a solid third-line addition. But Sheary’s not a lock to make the NHL roster, and has considerably less upside than some of New York’s prospects. He is an intriguing option nonetheless. Sheary spent the better part of three seasons playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins under Sullivan, helping them win consecutive Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017. That familiarity could make the difference as to whether Sheary lands a standard NHL contract or not.

Loser — Brennan Othmann​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Brennan Othmann showed improvement after a rough preseason debut, but it wasn’t enough to land a spot on the opening-night roster. The 2021 first-round pick appeared in 22 games across the final three months of the 2024-25 season, and while his stats (two assists) left plenty to be desired, the hope was that Othmann would earn a spot in the top nine this season, particularly after the offseason trade of Chris Kreider.

The most interesting cut is Othmann. I'm a little surprised they're doing it now, but the writing has been on the wall. He's fallen behind Berard, Perreault and Sheary for what likely amounts to one spot. It's a numbers game that will result in most kids starting in the AHL #NYR https://t.co/xoBxJVWAZe

— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) September 30, 2025

Instead, Othmann starts the 2025-26 season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the AHL, just as he did the prior two campaigns. It’s not the end of the world for a once-lauded prospect who’s still only 22 years old, but it certainly feels like a letdown. Othmann was sent down before Perreault, Laba, and Brett Berard, indicating he might not be one of the first call-ups either.

Loser — Matt Rempe​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

For all his warts, Matt Rempe proved himself an effective and valuable fourth-liner for the Rangers in the second half of last season. Unfortunately, some of his inconvenient flaws persist as he enters his third NHL season.

Rempe appeared in five of six games, recording a team-worst rating of minus-five this preseason. New York was out-chanced 16-to-28 with Rempe on the ice, the fourth-worst percentage of any Rangers skater. Issues with puck control and stringing together passes linger as well.

Rempe’s best assets remain his size (6-foot-9), physicality, work ethic, eagerness, and surprisingly good skating ability. But his role in the fourth line may remain inconsistent until he tightens up the other areas of his game.

Loser — The defense corps​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The loss Saturday in Boston was a less-than-ideal showing, especially with the entirety of New York’s projected blue line in action. The Rangers overcommitted on multiple plays, leaving the net-front open for the Bruins to capitalize.

Braden Schneider, returning from labrum surgery, posted the fourth-worst xGF percentage on the team. Urho Vaakanainen and Will Borgen both sat under 50 percent in the same metric. Outside of Fox and Gavrikov, the Rangers defense corps could be a significant problem, and this preseason did little to alleviate any concerns.

In between — Juuso Parssinen​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

When the Rangers shipped Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey to the Colorado Avalanche before the 2025 NHL trade deadline, Juuso Parssinen was part of the return package. While many fans clamor for Laba to land the third-line center role, it feels like it’s always been Parssinen’s job to lose.

Parssinen didn’t dazzle in preseason like Laba, but he’s put together a solid enough stretch nonetheless, tallying a goal and an assist — and playing decent defensively — in five games. He’s got good size at 6-foot-3 and, despite being drafted back in 2017, is just 24 years old. Parssinen wasn’t particularly memorable in 11 games with the Blueshirts last season so the leash could be short, especially after Laba’s emergence, but he’s probably worth another look in the NHL to see if he can put his tools to use. It doesn’t hurt that he’s versatile and can also play on the wing.

In between — Scott Morrow​

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Scott Morrow was an exciting return piece from the Carolina Hurricanes in the K’Andre Miller trade this summer, just 23 years old and fresh off an All-Star campaign in the AHL. The No. 40 overall pick from the 2021 draft has good puck skills and profiles as a quarterback for the second power-play unit.

Despite some valid excitement surrounding his arrival and potential role in the NHL, Morrow was assigned to Hartford along with Perreault on Friday. Morrow had a decent preseason, notching two points (one goal, one assist) and was minus-two in five games.

Though disappointing that a talented puck mover couldn’t earn a spot out of a camp, he’ll log valuable minutes with the Wolf Pack and likely run the top power-play unit. It’s also worth noting that, barring an injury to one of New York’s right-shot defensemen, Morrow’s promotion would likely force Schneider to his off (left) side. While Sullivan doesn’t seem to be against that, he’s opting to start the year with Schneider on his dominant side and Vaakanainen to his left.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...is/new-york-rangers-preseason-winners-losers/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers preview, predictions for 2025-26 NHL season

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

There are plenty of reasons for the New York Rangers to feel reasonably good heading into the 2025-26 season. Not the least of which is that this season can’t be nearly as dysfunctional and disappointing as the previous one.

The 2024-25 campaign was an all-timer, for sure. Just for all the wrong reasons, though. If it could go wrong — on or off the ice — it did a year ago. From general manager Chris Drury completely misreading the room, to Peter Laviolette not having any answers for the team-wide faceplant, to trades and roster upheaval and poor effort and simply putrid play … well, we could go on, but you get the idea.

It was a complete mess for the Rangers last season.

But now there’s a new coach, a new captain, and an apparent fresh start that’s embraced by everyone from Drury on down through the organization. “No BS” is their motto.

The Mike Sullivan bump, a full season of J.T. Miller leading the way with his no-nonsense approach, and expected bounce backs by key players should be enough to vault the Rangers right back into the mix this season. Remember, as bad as the Rangers were in 2024-25 (39-36-7; 85 points), they only missed the postseason by six points.

Rangers season preview: Path to success​

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Of course, they’ll need to start — and finish — games better this season. In fact, sprinkling in more than a handful of complete 60-minute efforts should go a long way because those were few and far between last season.

Sullivan, a former Rangers assistant, and Miller, a former first-round pick by the Rangers, aren’t the only old faces back in the organization. David Quinn, fired as Rangers coach four years ago in Drury’s first major move as general manager, returns as Sullivan’s assistant.

Quinn’s in charge of the power play and the defensemen — two of the club’s biggest areas of weakness from the previous campaign. The Rangers dropped to 28th in the League on the power play (17.6 percent) and 19th in team defense (3.11 goals allowed per game) in 2024-25. They were third on the power play the season prior (26.4 percent) and seventh in team defense (2.76 GAA).

The power play grew stale last season, and returns the same PP1 unit — minus Chris Kreider. Perhaps, Quinn will work in a new wrinkle or two. More TOI for the second unit — with Will Cuylle, Alexis Lafreniere, Braden Schneider, Conor Sheary, and Matt Rempe (!) to start the season — would be a novel approach.

Vladislav Gavrikov scores his first preseason goal as a @NYRangers shorthanded!@KennyAlbert | #NYR pic.twitter.com/W3bub121Ph

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) September 24, 2025

The addition of Vladislav Gavrikov bolsters the defense corps, and should free up Adam Fox to do his thing offensively 5v5, each a major positive. If Igor Shesterkin doesn’t face the most shots in the League this season playing behind a Keystone Cops defense — minus the laugh track — there’s a good bet he’ll return to form as one of — if not the — best goalies in the NHL.

In a season of retribution for the Rangers, rebounds by Shesterkin, Fox, Lafreniere, Carson Soucy, Jonathan Quick, and (especially) Mika Zibanejad are paramount. Cuylle must take the next step as a top-six forward after his first 20-goal season. And breakouts from Noah Laba, Schneider, Rempe, and Juuso Parssinen would be most welcome.

Noah Laba scores the overtime winner as he continues to impress in his preseason with the Rangers.@NYRangers | #NYR pic.twitter.com/bPYXvo61EM

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) September 30, 2025

Vincent Trocheck? He just needs to keep doing all that he does. Trocheck’s an invaluable two-way player for the Rangers, one of the best face-off men in the League, and an important member of the leadership group.

Keep an eye on the kids. Laba, Gabe Perreault, and Scott Morrow were the talk of training camp. Even though the latter two begin the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League — as do Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard — there’s a good chance that the Rangers youngsters will get a chance to contribute this season. The improved depth in New York and Hartford this season is a big plus for the Rangers.

Rangers season preview: Red flags ahead of centennial campaign​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

There are concerns for the Rangers heading into their centennial season, though. Their forward group is top heavy, and most of those key players are age 32 or older. Artemi Panarin, who turns 34 in late October and is the Rangers most consistent and dynamic offensive threat, missed all of the preseason with a pair of injuries. Miller, 32, sustained a non-contact lower-body injury in camp and played just one preseason game. Zibanejad is also 32 and his production slipped significantly the past two seasons.

The defense corps doesn’t inspire a lot of faith after the top pair of Gavrikov and Fox. Schneider is a key here. The 24-year-old had surgery to repair a torn labrum and is a full go, hopefully to return to his physical “Baby Trouba” style of play, with more minutes promised by Sullivan. The Rangers are also banking on Urho Vaakanainen being a sleeper, overlooked by many but a consistent regular contributor on the back end. They also hope steady Will Borgen can bring out the best in Soucy, his defense partner back in their days together with the Seattle Kraken.

They say old habits die hard, so the Rangers must hope that their third-period failures during the preseason are not a carryover from last season. If so, they’re in trouble. The Rangers were outscored 10-0 in the third periods from the their first five preseason games, and blew three third-period leads, including two multi-goal leads. Of course, neither Shesterkin nor Quick was in goal for any of those meltdowns, but it’s worth watching if this trend becomes an uncomfortable fixture in the regular season.

