RSS Rangers Team Notes

[New York Rangers]

Rangers star had ‘roller coaster of emotions’ before trade deadline

Likely no one wearing the New York Rangers sweater Saturday at Prudential Center was happier that the NHL Trade Deadline passed than Vincent Trocheck.

Not that he was happy with the outcome, a 6-3 loss to the New Jersey Devils that saw Olympic hero Jack Hughes score three goals and add an assist to continue his career-long torture of the Blueshirts. Rather, it was relief knowing he’s with the Rangers for at least the rest of this season, after weeks of uncertainty about his short- and long-term future.

“I was just happy for it all to be over with,” he said after earning an assist and winning 13 of 22 face-offs in 22:52 of ice time. “It’s a stressful waiting game whenever you’re in talks like that. So for me, it was just a roller coaster of emotions. Now that it’s done with, for now, it’s nice.”

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

The Rangers scratched Trocheck and fourth-line center Sam Carrick for their 6-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday for one of sports’ new terms – “roster management.” General manager Chris Drury traded Carrick to the Buffalo Sabres hours before the 3 p.m. ET deadline on Friday but stuck to his word not to deal Trocheck unless someone met the price he wanted.

Trocheck told the media that he was sick and at home Friday – and that he found out “around the same time as you guys” that he was staying with the Rangers.

“It was honestly maybe better off that I was (sick), because I’m in and out of sleep the whole day, so I wasn’t really checking my phone a whole lot,” he said. “But it is what it is. It’s a business, and it’s not the first time my name has been mentioned in trade rumors. If it happens, it happens.”

‘No awkwardness’ for Vincent Trocheck after he’s not traded by Rangers​

He said there’s no awkwardness involved in playing for the team that most of the hockey world expected would trade him a day earlier.

“Awkwardness? No, I mean, these are my teammates. I’ve been teammates with these guys for four years,” said Trocheck, who signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $5.625 million with the Rangers on July 13, 2022. “We’re all obviously open and honest with each other. And it was kind of like you guys said, a welcome back whenever I saw them today for the first time in a couple days. But no, it’s not awkward. It’s just, it is what it is.

“I’ve been through it before, and this time wasn’t really any different – just that my name was out there a little bit more this year. I feel like I was able to handle it pretty well.

“At the end of the day, I’m here to play hockey, and I’m a New York Ranger right now.”

"I know how much we value Troch and what he brings to this team. If Chris were going to make a deal, it was going to be because he was going to put the organization in a better position moving forward."

– Mike Sullivan on Vincent Trocheck not being dealt at the trade deadline pic.twitter.com/09ynrvNOPn

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 7, 2026

Coach Mike Sullivan said before the game that he was impressed with Trocheck’s professionalism in such a difficult situation.

“He’s been terrific. He’s such a good pro. He’s a great person, he’s a great leader, and he’s a terrific hockey player,” Sullivan stated. “I think he’s done a really good job under difficult circumstances, just trying to navigate through it.”

Of course, there are no guarantees Trocheck won’t be the subject of trade rumors as the NHL Draft, scheduled for Buffalo on June 26-27, and the start of free agency on July 1 draw nearer. But for now, he noted, “The trade deadline is over. I can’t get traded for the rest of the year.”

Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Forward Will Cuylle, who was emotional after the game Thursday when it looked like Trocheck would be traded, was especially delighted that the deal didn’t happen.

“Since the start, he’s always been the guy I’ve looked up to personally,” said the 24-year-old, who lived with Trocheck’s family as a rookie. “Even when he didn’t have a letter or anything, I thought he was one of the most important leaders on the team. Just off the ice, as well. Always involved, plays with heart and soul. I feel like he’s kind of lived and breathed Rangers for the past however long he’s been here.”

Center Mika Zibanejad is another Rangers star who’s happy not to see Trocheck leave.

“I understand the situation we’re in and all the talks and whatever. But there’s a reason a lot of people talked about it – the type of player he is and what he means to the team; what he means to us still,” Zibanejad said. “Selfishly, I’m happy that he’s here — i’m happy that he’s still with us. As a teammate and as a friend, I’m happy.”

So what are Trocheck’s objectives as he and his teammates prepare to navigate the final few weeks of a lost season?