Forever Blueshirts staff predictions for Rangers in 2025-26 season​

Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Jim Cerny – Executive Editor​

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 6th in Eastern Conference; Lose second round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

It’s not always going to be pretty, but the Rangers will be far steadier this season than a year ago. Minus the off-ice drama, the Rangers should settle in to play a more consistent game under Sullivan. It’s a somewhat flawed roster, but there’s still plenty of talent on it. A more successful power play, combined with Shesterkin’s brilliance between the pipes again will be at the heart of New York’s success. Gavrikov will greatly impact the Rangers on the back end, where they needed the most help. Fox should thrive with Gavrikov as his steady partner 5v5. And the kids will provide a spark when called on. The Metro is a good — not great division. The Rangers will eke out a spot in the division’s top three and win a round in the postseason, before the Carolina Hurricanes finally get over the hump and defeat them in Round 2.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Hurricanes

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

John Kreiser — Senior Writer​

Rangers: 4th in Metro; 9th in Eastern Conference; Miss Stanley Cup Playoffs

The playoff pickings are pretty slim for the Rangers. The Hurricanes are loaded and will likely outlast the New Jersey Devils for first in the Metropolitan Division. The Atlantic Division is a lot stronger than the Metro, and as was the case last season, should be home to the two wild cards (likely from among the Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings). The two-time defending champion Florida Panthers should have enough to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs despite missing star center Aleksander Barkov for the whole season with a knee injury. The Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs should also make the top three in the division.

Bringing in Sullivan behind the bench will help the Rangers; his defensive system seems a much better fit than Laviolette’s. Shesterkin is an elite goaltender, Fox is a top-five defenseman and the top two lines have plenty of firepower (assuming Panarin and Miller are healthy). The Rangers are better than the two Pennsylvania teams and (probably) the Islanders. But to get into the playoffs, they’ll also have to be better than the defending division champion Washington Capitals and the young-but-talented Columbus Blue Jackets, who finished ahead of them last season. It’s not impossible, but it won’t be easy.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Golden Knights defeat Hurricanes

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Cale Makar

Tom Castro — Staff Writer​

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 8th in Eastern Conference; Lose first round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

There’s every reason to believe the Rangers will be better this season after last season’s crash from Presidents Trophy winners in 2023-24 to missing the playoffs. Sullivan, Drury’s long-sought coach, is a difference-maker behind the bench, and he’ll inherit what should be a much better mood in the dressing room than what the Blueshirts experienced a year ago. A full season with Miller, the newly-minted captain, setting a more physical, no-nonsense tone should also help, especially if he can continue to bring the best out of expected linemate Zibanejad. The defense also has a chance to perform at a higher level thanks to the addition of Gavrikov. And the Rangers are counting on a return to elite form from Fox, with whom Gavrikov is expected to pair. The roster, however, remains flawed, with significant doubt surrounding the third line in particular. If Shesterkin can also improve his performance after playing at least somewhat below his usual lofty standards last season, and Sullivan and his staff can tighten up the team defense, the Rangers should be back in the playoffs, even if they’re not the Stanley Cup contenders of two seasons ago.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Lightning

Rangers MVP: Igor Shesterkin

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

Lou Orlando — Staff Writer​

Rangers: 3rd in Metro; 5th in Eastern Conference; Lose Eastern Conference Final

Over the last decade, the Rangers have a pretty good track record during the inaugural season of a new head coach. I expect that to continue as Sullivan takes the helm and introduces a fresh system to a familiar core. New York will return to the postseason, clinching a top-three spot in the Metro. While I don’t have the Rangers vying for a Presidents’ Trophy, a full season of Miller and a Norris Trophy-winning campaign from Fox will ensure a bounce back from the maaive disappointment last season. It could be an uneven product to start, but the injection of some young blood into the lineup — including Laba — will be enough of a spark to fuel a strong second half. A Stanley Cup championship is a long shot, but I can see the Blueshirts knocking off their Metro rivals to reach the Eastern Conference Final for the third time in five seasons.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Stars defeat Panthers

Rangers MVP: Adam Fox

NHL MVP: Kirill Kaprizov

Jennifer O’Regan — Features Writer​

Rangers: 4th in Metro; 7th in Eastern Conference; Lose second round of Stanley Cup Playoffs

I believe the Rangers are set up to claw their way back into serious playoff contention in 2025–26. The question is whether they can stabilize around a core that underperformed last season. Shesterkin’s rebound is nonnegotiable — if he can return to form, the ceiling rises fast. The offense still has upside, especially if Cuylle continues to grow into a full-time top-six role. The defense, now bolstered by Gavrikov, needs to sustain structure in Sullivan’s system. If all those pieces click, I see New York not just sneaking in as a wild-card but possibly winning a round in the postseason. But there’s no room for sloppy nights or mental lapses. In a loaded Metro, the margin for error is razor-thin.

Metro champion: Hurricanes

Stanley Cup champion: Avalanche defeat Panthers

Rangers MVP: Will Cuylle

NHL MVP: Connor McDavid

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/new-york-rangers-2025-26-season-preview/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Mika Zibanejad is Rangers biggest X-factor this season

Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesSam Navarro-Imagn Images

A whole bunch of things need to go right — or at least better than a year ago — for the New York Rangers to play their way back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. And Mika Zibanejad is a massive part of that equation.

So much so, in fact, that Zibanejad feels like the true X-factor for the Rangers this season.

Zibanejad isn’t exactly a typical selection for that distinction. He’s a star player, one of the best on the Rangers. Usually, a team knows what it’s going to get from its best players.

But it’s different with Zibanejad, especially this season. That’s because — outside of goalie Igor Shesterkin — no one affects the Rangers more than their longest tenured current player. And since there’s been a fairly wild swing of extremes with Zibanejad, the Rangers can’t say for sure they know which player — and leader — they’ll get this season.

Hence, X-factor.

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

When Zibanejad is going good, you can see and feel his teammates feed off his positive energy. He makes those around him better, and there’s a definite fun, cool vibe when he and the Rangers are crushing it. When Zibanejad is right, so are the Rangers. He’s that influential on and off the ice.

The power play hums when he’s on. The Rangers play their best 5v5 when Zibanejad’s engaged in all three zones. He’s a tone-setter. Think of the first two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024 as the latest best example of that.

But when he’s off his game, Zibanejad drags down the rest of his teammates. There’s a distinct cause and effect. That certainly happened in the 2024 Eastern Conference Final, when the Florida Panthers turned him into a non-factor.

The most negative example is what took place last season, when Zibanejad carried resentment toward management and hurt feelings out on to the ice with him. His body language was atrocious. So, too was his effort on many nights. And his production dropped to a seven-season low.

The Rangers? Their power play was an eye-sore, they couldn’t get out of their own way defensively, lack of effort was a hallmark more often than not, and they missed the playoffs for the first time four years.

Coincidence? Think not.

There’s a reason Mike Sullivan made it priority No. 1 to win over Zibanejad after being named Rangers coach in May, flying to Sweden for a face-to-face get-to-know-you. Or why the coach elected to start the season with Zibanejad on J.T. Miller’s line, per the players’ wishes.

Zibanejad is the X-factor.

Jonathan Quick, Matt Rempe among other X-factor candidates for Rangers​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

There are other Rangers who fit the bill as an X-factor this season.

For instance, they need Jonathan Quick to bounce back and be a better version of himself as the No. 2 goalie. If the 39-year-old complements Shesterkin to the level he did in 2023-24, during the Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, it sets the Rangers up as a legit playoff contender.

Will Cuylle, Alexis Lafreniere, and/or Braden Schneider taking that next big step in their development makes each an X-factor candidate. If Noah Laba locks down the 3C role in his rookie season, he’s on the short list, too. Ditto if one of the kids starting the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League gets the call and sparks the Rangers at some point in the season. That’s you Gabe Perreault, Scott Morrow, Brett Berard, and Brennan Othmann.

Matt Rempe? Yeah, there’s another candidate. Especially if he can spark the second power-play unit with his towering net-front presence, and continue to improve as an even-strength force.

Each of these players factors in to the ultimate success or failure of the Rangers this season. But none holds more power, more sway, or a wider variance of what direction things go for the Rangers than Zibanejad.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/x-factor-mika-zibanejad-new-york-rangers/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers have ‘long way to go’ after opening-night clunker

Brad Penner-Imagn ImagesBrad Penner-Imagn Images

Mike Sullivan learned a painful lesson Tuesday night as he watched the New York Rangers turn in a lackluster effort in his first game as their coach.

“My first impression is we have a long way to go to become the team we want to become,” Sullivan said after the Blueshirts skated off to boos from the sellout crowd at Madison Square Garden following a 3-0 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team he coached for the previous 10 seasons.

To get his first win with the Rangers, Sullivan must get better effort from his players when they visit the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday. There was no sense of urgency, no desperation in the third period when they tried to overcome a 1-0 deficit. They rarely made rookie goalie Arturs Silovs work hard in his debut with the Penguins, while Igor Shesterkin faced far more Grade A chances while stopping 27 of 28 shots before the Penguins hit the empty net twice after he was pulled for an extra attacker.

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“I thought we had moments in the game where we were playing the game that we envisioned,” Sullivan said, “… but it’s not nearly consistently enough.”

Forward Mika Zibanejad, who had seven of the Rangers’ 25 shots, wasn’t as forgiving.

“They played hard, but I think we are looking at ourselves,” he said after the Rangers were outshot 15-5 in the third period. “Maybe the desperation at the end, but not much of a push.”

Rangers must regroup quickly after opening-night loss​

If there was ever a night when the Rangers should have come out with fire in their nostrils, it was Tuesday. The Garden was full, the fans were pumped — and they were playing Sullivan’s former team, which missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

Instead, they played most of the game as if they were in a fog. The Rangers did shut down longtime nemesis Sidney Crosby, but that’s about all they accomplished. They looked lost in Sullivan’s new system, which relies on zone coverage rather than the mostly man-to-man system former coach Peter Laviolette used.

“We’ll just have to keep working at it,” Sullivan said of his system. “We’re trying to simplify the process here, take some of the thinking out of it so we can hopefully overcome any sort of hesitation. But I think as we get more familiar, we should see a whole lot less of it.”

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

But all in all, he wasn’t happy with what he saw and knows that the Rangers can’t play like they did Tuesday and expect to get back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs after failing to qualify last season.

“We had opportunities to get on pucks and anticipate,” Sullivan explained. “We would have liked to have more pushback, especially on the 6-on-5. We’ve got a chance to keep pucks alive. We’ve got to dig in.”

Among the players the Rangers need to make some quick adjustments is defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov, their big free-agent signing this summer. Gavrikov partnered with Adam Fox on the first pair, but he often looked lost. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Rangers had only 22 percent of the expected goals with him on the ice at five-on-five — the worst mark of any of their six defenseman. Gavrikov did not record a shot on goal, blocked one shot and had two of the Rangers’ 17 giveaways.

Your 2025-26 New York Rangers. pic.twitter.com/gbXZLLTzoD

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 8, 2025

True, this was the first game these 18 Rangers skaters played together. Chemistry, communication, and dependability should grow in the games to come. Miller played only one preseason game due to a lower=body injury. Artemi Panarin had a pair of injuries and didn’t appear in any preseason contests. So, there’s a baked-in excuse for the disjointed feel to the overall performance Tuesday.

Still, the Rangers had better find their game quickly, because the visit to Buffalo begins a three-games-in-four-nights stretch. They make a return visit to Pittsburgh on Saturday before hosting Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Sunday.

“I don’t think it was our best,” Rangers captain J.T Miller said afterward. “They outplayed us for majority of the game. We had some good moments in the third, but I think where we’re trying to get to is better than what we showed today.

“On the other side of that is it’s the first game. I know we are going to be better.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/rangers-opening-game-loss-analysis/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers NCAA prospects report: Malcolm Spence has 5-point weekend

GREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesGREG WOHLFORD/ERIE TIMES-NEWS / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Malcolm Spence made quite the first impression in his NCAA hockey debut last weekend. The New York Rangers top pick (second round; No. 43 overall) in this year’s NHL Draft recorded five points for the University of Michigan in his first two collegiate games.

Spence started with a goal and two assists, when Michigan steamrolled Mercyhurst 11-1 in non-conference action Friday night.

The freshman forward skated at left wing on the second line for Michigan along with Montreal Canadiens prospect Michael Hage and Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick Nick Moldenhauer. Spence earned the primary assist — and first NCAA point — on the Wolverine’s fifth goal of the game, coming at 7:47 of the second period. Spence skated up left wing on the counter attack, drawing the Mercyhurst goaltender to his side, before making the heads up pass to Hage for the goal.

All net for Hager. pic.twitter.com/mtUi9Cu1sn

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 4, 2025

At 14:54 of the third period, Spence set up Aidan Park for a power-play goal, Michigan’s 10th score of the game. The Wolverines worked possession down low, and Spence slid the puck across the crease for his second assist of the night.

He later scored his first NCAA goal at 18:40, Michigan’s last of the game. Alone at the back post, Spence stuffed a loose puck into the open net, after a pass from Hage.

All gas, no brake. pic.twitter.com/AfF2ihHe4a

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 4, 2025

Michigan completed the weekend sweep over Mercyhurst with a 7-0 victory Saturday. Spence added another goal and assist in the contest. At 12:34 of the third period, Spence picked up a rebound in front, and tucked the puck into the net for a power-play goal.

Anotha one pic.twitter.com/IvLgzFdG8D

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 5, 2025

Spence, who scored 32 goals and totaled 73 points in 65 games last season with Erie of the OHL, added a secondary assist on Matthew Mania’s goal coming at 19:17 to complete his five-point weekend.

Michigan rose three spots to ninth in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll and climbed up to seventh in the USA Hockey NCAA Division I Men’s Poll. The Wolverines travel to Rhode Island this weekend for games Friday and Saturday against Providence College.

Related: Rangers NCAA prospects preview: Ty Henricks eyes championship repeat

Rangers prospect Drew Fortescue scores first goal in two seasons for Boston College​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

After failing to score a goal his entire sophomore season, defenseman Drew Fortescue wasted no time finding the back of the net for Boston College last weekend. Fortescue opened his junior season with a goal at 4:31 of the third period, though BC still lost 4-3 to Quinnipiac. Fortescue received a pass from Andre Gasseau at the point, and fired a shot through the Quinnipiac defense and past goaltender Dylan Silverstein to make it a one-goal game.

Back in it as Fortescue gets his first of the year!

Watch on @ESPNPlus | https://t.co/bIgeucEYC8 pic.twitter.com/7drwrzKyrQ

— BC Men's Hockey (@BC_MHockey) October 4, 2025

The Eagles failed to score the equalizer and Fortescue finished the game with one goal on one shot, one blocked shot and a minus-1 rating. Boston College dropped to 11th in the USCHO.com poll with the loss and 10th in the USA Hockey poll. The Eagles travel to Minnesota for games Thursday and Friday against the Golden Gophers.

As for Minnesota, they split a weekend series against Michigan Tech, winning 6-3 on Friday, before falling 5-3 Saturday. Senior captain Brody Lamb started at right wing on the second line, and recorded a goal and assist, three shots on goal, two blocked shots, and a plus-1 rating in the first game. Lamb broke a 3-3 tie at 4:13 of the third period and scored the eventual game-winner, picking up a loose puck along the boards in the offensive zone and firing a shot from the slot past the Huskies goaltender. He also assisted on an empty-net goal at 17:59 to seal the victory.

The boys are buzzin' pic.twitter.com/ZS3CSBC1kj

— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 4, 2025

Lamb opened the scoring Saturday at 1:30 of the first period off a 2-on-1 rush. Unfortunately for Minnesota, Michigan Tech responded with four unanswered goals, pacing an upset victory. Lamb finished the game with one goal on one shot, one blocked shot, and was a minus-1. Minnesota fell to 12th in both the USCHO.com poll and USA Hockey poll. The Golden Gophers look to rebound at home Thursday night against Boston College.

Sophomore Ty Henricks recorded an assist and had four penalty minutes for the defending national champion Western Michigan Broncos, when they defeated the U.S. National Team Development Program 7-0 in exhibition play Saturday. Henricks was credited with the primary assist on Western Michigan’s final goal of the game at 10:07 of the third period, on the power play.

Henricks was called for slashing in the second period, and a minor penalty for cross-checking in the third. He was bumped up to the third line for Western Michigan to begin his second season. The Broncos remain first in the USCHO.com and USA Hockey polls, and host their regular-season opener Thursday night at Lawson Arena against Ferris State University.

Michigan State moved up one spot to second in both the USCHO.com and USA Hockey polls following a 4-0 exhibition win over Windsor. Freshman defenseman Sean Barnhill was on the right side of the third pairing for the Spartans, registering three shots on goal and a plus-1 rating. Michigan State begin the regular season with a non-conference matchup against New Hampshire on Thursday.

EJ Emery, New York’s first-round pick (No. 30 overall) in 2024, was not in the lineup for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks during a 7-0 exhibition win over Manitoba last weekend. According to Brad Elliott Schlossman of the Grand Forks Herald, the sophomore defenseman is day to day with an unspecified injury. North Dakota climbed one spot to 10th in the USCHO.com poll and is 11th in the USA Hockey Poll. The Fighting Hawks begin the regular season Friday night at home against St. Thomas.

Swedish defenseman Rasmus Larsson debuted with Robert Morris University, when the Colonials skated to preseason victories over Bowling Green University and Waterloo. The fifth-round selection in 2023 is the first NHL draft pick in program history for Robert Morris. He transferred from Northern Michigan University, where he had three goals as a freshman. Robert Morris’ next game is October 16th against Michigan.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/malcolm-spence-ncaa-hockey-debut/

 

[New York Rangers]

Ex-Rangers forward signs 1-year contract with Oilers

Sam Navarro-Imagn ImagesSam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jack Roslovic, a forward who helped the New York Rangers get within two wins of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final, has a new home after agreeing to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers.

The move ends Roslovic’s wait to join a new team after he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1 – he was arguably the best UFA remaining on the market. The 28-year-old changed agents after going unsigned earlier in the summer and was skating in Columbus, waiting to join a new team. He signed late Wednesday and was not in the lineup for the Oilers’ season-opening 4-3 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames.

The Rangers acquired Roslovic on March 8, 2024, sending a fourth-round pick in 2026 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“We think he’s a real good player,” general manager Chris Drury said after making the deal.

Jack Roslovic makes it 3-2! pic.twitter.com/RQjI4Vp7fh

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 2, 2024

In 19 regular-season games with New York after the trade, the 2015 first-round pick (No. 25 overall) by the Winnipeg Jets, had eight points (three goals, five assists). He also played in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games, finishing with eight points (two goals, six assists).

One of the assists came on Alexander Wennberg’s overtime winner in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers. That goal gave the Rangers a 5-4 win and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series, but they lost the next three games.

Alex Wennberg’s first goal of the playoffs was a BIG ONE!@NYRangers | #NYR | #StanleyCup
pic.twitter.com/IU66heOk7X

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) May 26, 2024

However, Roslovic averaged just 13:27 of ice time during his brief time on Broadway, and the Rangers didn’t re-sign him. He started out on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider, and finished his Rangers tenure playing on the fourth line.