“We’ve got about a month left; just go at this month the best you can. Try to better this team,” he said. “For the young guys, try to help them as best I can – help them understand the game more and become better players for us in the future. For me, it’s a matter of playing my game.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...trocheck-reaction-after-trade-deadline-passed

 

[New York Rangers]

Hartford Wolf Pack’s Fix-Wolansky named AHL Player of Week: ‘When he’s hot, he’s hot’

For the second time this season, a member of the Hartford Wolf Pack earned player of the week honors in the American Hockey League. But unlike the previous recipient, Gabe Perreault, don’t expect Trey Fix-Wolansky to land on Broadway with the New York Rangers any time soon.

Stick taps to Wolf Pack forward, Trey Fix-Wolansky, on being selected as the Howies Hockey Tape/AHL Player of the Week pic.twitter.com/6RBLeXDDfD

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 9, 2026

Fix-Wolansky had seven points (five goals, two assists) in three games last week, including consecutive two-goal outings for the Wolf Pack, and a season-high four-point outburst.

“When he’s hot, he’s hot,” Hartford coach Grant Potulny said Saturday after Fix-Wolansky scored twice against Hershey. “Right now, he’s playing 200-foot hockey. It’s not like he’s cheating for offense. And he could’ve had more [points].”

The 26-year-old forward scored a goal in a loss to Providence on Wednesday. That was just the warmup, though. Fix-Wolansky notched two goals and two assists in a wild 6-0 win over Bridgeport on Friday, and then potted a pair in another Wolf Pack victory the following night.

HES BAAAAAACK pic.twitter.com/Cwu7ZvagGB

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) March 8, 2026

This past week extended a recent hot stretch for Fix-Wolansky. He has a six-game point streak, totaling 13 points (seven goals, six assists) since Feb. 22. Three times in this run, he scored two goals. And the veteran now has five multiple-goal games this season, including a hat trick on Jan. 20 against Hershey.

Fix-Wolansky leads the Wolf Pack with 23 goals and 41 points in 55 games this season. It’s the fourth straight season scoring at least 20 goals in the AHL for Fix-Wolansky, who’s six shy of tying his career-high of 29 set in 2022-23 with Cleveland.

Despite their scoring woes and roster retool up in New York, it’s unlikely Fix-Wolansky gets a call-up or serious look with the Rangers. Though productive in the AHL, Fix-Wolansky’s been a ‘tweener his entire career, mainly due to his small stature (he’s listed at 5-foot-7). He has four goals and six points in 26 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets over parts of three seasons in the NHL, most recently in 2023-24.

Fix-Wolansky signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Rangers in July, and can become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...olansky-ahl-player-of-week-hartford-wolf-pack

 

[New York Rangers]

Mika Zibanejad, Rangers have way with Flyers in 6-2 rout: takeaways

If only the New York Rangers played all 82 games this season against the Philadelphia Flyers, perhaps they’d be a real playoff contender. Alas, that’s not the case, of course. But the Rangers did finish off a lopsided season series Monday night by blitzing the Flyers 6-2 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

The Rangers finished 3-0-1 against the Flyers, snagging seven of a possible eight points. They scored six goals in each of the two games played in Philly and have now won eight of their past nine in this building.

Unfortunately for the Rangers (25-30-8), the reality is that they’re still last in the Eastern Conference. But exposing their division rivals as more playoff pretender than contender made for a feel-good night.

Nine Rangers landed on the score sheet and seven recorded multi-point games, led by Mika Zibanejad (two goals, one assist) and Vincent Trocheck (three assists), who each had three points.

Tye Kartye scored his first goal with the Rangers; and Noah Laba, Gabe Perreault, and Alexis Lafreniere scored the other goals.

Igor Shesterkin finished with 32 saves for the Rangers, who knocked Dan Vladar out of the game with six goals on 24 shots through two periods.

The Rangers blitzed the Flyers in the first period, taking a 3-0 lead. Then they buried Philly with three more goals in the second to secure a 6-1 advantage.

Laba got things going for the visitors just 1:04 into the contest, chipping in a rebound for his first goal in 15 games, following a strong forecheck by New York’s third line.