Roslovic inked a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes for 2024-25. He played 81 games with Carolina, matched his career high with 22 goals (largely because of a career-best 15.8 shooting percentage) and finished with 39 points. He was third on the ‘Canes with 37 even-strength points, averaging just 13:49 of ice time.

However, he played in just nine playoff games for Carolina, and finished with one goal and four points. The Hurricanes didn’t re-sign him — likely because he’s something of a liability defensively. Though his xGF was 50.28 percent last season, per Natural Stat Trick, the Hurricanes were outscored 55-46 with him on the ice at 5-on-5 and were out-chanced 205-173 in high-danger opportunities.

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Roslovic has struggled at times with consistency during his career. He can bring fans out of their seats, but tends to overhandle the puck and turn it over — a big reason that he’s spent most of his career as a bottom-six forward.

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said after the loss to the Flames that Edmonton was in touch with Roslovic dating back to the summer, and that talks picked up in recent days.

“(I told his agent) ‘We love the player, but we don’t have a whole lot of money to spend right now. So, if he wants to come here and kind of bet on himself and get a bit of a chance to play, we’d love to have him.’” Bowman said. “I think he was weighing his options and came to the decision that this is the place he wanted to be.”

Officially signed #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/PZklk9oWiv

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 9, 2025

Bowman didn’t say when Roslovic could make his Oilers debut; their next game is Saturday, when they host the Vancouver Canucks. Though Roslovic was skating on his own, he missed all of training camp and may need some time to get into game shape.

Roslovic has 260 points (102 goals, 158 assists) and is minus-37 in 526 regular-season NHL games. He has 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in 45 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/roslovic-signs-with-oilers/

 

[New York Rangers]

How ‘unreal’ Igor Shesterkin already worthy of massive Rangers contract

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

If you wondered at all why the New York Rangers opened the vault to keep goaltender Igor Shesterkin, watch the video of their 4-0 victory against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

The final score makes it look like Shesterkin had an easy time of it in the second game of the record-setting eight-year, $92 million contract ($11.5 million average annual value) that kicked in this season. You have to look a little deeper to appreciate his 37-save effort, which earned him the game’s First Star and gave new coach Mike Sullivan his first victory with the Rangers.

“’Shesty’ made some huge saves when we needed it,” Sullivan said in a postgame understatement.

Igor Shesterkin records his 22nd career shutout, surpassing Lorne Chabot for the eighth most in franchise history.

Shesterkin’s 22 shutouts since 2020-21 are tied for the second most among NHL goaltenders. #NYR pic.twitter.com/DtM2XsicAF

— NY Rangers PR (@NYR_PR) October 10, 2025

Alexis Lafreniere gave New York a 1-0 lead when he scored 11:43 into the first period. It stayed that way for more than 43 minutes, with the Sabres carrying the action for most of that stretch. Shesterkin helped the Rangers kill off three Buffalo power plays in the second period and a fourth in the first nine minutes of the third.

After outshooting the Sabres 16-8 to start the game, the Rangers were outshot 26-8 before they regained control late in the third period.

Goals by Carson Soucy at 14:46 and J.T. Miller at 17:11 made it 3-0, and Adam Fox’s empty-netter at 17:25 was window dressing on Shesterkin’s first shutout of the season and 22nd of his career. That moved Shesterkin past Lorne Chabot into eighth place on the Rangers’ all-time list. He’s tied for second in shutouts among NHL goalies since the start of the 2020-21 season.

Igor Shesterkin showing he’s worth record-setting contract​

“He’s unreal,” Lafreniere said Thursday. “Year after year, he’s that guy for us. We’re trying to get him a little less work, but he’s been unreal again.”

Soucy, who joined the Rangers in early March in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, said he continues to be impressed by No. 31.

“Athleticism, positioning — most of the traits that it takes to be a great goalie, he’s got them,” the veteran defenseman said. “He was big for us when they had their push. It’s always nice having a goalie that you have confidence in. We just try to do our best at giving him clean looks at the puck; he’s going to make those saves a lot of times.”

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Sullivan saw plenty of Shesterkin in the past six seasons, when he coached the division rival Pittsburgh Penguins. He smiled when asked what it was like to have “Shesty” on his side this season.

“It sure is nice, I’ll tell you,” he said. “He’s a world-class goalie. He’s one of the very best, and when you get timely saves like he gives you — he makes really hard saves look routine sometimes, and we certainly don’t take that for granted. He was terrific tonight, and he was terrific the other night also.”

“The other night” was the Rangers’ season-opening 3-0 loss to the Penguins at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. Shesterkin was one of the few Rangers who played well, stopping 28 of 29 shots before Pittsburgh hit the empty net twice.

Goalie hugs for Igor Shesterkin after he made all 37 stops to earn his first shutout of the season and the @nyrangers first win!@KennyAlbert | @DaveMaloneyMSG | #NYR pic.twitter.com/wkIl1UZkgT

— Rangers on MSG (@RangersMSGN) October 10, 2025

This time, the Rangers gave Shesterkin an early lead and he carried them to their first win of the season.

“We did a great job tonight, played an awesome game,” Shesterkin explained. “We (were) a lot better in the first period; we created a lot of offensive chances, and (the team) played much better in front of me. When you score first, it’s much easier to win the game.

“Our players were playing (so well) in front of me, a lot of great plays. I always (saw) the puck well, and so they made my job easy. It’s a very good feeling to get a win.”

That’s a very modest take by Shesterkin, who owns the richest contract for a goalie in NHL history, and proves worthy already with a ridiculous .985 save percentage. Sure, it’s far too early to be throwing around stats like that. But it’s not too early for Shesterkin to prove he’s worth every penny of his whopping new deal.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/igor-shesterkin-record-contract-performance/

 

[New York Rangers]

What’s next for Rangers if Vincent Trocheck sidelined by injury

Right now, only the New York Rangers and Vincent Trocheck know the severity of the upper-body injury the veteran center sustained against the Buffalo Sabres. But we all can agree that if Trocheck misses any length of time, it’s a significant blow to the Rangers.

Of course, it’s all speculative right now until the Rangers provide an update on Trocheck, who left the bench during the second period of their 4-0 win Thursday night in Buffalo. Before the puck dropped on the third period, the Rangers announced that the 32-year-old was out for the rest of the contest.

“He’s being evaluated for an upper-body injury right now. I don’t have anything else for you,” is all coach Mike Sullivan offered up after the game.

The Rangers canceled practice Friday in Pittsburgh, so an update likely won’t come until Saturday at their morning skate ahead of a road game against the Penguins.

Trocheck hasn’t missed a game in his first three seasons with the Rangers, since signing a seven-year, $39.38 million contract in July 2022. His $5.63 million average annual value is a relative bargain considering that he’s a top-six center who plays on a line with Artemi Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere, is one of the top face-off men in the League, plays a vital role on New York’s top power-play unit and penalty kill units and averages more than 21 minutes TOI.

He’s also a letter-wearing leader on the Rangers, and his intensity personifies how Sullivan wants the team to play.

“I think he’s at his best when he’s in the middle of it. That’s the type player he is, he’s a fierce competitor,” Sullivan stated during the preseason. “He plays the game with a lot of courage.”

So what are the Rangers options if Trocheck is out of the lineup, whether short term or for an extended period?

Move Mika Zibanejad back to center​

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Zibanejad began the season playing right wing on a line centered by J.T. Miller. But the 32-year-old has played nearly all of his 932 regular-season games in the NHL as a center. In the immediate aftermath of Trocheck’s injury, Sullivan moved Zibanejad back to the middle, between Panarin and Lafreniere. Conor Sheary moved up from the third line to take Zibanejad’s spot on the right side of Miller and Will Cuylle.

This seems to be the most logical move if Trocheck is unavailable. The Rangers remain strong down the middle, and it affords either Juuso Parssinen or Jonny Brodzinski — each a healthy scratch the first two games — to draw into the lineup on the wing. Sullivan can decide which one of Sheary, Parssinen or Brodzinski fits best in a top-six role and who should play on the third line with rookie Noah Laba and veteran Taylor Raddysh.

A variation of this option is to move Miller between Panarin and Lafreniere, and slide Zibanejad over to the middle, where he’d be flanked by Cuylle and one of the other aforementioned forwards. But Sullivan likely would’ve gone that route with Miller and Zibanejad on Thursday if he that was his preference.

Leave Mika Zibanejad on the wing, replace Vincent Trocheck with one of the extra forwards​

In this scenario, the Rangers keep Zibanejad tethered to Miller to let them continue building their on-ice chemistry. Since Parssinen and Brodzinski each can play center, either could slide into Trocheck’s spot. This creates the least upheaval in the lineup. However, it also weakens the Rangers down the middle since neither Parssinen nor Brodzinski is more than a bottom-six center on a contending team.

Trust the kids​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Here are a couple of longshot options. If the Rangers prefer Miller and Zibanejad stick together, they could bump Laba up from third line to the second line. The 22-year-old did lead the Rangers in scoring this preseason with six points (one goal, five assists) and certainly hasn’t looked overwhelmed in his first two NHL games. But that’s a major jump in responsibility considering Panarin and Lafreniere would be his linemates — and neither is exactly a Selke Award candidate. But playing along with that theme, either Parssinen or Brodzinski slots in comfortably at 3C.

If Trocheck is out longer term — a big IF, considering we don’t know if he’ll even miss a single game — the Rangers could place him on injured reserve, where he’d have to be out at least 10 games. That would open up a roster spot that the Rangers could fill by calling up (pick your choice) Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann or Brett Berard.