Noah Laba opens the scoring! pic.twitter.com/kOYRWeq3bM

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 9, 2026

Zibanejad’s line then followed suit, with Perreault getting in hard on the forecheck to set up the next goal. Lafreniere picked up the loose puck behind the Flyers net after Perreault caused a turnover and zipped a pass into the slot for Zibanejad, who made no mistake for his first goal of the night at 13:07.

Mika! pic.twitter.com/yJf8pbou0n

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 9, 2026

Then with under a minute to play in the first period, Zibanejad returned the favor, setting up Lafreniere between the circles for a nasty one-timer on the power play to make it 3-0.

The Flyers breathed a little life back into their building when Matvei Michkov scored a power-play goal at 3:54 of the second period. He scored off a rebound, only after showing some great hands to maneuver around Shesterkin in tight for his 16th goal.

Less than three minutes later, the Rangers restored their three-goal lead with another power-play goal. This one was scored by Perreault in front, after a nice look by Trocheck, whose shot/pass started the sequence leading to the rookie’s sixth goal.

Our second PPG of the night, courtesy of Gabe Perreault ‍ pic.twitter.com/7UULBRNqw2

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2026

The Rangers dropped the hammer on their division rivals with two goals 20 seconds apart in the closing minutes of the period. Zibanejad scored his team-high 27th goal, burying a slick behind-the-back pass from Perreault for another power-play tally at 18:40.

Before the Flyers could get to their dressing room and escape the boos inside the rink, Kartye neatly deflected Vladislav Gavrikov’s long shot into the net to make it 6-1.

The Flyers pushed in the third period, outshooting the Rangers 13-3. Shesterkin held them at bay until Sean Couturier rifled a one-timer into the net from the slot at 15:28.

Key takeaways after Rangers defeat Flyers 6-2​

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Mika feasts on Flyers​

Zibanejad will be sorry not to face the Flyers again until next season. The 32-year-old finished the season series with eight points (six goals, two assists) in four games. Five of those six goals came in Philly, as this two-goal effort followed his hat trick in a 6-3 win at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Jan. 17.

LET'S GO MIKA pic.twitter.com/dVDQ1QSOvG

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2026

But Zibanejad need not fret. It’s not just this season when he’s feasted on the Flyers. He now has 25 goals and 50 points in 52 career games against Philly, and this was his sixth career game with three points against the Flyers. He has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in his past nine games against them.

Then again, Zibanejad had his way with most opponents this season. Zibanejad now leads the Rangers with 27 goals, 59 points (he passed Artemi Panarin, who was traded in early February to the Los Angeles Kings), 13 power-play goals, and 25 power-play points in 62 games this season. His next point will be No. 800 in his career.

Save of the game​

Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Speaking about having a team’s number, Shesterkin has that with the Flyers. He’s now 11-4-2 all-time against them, with a 2.25 goals-against average.

It shouldn’t be overlooked how good he was in the victory Monday either. Yes, the Rangers provided Shesterkin plenty of goal support, but made some important stops before this one got out of hand. In fact, he made a crucial play at 14:55 of the first period.

With the Rangers leading 2-0 and on the power play, they allowed a clean short-handed breakaway by Christian Dvorak. As the hulking center drove to the net and made his move, Shesterkin alertly jabbed his stick out for a perfectly-timed poke check. A shorty there could’ve changed the game’s tenor. Shesterkin made sure that didn’t happen.

The win was his 20th this season, making it five straight seasons reaching that total. He’s 3-0-2 in five starts after missing 13 in a row with a lower-body injury.

Kids step up​

Perreault is really growing up in front of our eyes. The 20-year-old rookie had his second multi-point outing in the past four games, and third in 30 games this season. The way he thinks the game and his high-end skill stand out, and his confidence is growing by the day. The 2023 first-round pick looks the part of a talented first-rounder, and now has serious chemistry growing with Zibanejad and Lafreniere. And seeing him go to the net to score again Monday certainly must make coach Mike Sullivan very happy.

Sully also must be thrilled that Perreault wasn’t the only kid standing out in this game. Laba and Kartye were an absolute pain in the butt to play against, if you were wearing a Flyers sweater Monday. Tenacious on the forecheck, winning board battles, getting to the net, Laba and Kartye each was rewarded with a goal and an assist.

Also, rookie defenseman Matthew Robertson had an assist on the first goal of the game and logged just under 20 minutes TOI on his 25th birthday.

A power play goal from Laffy makes it a 3-goal first for the Rangers! pic.twitter.com/hpY92ClsWv

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 9, 2026

And oh, what the heck — let’s include the 24-year-old Lafreniere in this mix, even though he’s in his sixth NHL season. He really picked up his production since the Panarin trade, and was a noticeable force again all night against the Flyers. His goal and assist give Lafreniere 10 points (five goals, five assists) in his past eight games.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/recap-analysis-rout-flyers

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers vs. Flames: Lineups, storylines with NHL Draft Lottery implications

Better late than never, the New York Rangers try to continue a stretch of winning and entertaining hockey, when they host the Calgary Flames at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.

Though out of the playoff picture and sitting last in the Eastern Conference, the Rangers (25-30-8) have points in five of six games (3-1-2) since the Olympic break, scoring 24 goals in that span. New York scored six goals twice since the break, including a rousing 6-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday.

The Rangers scored three power-play goals Monday, one by each member of the top line — Mika Zibanejad, Gabe Perreault, and Alexis Lafreniere. Zibanejad finished with two goals and three points and enters play Tuesday, one point shy of 800 in the NHL.

Defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov had two assists Monday and extended his point streak to five games. His three-game goal streak ended, but Gavrikov already doubled his career high by scoring 12 goals this season. He’s eighth on the Rangers with 27 points, second among defenseman, behind his partner Adam Fox, who has 30 points (four goals, 26 assists) in 36 games.

The Rangers and Flames are in a battle of sorts, as it pertains to the NHL Draft Lottery. The Flames (25-31-7) are 31st overall in the NHL and the Rangers are 30th, just one point better. Of course, the fewer points at the end of the season, the better odds of winning the lottery.

Right now, the Flames have a 13.6 percent chance of winning the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, and the Rangers sit at 11.6 percent, per Tankathon. The Vancouver Canucks are last in the League standings, and have a 25.1 percent chance to win the lottery.

3 storylines when Rangers host Flames​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

1. Quick turnaround​

Playing the second of back-to-back nights, the Rangers start Jonathan Quick in goal against the Flames, after Igor Shesterkin stopped 32 of 34 shots down in Philly on Monday. Quick has one win in his past 17 starts (1-14-2), dating to Nov. 16. And the only game the Rangers lost in regulation since the break was started by Quick on Saturday, a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the New Jersey Devils.

Overall, the 40 year-old has a 3.20 goals-against average and .888 save percentage in 21 games (20 starts) this season.

“Stats can be deceiving, I think,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after the morning skate. “The toughest part is when ‘Shesty’ went down (and missed 13 games with a lower-body injury) … I think that had an impact on ‘Quickie’s’ overall numbers.

“If you look at his game by game, he’s digging in and he’s giving us a chance to win. He’s making timely saves for us most nights that he’s in there.”

2. Tye Kartye ‘fit in really well’ with Rangers​

Tye Kartye is making the most of his opportunity to play regularly on the third line after the Rangers claimed him off waivers from the Seattle Kraken on March 1. In five games with the Rangers, the 24-year-old’s provided energy, physicality, a strong forechecking presence, and solid penalty killing, where he’s teamed most often with Noah Laba up front.

Kartye led the Rangers with four hits in Philly, logged more than 15 minutes TOI, and recorded the second two-point game of his NHL career. That included his first goal with the Rangers, a deflection of Gavrikov’s slap shot late in the second period to put New York up 6-1 that was originally credited to the defenseman.

Gavrikov makes it 6-1!

Three goals in each of the first two periods for the Rangers! pic.twitter.com/vJk2KrFU09

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 10, 2026

“We really like what we have seen from Tye,” Sullivan said Tuesday morning. “I think he skates well. I think he plays a north-south game. He checks well, has pretty good details in his game. He can help us on the penalty kill. There’s a physical dimension to his game. He scores a goal last night on a deflection play, just getting inside. He plays with courage. So, I think he’s a guy that has fit in really well.”