Two goals in two games for Gabe Perreault. Both of them nice. Both of them on the hunt. pic.twitter.com/v2ywaadfVJ

— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 24, 2025

Each is a forward starting the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League. If Zibanejad replaces Trocheck at center and Sheary stays on the third line, the Rangers could give one of the kids a run on a line with Miller and Cuylle. This plan probably fits Perreault best, even though he’s 20 and has the least pro experience. Simply, he’s the most skilled option among the three young forwards. Of course, this would piss off Parssinen and Brodzinski to no end, since each player is far more experienced and been waiting for his opportunity to play.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/trocheck-injury-impact-rangers

 

[New York Rangers]

Why ex-Rangers forward joined Oilers; ‘an opportunity to win’

Former New York Rangers forward Jack Roslovic is excited about the next stop in his NHL career – the Edmonton Oilers.

Roslovic, who helped the Rangers get within two wins of the Stanley Cup Final in 2024, agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Oilers late on Wednesday night. He won’t be in the lineup Saturday when the Oilers host the Vancouver Canucks after missing all of training camp, but he’s looking forward to being teammates with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, two of the NHL’s biggest stars.

“It’s fun seeing those guys go to work,” Roslovic said Friday after his first practice with his new team. “You kind of have two guys like that on every team that drive and lead the way. Obviously, these two are a little bit different caliber, but it’ll be fun. Going back to opportunity, it’s going to be great to see how these guys perform not just on the ice but see them off the ice and in practice.”

"An opportunity to win, an opportunity to play with great players."

Jack Roslovic speaks with the media after signing a one-year deal with the #Oilers & taking part in his first practice with the team.@Enterprise | #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/9CtZaHOFpB

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 10, 2025

The signing ends Roslovic’s wait to join a new team after he became an unrestricted free agent on July 1; he was arguably the best UFA remaining on the market. The 28-year-old switched agents after going unsigned for multiple months and was skating in Columbus, waiting to join a new team. He signed late Wednesday and was not in the lineup for the Oilers’ season-opening 4-3 shootout loss to the Calgary Flames.

The Rangers acquired Roslovic on March 8, 2024, sending a fourth-round pick in 2026 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“We think he’s a real good player,” general manager Chris Drury said after making the deal.

Jack Roslovic makes it 3-2! pic.twitter.com/RQjI4Vp7fh

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) April 2, 2024

In 19 regular-season games with New York after the trade, the 2015 first-round pick (No. 25 overall) by the Winnipeg Jets, had eight points (three goals, five assists). He also played in 16 Stanley Cup Playoff games, finishing with eight points (two goals, six assists).

The best-known of the playoff assists came on Alexander Wennberg’s overtime winner in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Florida Panthers. That goal gave the Rangers a 5-4 win and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series, but they lost the next three games.

Alex Wennberg’s first goal of the playoffs was a BIG ONE!@NYRangers | #NYR | #StanleyCup
pic.twitter.com/IU66heOk7X

— NHL Media (@NHLMedia) May 26, 2024

However, Roslovic averaged just 13:27 of ice time during his brief time on Broadway, and the Rangers didn’t re-sign him. He started out on a line with Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider but finished his tenure on Broadway on the fourth line.

Roslovic inked a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes for 2024-25. He played 81 games with Carolina, matched his career high with 22 goals (largely because of a career-best 15.8 shooting percentage) and finished with 39 points. He was first on the ‘Canes with 34 points at 5-on-5 despite averaging just 13:49 of ice time.

But he played in just nine playoff games for Carolina, finishing with one goal and four points. The Hurricanes didn’t re-sign him — likely because he’s something of a liability defensively. Though his xGF was 50.28 percent last season, per Natural Stat Trick, the Hurricanes were outscored 55-46 with him on the ice at 5-on-5 and out-chanced 205-173 in high-danger opportunities.

Jack Roslovic excited to have new opportunity with Oilers​

Roslovic has 260 points (102 goals, 158 assists) and is minus-37 in 526 regular-season NHL games. He has 17 points (three goals, 14 assists) in 45 Stanley Cup Playoff games. But he has struggled at times with consistency during his career, a big reason that he’s spent most of his time as a bottom-six forward.

“Speed, scoring,” Roslovic said when asked what he brings to the Oilers. “Try to be a buzzsaw out there, make plays – kind of the thing that everyone already knows me for – and then be a good guy in the locker room, come in and fit well, don’t disrupt and gel.”

Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images

The Oilers, who need depth scoring, see him playing a bottom-six role, likely on the wing, when he’s ready for action — he could face his old team when the Oilers come to Madison Square Garden on Thursday. That’s OK with Roslovic, who’s eager to get a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup. Joining the Oilers, who’ve lost to the Florida Panthers in back-to-back Stanley Cup Finals, is a good bet to get that opportunity.

“That’s going to be the theme here, is opportunity: an opportunity to win, an opportunity to play with great players,” Roslovic said. “They have been to the [Western] Conference Final the last two years, and obviously, they want to go all the way, and the fire is in me, too. I want to win. I know how hard it is, and it’s a great opportunity.”

Officially signed #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/PZklk9oWiv

— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 9, 2025

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman said after the loss to the Flames that Edmonton had been in touch with Roslovic dating back to the summer, and that talks picked up in September.

“(I told his agent) ‘We love the player, but we don’t have a whole lot of money to spend right now. So, if he wants to come here and kind of bet on himself and get a bit of a chance to play, we’d love to have him.’” Bowman said. “I think he was weighing his options and came to the decision that this is the place he wanted to be.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/roslovic-excited-for-oilers-opportunity

 

[New York Rangers]

Key Takeaways after Rangers win 6-1 in Mike Sullivan’s return to Pittsburgh

The New York Rangers made sure new coach Mike Sullivan had a happy homecoming in his return to Pittsburgh.

Adam Fox scored two goals and assisted on another, Igor Shesterkin continued his fast start by making 18 saves and the Rangers avenged their opening-night loss to the Penguins with a 6-1 victory at PPG Paints Arena on Saturday night.

It was Sullivan’s first game in the arena he called home for the past 10 seasons. He got a warm reception from the crowd of 16,716 in recognition for his team-record 409 regular-season wins and leading the Penguins to Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.

Penguins video tribute for #NYR coach Mike Sullivan in his return, apologies for the obstruction. pic.twitter.com/GuXCEKk0dd

— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) October 11, 2025

“It’s emotional, you know? It means a lot,” Sullivan said. “When you watch a tribute like that, which I was very appreciative of – the Penguins, they didn’t have to do that – it brings back a flood of emotions.”

The Penguins spoiled his first game behind the Rangers’ bench on Tuesday with a 3-0 win at Madison Square Garden, but the Blueshirts made sure the return match would be different.

Shesterkin was the main reason the Rangers ended the first period up 1-0 despite being outshot 9-4. Just as he was in the 4-0 win against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday, No. 31 was flawless. He had to be, because the Rangers generated almost no offense.

The only goal came after Juuso Parssinen took a holding penalty at 7:17. Fox broke up a pass by Sidney Crosby and sent Sam Carrick up the left side on a 2-on-1 break. Carrick made a perfect pass to Zibanejad, who zipped a shot past Arturs Silovs at 7:40 to put the Rangers ahead. The goal was his 251st as a Ranger, passing Mark Messier for eighth on the team’s all-time list.

Carrick with the feed + Mika does his thing for the shorty. pic.twitter.com/SA0lI0pvd0

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 11, 2025

“Sam made a great play,” Zibanejad told MSG between periods.

Rangers rout Penguins in Mike Sullivan’s return to Pittsburgh​

The goal came on the Rangers’ third shot of the period. They had just one more in the final 12:40, but Shesterkin kept Pittsburgh off the board.

The Penguins briefly got even when Ben Kindel, the 11th player taken in the 2025 NHL Draft, scored his first NHL goal at 3:04 of the second period. It wasn’t very complicated; the 18-year-old carried the puck into the right circle and ripped a high wrist shot that beat Shesterkin on the short side. It was the first goal allowed by Shesterkin in more than six periods of play.

But the 1-1 tie didn’t last long. Fox put the Rangers ahead to stay at 6:06 with a shot through traffic from above the left circle after a pass from Adam Edstrom. Carrick didn’t get a point, but he screened Silovs to cap a terrific effort by the fourth line.

“It was a great shift by that line. They created havoc,” Fox told MSG. “Eddy found me.”

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The power play, which was MIA for large parts of the season, then connected twice to turn a 2-1 lead into a 4-1 advantage after two periods.

Rookie center Noah Laba got his first NHL point with a perfect pass from the right circle that Will Cuylle converted at 9:25. Fox used a screen by J.T. Miller to beat Silovs at 16:38 for his second of the night and third of the season.

Cools in front for the PPG. pic.twitter.com/2ltqBzQ5Bc

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) October 12, 2025

In all, the Rangers outshot the Penguins 14-3, a total that reflected the play as they capitalized on Silovs’ struggles to deal with screens.

The fourth line continued its big night in the third period. Silovs stopped Matt Rempe in close, but Edstrom banged the rebound off his body and into the net at 5:40 for a 5-1 lead. Laba got his second assist of the game with a terrific individual effort that resulted in the first Rangers goal by newcomer Taylor Raddysh at 14:12.

The Rangers won’t have long to enjoy the win. They conclude a season-opening stretch of four games in six nights when the Washington Capitals come to the Garden on Sunday night. The Caps got their first win of the season on Saturday by beating the Islanders 4-2 at UBS Arena.

Here are some other key takeaways from New York’s 6-1 win in Pittsburgh.

1. Sullivan gets Standing O – and a W​

Give credit to the fans in Pittsburgh, who gave their team’s former coach a standing ovation after the Penguins gave him a video tribute during the first media timeout. Sullivan did his best in the media scrum that followed the morning skate to play down the homecoming angle, saying that this was “just another game.”