3. No Otter sighting​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Brennan Othmann won’t be in the Flames lineup Tuesday against his former team. In fact, “Otter” isn’t even on Calgary’s NHL roster; they assigned him to their AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, after acquiring the 2021 first-round pick from the Rangers for forward prospect Jacob Battaglia ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline last Friday.

A major disappointment with one goal in 42 NHL games over parts of three seasons with the Rangers, Othmann should get a clean slate with the Flames organization. He’s scoreless and minus-4 in two games with the Wranglers since the trade.

The Rangers will face another former Blueshirt, however. And coincidentally, Ryan Strome plays his 900th NHL game Tuesday, though just his third with the Flames. The former Rangers center was acquired by the Flames in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks last week. The 32-year-old, who played from 2018-21 with the Rangers, has three points (one goal, two assists) in two games so far with the Flames.

New York Rangers projected lineup​

Alexis Lafreniere — Mika Zibanejad — Gabe Perreault

Will Cuylle — Vincent Trocheck — Jonny Brodzinski

Tye Kartye — Noah Laba — Conor Sheary

Adam Edstrom — Juuso Parssinen — Jaroslav Chmelar

Vladislav Gavrikov — Adam Fox

Will Borgen — Braden Schneider

Matthew Robertson — Urho Vaakanainen

Jonathan Quick

Igor Shesterkin

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

Who: New York Rangers vs. Calgary Flames

When: Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden

How to watch: MSG

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...ineups-preview-nhl-draft-lottery-implications

 

[New York Rangers]

Lafreniere hat trick, Quick shutout pace Rangers past Flames 4-0: takeaways

Even playing on back-to-back nights couldn’t slow down the rejuvenated New York Rangers on Tuesday, when they shut out the Calgary Flames 4-0 at Madison Square Garden.

That win followed a 6-2 road victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, as the Rangers improved to 4-1-2 in seven games after returning from the Olympic break. It’s the first time the Rangers won consecutive games since Dec. 18-20, nearly three months ago.

Jonathan Quick made 21 saves to earn his 65th career shutout, and passed Henrik Lundqvist for 17th most in NHL history. He made a sensational acrobatic save to rob Calgary’s Matt Coronato at 13:26 of the third period to preserve his second shutout of the season.

“Any time you’re mentioned with Hank’s name i anything, it’s special … just being in the same conversation with him, with any stats, it’s something,” Quick said postgame.

Alexis Lafreniere recorded his second NHL hat trick, his other one coming March 30, 2024, against the Arizona Coyotes. Linemates Mika Zibanejad and Gabe Perreault each had two assists, and Conor Sheary scored the other goal for the Rangers (26-30-8).

LAFFY RIGHT ON TARGET FOR THE HATTY pic.twitter.com/uliT9wLywk

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 11, 2026

Though the Flames had a strong start to this game, recording seven of the first nine shots on goal in the first period, they were their own worst enemy taking three penalties to allow the Rangers to swing momentum their way.

That said, Calgary nearly scored when killing off its first penalty midway through the opening period, but Yegor Sharangovich fired a short-handed shot off the crossbar. Still the Flames killed that one off, but then took a pair of penalties just 16 seconds apart beginning with Dustin Wolf’s delay of game minor after the goalie sailed the puck over the glass at 16:12. The Rangers then received a long 5-on-3 power-play opportunity when Olli Maatta cross-checked Vincent Trocheck.

After a slow start, the Rangers got set up in the offensive zone, and Lafreniere chipped Zibanejad’s slap-pass up and over Wolf to make to make it 1-0 at 17:27. Zibanejad recorded his 800th NHL point with that primary assist, and Adam Fox notched career point No. 400 with the secondary helper.

LAFFY REDIRECTS IT HOME pic.twitter.com/e1bJyWnV09

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 10, 2026

Quick stopped all nine shots in the first period, and nine more in the second, looking as sharp as he has in a while. The Rangers rewarded his strong play with a pair of goals in the second period to push their advantage to 3-0.

Sheary found the back of the net for only the second time in 44 games this season, scoring at 10:28 of the middle period. The third line had heavy puck pursuit led by Noah Laba, after a long stretch pass by Will Borgen traveled from one end of the rink to the other. Tye Kartye then zipped a pass to Sheary, who had a wide-open net to shoot at, and he didn’t miss.

Conor Sheary makes it 2-0! pic.twitter.com/OXKdsSIbPe

— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 11, 2026

The top line followed up with a gorgeous passing sequence of their own to up the lead to 3-0 at 16:31. ZIbanejad found Perreault in front, and the rookie then made a slick feed to Lafreniere at the edge of crease for an easy slam-dunk goal.

“It’s been pretty unreal. I just try and stay ready,” Lafreniere said with a chuckle about the 20-year-old Perreault’s elite vision and passing ability.

Lafreniere buried another Perreault feed to finish off the hat trick with 2:18 remaining in the third period.

Key takeaways after Rangers blank Flames 4-0​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Top-line chemistry​

The Rangers traded away their best and most dynamic offensive player, when they dealt Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 4. But it looks like they found a new top line without their top player.

The way Lafreniere, Zibanejad, and Perreault zip the puck around as they build elite chemistry together is fun to watch, and an absolute game-changer for the Rangers. They combined for three goals and seven points Monday in Philly and followed up with three goals — each scored by Lafreniere — and seven points again Tuesday.

Lafreniere is on absolute heater right now. He’s got eight goals in his past nine games, and is third on the Rangers with 18 this season (Panarin is second with 19; Zibanejad is first with 27). But he had no interest in talking about his vastly improved production after the game, though he was happy to talk up his linemates.

“They’ve been unbelievable. Every time they get it, they can make a play. I just try and get open for them,” Lafreniere explained.

Perreault now has seven points (three goals, four assists) and three multi-point games in his past five contests. Zibanejad has eight points (three goals, five assists) in his past four games.

Quickie​

There’s probably not a guy more respected in that Rangers locker room than Quick. So, you better believe that his teammates and the coaching staff were thrilled with his big night Tuesday.

THE 65TH @PEPSI SHUTOUT OF JONATHAN QUICK'S CAREER! pic.twitter.com/OGVkHJjYCA

— NHL (@NHL) March 11, 2026

The 40-year-old is a future Hockey Hall-of-Famer. But this season’s been rough for him, devoid of many rewards. When he played some of his best hockey early in the season, the Rangers gave him no goal support. Then when the Blueshirts needed him most with Igor Shesterkin sidelined for 13 straight games through most of January, Quick couldn’t stop their season from going down the tubes.

So, this win was only his fifth in 22 games (21 starts) this season, and second since Nov. 16 (2-14-2). And the two-time Stanley Cup champion deserves to enjoy every last second of this one.

Tankathon tanked​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

The Rangers and Flames are in a battle of sorts, as it pertains to the NHL Draft Lottery. The Flames (25-32-7) are 31st overall in the NHL and the Rangers are tied for 28th, now three points better with the victory Tuesday. Of course, the fewer points at the end of the season, the better odds of winning the lottery.

Entering play, the Flames had a 13.6 percent chance of winning the No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft, and the Rangers sat at 11.6 percent, per Tankathon. Those odds certainly didn’t improve for the Rangers, even though they feel better about themselves and hope that some of these good vibes, habits, and chemistry continue to build and carry over to next season.

By the way, the Vancouver Canucks are last in the League standings, and have a 25.1 percent chance to win the lottery. Their play is miserable and they look miserable.

Is that a better state to be in than what’s happening lately with the Rangers?

It’s a worthwhile debate, for sure.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...s-lafreniere-hat-trick-jonathan-quick-shutout

 

[New York Rangers]

How Rangers can improve goalie depth behind Igor Shesterkin at 2026 Draft

With 11 selections in the the 2026 NHL Draft, the New York Rangers have a chance to add long‑term depth in net, and the later rounds may be the best place to find value.

This year’s class features several USHL goalies and a handful of European late bloomers who fit the profile of a 4th‑ to 7th‑round project: big frames, raw athletic tools, and long development runways.

For a team that needs to restock its pipeline behind Igor Shesterkin, these late‑round swings make sense both strategically and financially.