He tried not to show any emotion as the video celebrated his accomplishments with the Penguins, but did wave to the fans as they saluted him.

“It means a lot,” he said of the video and the fans’ tribute. “I’m grateful for everything that we accomplished here during my time. I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach here in Pittsburgh for 10 years. And I’m so grateful to the group of players over those years that performed the way they did that allowed us to have the success that we had.”

Fox said the Rangers had added motivation for this game after the dud in Sullivan’s debut on Tuesday.

“We let him down definitely that first game,” he said. “It’s obviously emotional for him to be back at a place he’s been for so long and had so much success. We didn’t give him the best start, but I thought we responded really well and definitely happy to get the win for him.”

2. Fox looks like his old self​

The 2021 Norris Trophy winner has three goals in three games after scoring twice on Saturday. For comparison, he needed 48 games to score his third goal last season.

He got plenty of help from his teammates against the Penguins. Both of his goals came because a teammate took away Silovs’ ability to track the puck.

Sullivan is pleased with Fox’s offense — and his play in his own zone.

“I think his offense speaks for itself, he sees the game really well,” the coach said. “He has the ability to slow the game down offensively, and a lot of players don’t do that in today’s game.

“What I like about his game right now is just his physicality down low. He’s defending. He’s defending hard. … I’ve been really impressed with his commitment to play defense.”

Fox has helped fuel a power play that was 2-for-4 and played 2:34 on a penalty-killing unit that went 4-for-4 and has killed off all nine opposition PPs in the first three games.

3. Big night for fourth line​

Like most teams, the Rangers are always looking for depth scoring. On this night, they got all they could ask for from the unit of Carrick, Rempe and Edstrom.

The threesome combined for five points – Rempe’s goal and two assists each by Edstrom and Carrick. Rempe and Edstrom, who don’t kill penalties, were each plus-2; Carrick, who does, finished plus-3 thanks to his play on Zibanejad’s short-handed goal.

The Rangers will need more nights like this from the towering threesome.

4. Soucy joins injury parade​

A scary moment for Carson Soucy after a collision with Rakell

Thankfully he was able to get up and skate off under his own power
pic.twitter.com/nhl6bEbL4W

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 12, 2025

The one drawback to the big win was that defenseman Carson Soucy wasn’t around to enjoy the end of it.

The big defenseman left the game early in the second period after crashing awkwardly into the boards following a collision with Pens forward Rickard Rakell. He was able to skate off — but didn’t return because of an upper-body injury, meaning that the Rangers played the final 36-plus minutes with just five defensemen.

There was no word after the game about Soucy’s condition or whether he’ll be able to play Sunday. If he can’t, Matthew Robertson, a healthy scratch for the third straight game, could see his first action of the season against Washington.

The Rangers are already without center Vincent Trocheck, who’s week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained in a 4-0 win at Buffalo on Thursday.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/win-in-sullivans-return-to-pittsburgh

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Capitals: Lineups, storylines, how to watch Metro clash

Winners of two straight, the New York Rangers take a step up in class when they host the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.

That’s taking nothing away from their first two victories of the season, including a 6-1 thrashing of the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. But the Penguins and Buffalo Sabres — whom the Rangers defeated on the road Thursday — aren’t considered playoff contenders this season. In fact, the Penguins missed the postseason three straight years and the Sabres haven’t been in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2011.

The Capitals, on the other hand, finished first in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference last season. They advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since winning the Stanley Cup in 2018. Most hockey pundits predict the Capitals to finish ahead of the Rangers in the Metro this season.

So, yes, this is a step up in class for the Blueshirts.

That said, the Rangers (2-1-0) looked really good in Pittsburgh on Saturday. They received contributions up and down the lineup, and 12 skaters recorded at least one point. Defenseman Adam Fox built on his fast start this season with two goals and an assist. He has three goals already, most among NHL defensemen and tied for third most overall in the League.

They’ve outscored the opposition 10-1 in their past two games, with all four lines and each of the three defense pairs stepping up, and goalie Igor Shesterkin playing at an incredibly high level. Against the Penguins, the Rangers received a massive lift from their bottom-six forward group.

That’s especially important considering the Rangers are without injured center Vincent Trocheck on a week-to-week basis.

The Capitals (1-1-0) knocked off the Islanders 4-2 at UBS Arena on Saturday for their first win of the season. Aliaksei Protas led the way with two goals and an assist, when Washington skated to a 4-0 lead before holding on to finish it off. They opened the season with a 3-1 loss at home to the Boston Bruins.

Last season, the Capitals swept the season series against the Rangers, winning twice in regulation at home and 3-2 in overtime at MSG on March 5.

3 storylines when Rangers host Capitals​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

1. Quick turnaround​

This is the first set of 12 back-to-backs for the Rangers this season. So, after three brilliant starts by Shesterkin to begin the season, the Rangers are expected to turn to Jonathan Quick in goal against the Capitals.

The 39-year-old was 11-7-2 with three shutouts last season. But his 3.17 goals-against average and .893 save percentage weren’t pretty. Was that more a case of some seriously shoddy defensive play in front of him? Or is Quick aging, pardon the pun, quickly in front of our eyes?

The Rangers certainly hope it’s the former because they need their No. 2 to be more the goalie he was in 2023-24 (18-6-2, 2.62 GAA, .911 save percentage) to improve their playoff chances this season.

Quick’s got big skates to fill Sunday. Shesterkin stopped 83 of 85 shots in the first three games, posting an absurd .976 save percentage, best in the League. He also already has 7.0 goals saved above expected, per Money Puck, also tops among NHL goalies.

2. Next man up​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

As mentioned, the Rangers did an excellent job Saturday, filling the void created by Trocheck’s absence. They must continue to do that, of course, moving forward, and it won’t be easy to do, especially against a quality opponent like the Capitals.

Now the Rangers must pick up for another fallen teammate. Carson Soucy landed on injured reserve after the veteran defenseman sustained an upper-body injury during the second period against against the Penguins. The Rangers recalled Connor Mackey from Hartford of the American Hockey League on Sunday. However, Matthew Robertson, a healthy scratch the first three games, likely draws in against the Capitals.

Urho Vaakanainen could move up from the third pair to take Soucy’s spot next to Will Borgen on the second pair. Robertson — or Mackey — then could slot in on the third pair alongside Braden Schneider. Or Schneider could move to his off (left) side next to Borgen, leaving two left-shot defensemen on the third pair.

3. Heeeeere’s Jonny?​

Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Outside of replacing the injured Soucy, it doesn’t make sense for coach Mike Sullivan to make any other changes to a winning lineup, right? Not so fast. With Trocheck out, why not get Jonny Brodzinski in there?

The highly-respected veteran would bring fresh legs on the second of a back to back, and is worthy of an opportunity. He could play in the top six to give Conor Sheary, who’s 33, a night off. Or Brodzinski could slot on to the third line — either in the place of Jusso Parssinen, or if Parssinen moves up to take Sheary’s spot, if the veteran is a scratch.

Brodzinski scored an NHL career-high 12 goals last season and finished with 19 points in 51 games.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Artemi Panarin — Mika Zibanejad — Alexis Lafreniere

Will Cuylle — J.T. Miller — Conor Sheary

Juuso Parssinen — Noah Laba– Taylor Raddysh

Adam Edstrom — Sam Carrick — Matt Rempe

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox

Urho Vaakanainen — Will Borgen

Matthew Robertson — Braden Schneider

Jonathan Quick

Igor Shesterkin

Rangers vs. Capitals: When, where, what time, how to watch​

Who: New York Rangers vs. Washington Capitals

When: Sunday Oct. 12 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden

How to watch: MSG

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...s-vs-capitals-game-preview-lineups-storylines

 

[New York Rangers]

Key Takeaways after Rangers somehow lose 1-0 to Charlie Lindgren, Capitals

If the New York Rangers continue to play the way they did against the Washington Capitals at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, they’re going to come away with two points most nights this season. However, Sunday wasn’t one of those nights because Capitals goaltender Charlie Lindgren simply was unbeatable, shutting out the Rangers 1-0.

Lindgren stopped all 35 shots he faced in his season debut, earning his 10th NHL shutout and second in five career starts against the Rangers (2-2-0), who’ve yet to score in two home games this season. They were also shut out on opening night by Arturs Silovs and the Pittsburgh Penguins, though the Rangers weren’t nearly as good nor engaged in that one.

“I thought the team played extremely well, and that’s what I said to the guys after the game,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said. “For our coaching staff, we’re most concerned about how we play, how we win and how we lose. Sometimes, you can’t control whether the puck goes in the net or not.”

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The Rangers outshot and out-chanced the Capitals (2-1-0) in each period Sunday. But Lindgren was the type of difference maker for his team that Igor Shesterkin’s been in goal for the Rangers so far this season.

However, it wasn’t Shesterkin at the other end of the ice battling Lindgren — it was Jonathan Quick, who was also very good in this one. In his first 2025-26 start, Quick surrendered just one goal on 21 shots, and made some big-time saves himself, especially early in the third period to keep the deficit at one.

It took a perfect shot to beat Quick and the Rangers, and Washington’s Anthony Beauvillier did just that at 13:47 of the second period. From a difficult angle to the side of Quick, Beauvillier deflected a hard Alex Ovechkin pass from the top of the left circle up and over the surprised Rangers goalie for the game’s only goal, his first of the season.