Goalies currently in Rangers system​

The Rangers need to make some decisions on which of their goalie prospects to keep. Three of them will be restricted free agents starting with Dylan Garand who went backwards from an AHL All-Star last season to an uneven season with the Hartford Wolf Pack in 2025-26.

This is Garand’s fourth pro season and he’s yet to play an NHL game. The 23-year-old has arbitration rights, as well, and didn’t sign his most recent one-year contract until late last summer. So, it’s no slam dunk he’ll be back next season.

In two seasons as a pro, Hugo Ollas has not been able to advance from the ECHL to a regular spot with Hartford. The 6-foot-8 netminder is far down the depth chart, and also has arbitration rights this offseason. With both Callum Tung and veteran Spencer Martin under contract next season, there’s a good chance Ollas doesn’t come back.

Talyn Boyko was loaned to Kalpa of the Finnish league early in the season and it is very hard to see the Rangers keeping him.

With Jonathan Quick likely playing his final NHL season at age 40, the Rangers very well could promote Garand, or perhaps Martin, to be Shesterkin’s backup on Broadway. Or even if they sign a veteran backup in gree agency, the Rangers need more depth in their goalie pipeline.

Goalie options in 2026 NHL Draft​

The Rangers have historically found success betting on goalies who need time to develop, and the 2026 class lines up well with that approach. Many of the top mid‑round candidates are already committed to strong NCAA programs or playing in leagues known for producing technically sound goaltenders. That gives New York multiple years of development without rushing a prospect into the AHL.

USHL Goalie Prospects Who Fit Rounds 4–7​

Brady Knowling — USNTDP / Committed to Boston University​

Brady Knowling is one of the most intriguing late‑round options coming out of the USHL. At 6‑foot‑5, he brings the size the Rangers like, and his athleticism stands out, as does his play in high‑pressure games. Knowling’s commitment to Boston University next season gives him a clear development path, and the NTDP‑to‑NCAA route has produced several NHL starters. His numbers can fluctuate, but the tools are undeniable. For the Rangers, he represents the kind of high‑ceiling project that often slips into the middle or late rounds because teams prefer more polished goalies early.

A glove save and a beauty

Check out this recovery stop from U18 netminder Brady Knowling, good for our @kroger Great Save! pic.twitter.com/wvv0gwDzkN

— USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) January 29, 2026

Tobias Trejbal — Youngstown Phantoms / Committed to UMass​

Tobias Trejbal is one of the steadiest USHL goalies this season, and his 6‑foot‑4 frame allows him to stay composed under heavy shot volume. His calm style and ability to control rebounds make him a natural fit for a team that values structure in the crease. Trejbal is committed to UMass, giving the Rangers a multi‑year NCAA runway to refine his mechanics. He’s from Czechia, and adapted well to North American play. His consistency makes him a strong candidate in the 5th‑ or 6th‑round range.

European and CHL goalies who fit late‑round profile​

Harrison Boettiger — Kelowna Rockets (WHL)​

Harrison Boettiger isn’t European or USHL, but he fits the same late‑round mold and deserves mention. At 6‑foot‑3 and 194 pounds, catching left, he plays a technically mature game with strong puck tracking and poise under pressure. His reads are advanced for his age (18), and he rarely overplays his angles. For the Rangers, Boettiger offers a different type of project: less raw, more refined, and potentially quicker to turn pro if his development continues on its current path.

HARRY!

2026 NHL Draft-eligible goaltender Harrison Boettiger has been locked in between the pipes.

Catch Harrison and the Kelowna Rockets in action tomorrow night as they take on the Spokane Chiefs in what could be a first-round preview.

https://t.co/BkUjgxz6Wy… pic.twitter.com/NVT1bFoTva

— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) March 3, 2026

The WHL rookie is 21-9-3-1 with a 3.02 goals-against average and .904 save percentage, and just might be the best goalie option at this level.

Michal Oršulák — Czechia / Prince Albert (WHL)​

Michal Oršulák is a classic late‑round European swing. After uneven results in Czech junior play, he rebounded in North America and showed well internationally, including a strong showing for Czechia at the World Juniors. At 6‑foot‑4, he has the size and improving technique that teams look for in a re‑entry pick. His upward trajectory makes him a smart gamble in the 6th or 7th round, especially for a team like the Rangers that can afford a long development timeline.