Anthony Beauvillier gets the icebreaker! #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/u6HQYrDDjw

— NHL (@NHL) October 13, 2025

That it happened in the second period is somewhat ironic because the Rangers dominated the middle 20 minutes of this contest. They had two power plays, a 13-5 shots advantage, 14 scoring chances in all situations to four for the Capitals, and all seven high-danger chances in the period, per Natural Stat Trick.

Lindgren made, perhaps, the best save during the first week of the 2025-26 NHL season, with just under five minutes gone by in the second period. He stretched far to his right to glove a blistering one-timer by Mika Zibanejad off a perfect 2-on-1 feed by J.T. Miller.

“I’m confident I can say I score that eight out of 10 (times), nine out of 10,” Zibanejad said postgame. “He made a lot of good saves.”

What a save by #ALLCAPS Charlie Lindgren in #NYRMika Zibanejad to keep this game scoreless.

Notice, Lindgren is a right glove hand.
pic.twitter.com/jnlisZc01x

— Matthew P. Mugno (@mugnoma) October 13, 2025

Four minutes later, an alert Lindgren somehow kept a pinballing puck out of his cage, following a centering pass that went off the skate of a Capitals defenseman in front. Later in the period, he stoned both Zibanejad and Alexis Lafreniere on Grade-A power-play opportunities off open looks. Miller nearly snuck a deflection past Lindgren on the power play, but, again, the Capitals goalie found a way to make the timely save.

It was like that all night for the Rangers. Great puck movement and possession. Plenty of scoring chances (33, including 12 of the high-danger variety). and nothing to show for it.

Rangers fall short against terrific Charlie Lindgren in 1-0 loss to Capitals​

The Rangers stayed alive right until the final buzzer. Quick exited for an extra attacker with 1:54 to play after the Capitals iced the puck. Zibanejad fired a bomb that Lindgren stopped, and Will Cuylle hammered a right-circle one-timer that the Capitals goalie swallowed up.

Tom Wilson missed scoring into the empty net for Washington at 18:16, when his backhand shot from center ice carried just wide.

Overall, it was an extremely entertaining fast-paced game right from the get-go. This despite each team playing the previous night — the Rangers blitzed the Penguins 6-1 in Pittsburgh and the Capitals skated to a 4-2 road win against the Islanders.

Noah Laba hit the post late in the first period for the Rangers after Quick made big-time stops on Ovechkin, Beauvillier and Wilson earlier in the period. The end-to-end action and fast pace felt more like a playoff game than an October match-up.

The Capitals, who finished first in the Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference last season, looked the part of a serious contender again. But so did the Rangers, who missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in four years last season.

Here are some other key takeaways from the Rangers’ 1-0 loss to the Capitals

1. Winning recipe, most nights​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

There’s really not much to nitpick about the Rangers performance Sunday, outside of the final unfortunate result. The Rangers played a hard north-south game at a fast pace and competed in all three zones for all three periods. Each line was effective, as was the case Saturday against the Penguins. And the overall team defense was, for the most part, solid — as was the goaltending — especially against such good opposition. The Rangers, by the way, have allowed two goals in their past three games, and five goals (two empty-netters included) this season.

“I thought from an effort standpoint, determination, our attitude — for me, this type of game is the kind of game that we’re trying to build,” Sullivan said. “If we continue to play with that kind of an effort and that kind of focus and attention to detail, I think we’re going to win more games than we lose, that’s for sure.”

That sure had the look of a long-term winning recipe for the Rangers.

2. It starts in the face-off circle​

The Rangers played with a ton of energy and high-compete level. They hunted down pucks and won numerous battles to gain — or maintain — possession throughout the game Sunday.

But a big reason why they owned the puck, especially in the second period and much of the first, was their dominating performance in the face-off circle. The Rangers won 72 percent of the face-offs in the first two periods, and 65 percent (32 of 49) total. And that’s with their best face-off man, Vincent Trocheck, sidelined with an upper-body injury.

Miller won 14 of 18 draws (78 percent) and Sam Carrick won six of seven (86 percent).

Consistently win face-offs — in all three zones — and you won’t chase the game nearly as much. Such was the case Sunday.

3. Balanced blue line​

Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Playing their first back to back this season, and without the injured Carson Soucy, the Rangers evenly distributed ice time among their six defensemen. The balanced blue line featured five defensemen who logged at least 17:46 TOI, led by Adam Fox (23:22). Only Urho Vaakanainen played less than that (14:10).

Matthew Robertson drew into the lineup to replace Soucy, playing his third NHL game and first this season after he was a healthy scratch each of the first three in 2025-26. Robertson mostly paired with Will Borgen and logged 18:08 TOI. He nearly slipped a left-point shot past Lindgren late in the third period, and also was credited with two hits.

Braden Schneider played some on his off (left) side with Borgen, though mainly remained on the right side of the third pair with Vaakanainen. Schneider also looked quite adept again at quarterbacking the second power-play unit, though the Rangers ended up failing on their two PP opportunities Sunday, despite several prime scoring chances.

Soucy landed on IR after he sustained an upper-body injury against the Penguins on Saturday.

4. Conor Sheary proving his worth​

Veteran forward Conor Sheary earned a contract with the Rangers after attending training camp on a PTO. Bumped up to a top-six role with Trocheck sidelined and Zibanejad shifted to center, Sheary proved his worth against the Capitals with a strong all-around performance.

Sheary had three shots on goal and nearly scored three times Sunday. His neat deflection in the first period was denied by Lindgren, though. Then in the second, Lindgren robbed the 33-year-old from point-blank range. And in the third period, he burst down right wing and had an open net to shoot at, but couldn’t quite handle a hot cross-ice feed.

He also made one of the best saves of the night, getting his stick on a Wilson shot in the third period, when Quick was flat on his stomach, leaving the cage wide open. It was a great effort and timely play by Sheary, keeping the Rangers within a goal with 12 minutes remaining in regulation.

Conor Sheary may have just stole save of the night from Charlie Lindgren pic.twitter.com/yYe3i9nMSZ

— Spittin' Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) October 13, 2025

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/lindgren-shuts-out-rangers-at-home

 

[New York Rangers]

Why aggressive start for Mika Zibanejad fuels hope for Rangers rebound

The New York Rangers are a better hockey team when Mika Zibanejad is fully engaged and playing with confidence.

Through four games of the 2025-26 season, they’ve been treated to an aggressive and assertive version of the 32-year-old forward. It’s exactly the start you’d hope for from a foundational player in desperate need of a bounce-back season.

“I think Mika has been terrific,” coach Mike Sullivan offered Sunday. “He’s all over the ice, he drives offense, he defends hard.”

Zibanejad seeks to erase a lackluster 2024-25 campaign, when he mustered just 20 goals and 62 points, despite playing all 82 games. His per-game offensive rates were his lowest in New York since 2017-18, his age-24 season.

It extended a troubling trend from the season prior, when Zibanejad’s production dipped by 19 points after a career-best 91-point campaign in 2022-23.

Once tabbed as the top-line center of a Rangers core built for a Stanley Cup run, Zibanejad hasn’t quite lived up to that billing — at least, not consistently. His blistering shot and two-way game are undeniable, but too often he’s faded into the periphery of New York’s attack. Worse, his terrible body language and questionable effort at points last season were alarming and clearly affected the rest of the team.

That hasn’t been the case thus far in 2025-26. The sample size is small, just one week into the regular-season schedule, but Zibanejad has been one of New York’s most noticeable forwards. In the best of ways.

You know who has been a positive surprise so far this season?

Mika Zibanejad #NYR

— Stat Boy Steven (@StatBoy_Steven) October 9, 2025

Zibanejad leads all Rangers skaters with 16 shots-on-goal through four games, and paced the team in three of the four contests.

It’s not yet reflected in the box score, though. Zibanejad has just one point, a short-handed goal on Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins that moved him past Mark Messier for eighth on the franchise’s all-time goal-scoring list with 251.

He was awfully close to netting a second one Sunday, when the right-catching Charlie Lindgren made an improbable save on a Zibanejad one-timer off a 2-on-1 rush with Artemi Panarin.

CHARLIE LINDGREN HIGHWAY ROBBERY! #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/oA4bogAkoW

— NHL (@NHL) October 13, 2025

“I’m confident I can say I score that eight of 10 [times], nine out of 10,” Zibanejad told Peter Baugh of The Athletic after the 1-0 loss to the Capitals. “He made a lot of good saves.”

Lindgren made another quality stop later in the second period, denying Zibanejad on an open look from the slot during one of New York’s two power plays. With high-quality chances like that, it should translate to the stat sheet sooner rather than later. Zibanejad had seven shot attempts Sunday, each one on goal.

Why Rangers need complete version of Mika Zibanejad​

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

More importantly, Zibanejad is finding ways to create offensive opportunities consistently, whether that be on the wing next to J.T. Miller, where he started the season, or centering for Panarin and Alexis Lafreniere in place of the injured Vincent Trocheck. In fact, Sullivan credits him as the driving force of that new-look line.

“He’s a very cerebral player, he has a high hockey IQ, he’s always in the right spots, but I think he’s added another level of physicality to his game on both sides of the puck that make him hard to play against,” New York’s new head coach explained. “I think right now he’s driving that line.”

Sullivan revealed that, before training camp, he and his staff challenged Zibanejad to be more physical. The veteran answered the bell so far, gravitating towards the slot area on offense and embracing a more aggressive playstyle defensively.

Mika Zibanejad gets the Rangers on the board first! pic.twitter.com/iKjLHs87xr

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) October 11, 2025

As a cherry on top, Zibanejad won 58 percent of his face-offs to open the season, a welcome lift with New York’s top face-off man, Trocheck, week to week with an upper body injury.

Whether he stays at center or slides back over to wing when Trocheck returns, the Rangers need Zibanejad to be an active presence, one who initiates and dictates play at both ends of the rink. Even with some struggles 5v5 over the past two seasons, he remains a prominent option on New York’s top power-play unit and an integral piece on one of the best penalty kills in the NHL.

Zibanejad’s oscillating play made him a polarizing figure in the eyes of fans, but unless the Rangers can get him to waive a no-movement clause that runs through 2029-30, he’s in New York for the long haul. He has an $8.5 million average annual value (AAV) contract, that can seem quite the burden — but it’s not if Zibanejad recaptures the dominance that not long ago made him one of the League’s top centermen.

A long season awaits, with plenty more games needed before anyone anoints a resurgence or a return to stardom. For now, it’s simply a promising first step that rekindles hope in one of the Rangers’ most important players.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/zibanejad-early-season-impact-rangers

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers NCAA prospects report: Malcolm Spence stays hot for Michigan

Six New York Rangers prospects saw action in the NCAA this past weekend, headlined by 2025 top pick (second round, No. 43 overall) Malcolm Spence. The 18-year-old forward helped the Michigan Wolverines be the biggest risers in the USCHO.com Division I Men’s Poll, climbing five spots to No. 4 in the rankings and receiving eight first-place votes, following a series sweep against Providence College.

On Friday night, Spence recorded one shot on goal and blocked one shot during a 5-1 Michigan victory. The freshman also took a minor penalty for hooking in the first period and had a plus-1 rating. Though he’s played well to start his NCAA career, Spence must be more disciplined and stay out of the penalty box. He was also assessed an interference penalty in the first period of a 3-1 win Saturday, his third consecutive game with a minor penalty.

Fortunately for Michigan, Spence more than made up for the penalty. He showed off his acceleration and skill, scoring a short-handed goal after coming out of the penalty box. That was his only shot on goal Saturday, but he’s now recorded six points (three goals, three assists) over four games to continue a fast start to his collegiate career.

A Malcolm Spence short-handed goal! pic.twitter.com/W0bGt0l2Z7

— Michigan Hockey (@umichhockey) October 11, 2025

Michigan moved up four spots from seventh to third in this week’s USA Hockey 2025-26 NCAA Division I Men’s Poll. The Wolverines continue their non-conference schedule Thursday against Robert Morris University. Swedish defenseman Rasmus Larsson, a 2023 fifth-round pick by the Rangers, is set to make his regular-season debut for Robert Morris in that one.

The Western Michigan Broncos celebrated their 2025 NCAA National Championship with a banner-raising ceremony before the regular-season home opener against Ferris State last Thursday. But the Bulldogs upset the defending champions by a final score of 3-2. Sophomore left wing Ty Henricks was credited with two shots on goal, one face-off win and a plus-1 rating for Western Michigan.

In the rematch, Henricks recorded five shots on goal with a minus-1 rating during a 6-4 victory Friday night. Western Michigan dropped out of the top spot to second in both the USCHO.com poll and USA Hockey polls. The Broncos head east this weekend, travelling to Massachusetts for a series against UMass-Lowell.

Rangers 2024 first-round pick EJ Emery makes season debut for North Dakota​

Photo credit: Jim Cerny

After sitting out the first game of the season due to injury, 2024 first round pick EJ Emery made his season debut for the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on Sunday in a 5-2 victory over St. Thomas. The sophomore defenseman recorded one shot on goal, one blocked shot and had a plus-1 rating. Emery was called for a cross-checking minor in the first period. North Dakota rose to eighth in both the USCHO.com Poll and USA Hockey poll this week. The Fighting Hawks host Minnesota for two games this weekend.

Michigan State defenseman Sean Barnhill recorded his first career NCAA point with an assist during a 4-3 loss to New Hampshire on Thursday night. The freshman blueliner had two blocked shots and a minor penalty for cross-checking in the first period, and a plus-1 rating. Friday night, Barnhill recorded three shots on goal and had a plus-1 rating in a 2-0 victory over New Hampshire. The Spartans take on the top ranked team in the USCHO.com and USA Hockey Poll, Boston University, this weekend.

Junior defenseman Drew Fortescue doubled his goal total for the season Thursday night, scoring an empty-netter in a 3-1 victory for Boston College over Minnesota. Fortescue recorded two shots on goal along with two blocked shots and a plus-2 rating. The third-round pick by the Rangers in 2023 recorded four shots on goal and three blocked shots in a a 2-2 tie Friday night. Boston College is ninth in both the USCHO.com poll, and USA Hockey poll. The Eagles next game is against the RPI Engineers on Friday.

Senior captain Brody Lamb scored one goal on two shots for the Minnesota Golden Gophers in that 3-1 loss to Boston College. With just over one minute remaining in the first period, and his team already trailing, Lamb ripped a shot from the right circle through a screen and just under the crossbar for his third goal of the season.

We are on the board!

: BTN pic.twitter.com/VXESeIvmoO

— Minnesota Men’s Hockey (@GopherHockey) October 10, 2025

Lamb finished the game with a minus-1 rating and recorded one face-off win. The next night, Lamb was credited with five shots on goal, two blocked shots, and won one of two face-offs. Through four games, Lamb has four points and 11 shots on goal. Minnesota dropped one spot in the USCHO.com poll to 13th, and fell two spots to 14th in the USA Hockey poll, heading into their next game against North Dakota.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...caa-prospects-report-malcolm-spence-stays-hot

 

[New York Rangers]

Ex-Rangers star stays hot as former teammates battle historic scoring woes

On the same night that the New York Rangers set an NHL record for scoring futility on home ice, one of their franchise icons was lighting the lamp for his new team on the West Coast. It’s hard to ignore that juxtaposition.

Chris Kreider scored two goals, including the game-winner on the power play with 1:27 remaining in regulation, to help the Anaheim Ducks win their home opener, 4-3 over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday. That took place a few hours after the Rangers were shut out 2-0 by the Edmonton Oilers at Madison Square Garden to become the first team in League history held scoreless in each of its first three home games of a season.

Despite out-shooting the Oilers 30-22 and holding a huge advantage in high-danger scoring opportunities (15-3), per Natural Stat Trick, the Rangers simply couldn’t hit the back of the net. It was a near-identical re-run of their 1-0 loss to the Washington Capitals on Sunday at MSG. They were the better team in nearly every facet of the game. Yet lost because of an inability to cash in on numerous scoring chances.

A cynic might say that it’d be a good time for the Rangers to have their third-leading goal scorer all-time in the lineup. But Kreider took his 326 goals (at the time) to So-Cal, when the Rangers traded him this past summer to create room under the NHL salary cap.

Ducks strike on the power play for the 3rd time in two games. Chris Kreider at the netfront. His 2nd power play marker in two games. Anaheim on the board.

2-1 Penguins, 10:18 P1.#FlyTogether pic.twitter.com/zGgrc8BlMK

— Zach Cavanagh (@ZachCav) October 15, 2025

In his first three games with the Ducks, Kreider has four goals, which is tied for second most in the NHL. Three of those goals were scored on the power play, and he also has an assist.

“He’s been effective in a short amount of time and his production is reflective of how important he’s been,” Ducks coach Joel Quenneville said following the win Tuesday.

It was classic Kreider against the Penguins, twice scoring from close to the net. After the Penguins scored the first two goals, Kreider made it 2-1 on an easy tap-in to the side of the cage off a pretty pass through the crease by Leo Carlsson at 9:41 of the first period.

He assisted on Drew Helleson’s go-ahead goal for Anaheim at 9:48 of the second period, but Pittsburgh pulled even less than eight minutes later. With no goals for either side for more than 18 minutes to start the third period, it appeared that the Ducks would play their second straight overtime game.

But not so fast. Kreider rifled a power-play one-timer from between the circles past Tristan Jarry at 18:33 to lift the Ducks.

CHRIS KREIDER scores his 2nd PP goal of the game with less than 2 minutes to go to take the lead!! pic.twitter.com/gwehoCBImt

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 15, 2025

That clutch gene apparently travelled cross-country with Kreider. And his former team could’ve used that goal-scoring touch again Tuesday.

Neither Rangers nor Chris Kreider looking back​

Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Of course, this isn’t a simple narrative. The Rangers wanted to trade Kreider last season, when he battled injuries, illnesses, and a steep drop in production. Though he finished third on the Rangers with 22 goals and six power-play goals, Kreider had a disappointing 30 points in 68 games. His name leaked in a trade memo from Chris Drury to the other NHL general managers, making a bad situation even worse.

At 34 years old and with two seasons at $6.5 million remaining on his contract, Kreider was a goner this past offseason. The chance that he’d be rejuvenated in Anaheim was always there. But the Rangers decided it was important to move on, free up cap space, continue to shake up their core, and give opportunity to younger forwards.

Four goals in his first three games.

Chris Kreider is fitting in well as a member of the @AnaheimDucks #NHLFaceOff pic.twitter.com/zUfP68kQYv

— NHL (@NHL) October 15, 2025

And it’s not the like Rangers look terrible without Kreider. In fact, it’s rather stunning that they were held scoreless the past two games given how well they played. There’s a reason why coach Mike Sullivan and the players believe the Rangers are on the right path, despite the recent head-scratching results.

It’s just a tough look for these scoring struggles to happen when Kreider’s lighting the lamp with his new team, including back-to-back multiple-goal games. Maybe not as tough a look as Kreider in those new bright orange threads. But, yes, tough.

It certainly does make it tough, right now, to turn the page on the Kreider era. Though that could change quickly once the goals start going in for his old team, no matter what success he has with his new one.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...s-kreider-impact-ducks-rangers-scoring-issues