Currently 22-4-4 with a 2.37 GAA and .904 save percentage, Oršulák is the biggest reason why his Prince Albert Raiders are one of the best teams in the WHL’s Eastern Conference.

Why these goalies fit Rangers’ draft strategy​

All four goalies share traits that align with New York’s long‑term needs: size, athletic upside, and multi‑year development paths. The Rangers don’t need an immediate NHL backup—they need a project who can grow behind Shesterkin and eventually compete for a role. The 2026 class gives them several realistic options without using premium picks.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/analysis-goalie-depth-2026-nhl-draft

 

[New York Rangers]

Why NHL insider warns Rangers about overreacting to surge: ‘Fool’s Gold’

For the first time in a while, the New York Rangers are fun to watch again. They’re 4-1-2 since the Olympic break and appear to be embracing making a strong finish to an otherwise dismal season.

The new top line, with Mika Zibanejad between Alexis Lafreniere and Gabe Perreault, is on a legit heater. Noah Laba and Tye Kartye have the third line looking like a tone-setting force. Vincent Trocheck is still here after all the trade rumors. Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox are healthy again, bolstering a thin lineup. The power play is absolutely humming.

Heck, the Rangers are even winning games on home ice these days, the latest a convincing 4-0 shutout of the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. That was their second win in a row, the first time they’ve done that since Dec. 18-20 — nearly three months ago. By also winning Monday down in Philly against the Flyers, the Rangers swept a back-to-back set for the first time this season.

So things are looking up, right? There’s reason again to be optimistic, don’t you think?

“A lot of hockey executives call it ‘Fool’s Gold,'” warned NHL insider Pierre McGuire, who spoke with Forever Blueshirts on the Rink Rap podcast. “This time of the year, teams that are already clearly are out of the playoff run, they’re really dangerous to play against … I think that’s part of it, when you talk about teams like the New York Rangers right now.”

It’s a point well taken. The Rangers (26-30-8) couldn’t get out of their own way for most of this season and basically were out of playoff contention in January. They’re last in the Eastern Conference and tied for the fourth-worst record in the League. Per Tankathon, the Rangers have a 9.5 percent chance of winning the NHL Draft Lottery and landing the No. 1 overall pick.

Some argue that’s a more important victory than any the Rangers pile up the rest of the way in this 2025-26 season. But coaches, like two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan, and professional players aren’t wired to tank. So, a strong finish isn’t a bad thing — although, as McGuire pointed out, the Rangers’ front office can’t be duped into thinking positive results when the pressure’s off outweigh the team’s collective faceplant, not only earlier this season, but last season as well.

“The biggest thing that has to happen in New York right now internally is players need to get better,” McGuire said. “Braden Schneider needs to get better. Lafreniere needs to get better. They’ve had this laundry list of players, especially young guys, that haven’t gotten better. And that’s not good for the organization. Guys must start to get developed, and hopefully that will take place with this new coaching staff.”

Pierre McGuire believes Rangers shouldn’t be tricked into thinking team better than it really is​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

It’s not quite like the Rangers needing to put lipstick on a pig. They have some serious talent on the roster. But general manager Chris Drury and the front office face serious questions about why this group collapsed again this season. Injuries aside, there are issues with lack of quality depth, a limited prospect pool and high-end talent that must be addressed — no matter how many games they win down the stretch.

As for Drury’s decision to not move Trocheck ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline last week, holding out for a possibly better return during the offseason, McGuire’s not up in arms like many disgruntled Blueshirts fans are.

“I think that was probably the most prudent thing to do … I don’t have a problem with what Chris did there,” McGuire explained. “I think fans have to understand, the general manager’s responsibility is not for immediate. It’s for long-term and sustained growth, and I think that’s why Chris probably didn’t make the move.”

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Though McGuire sounded the warning about not getting too excited about their improved play now that this season is lost, he also said there are some really good things going on recently with the Rangers.

“I do like to look for the positives of teams that do want to work hard, and one of the positives is the play of Mika Zibanejad, and the developing play of Gabe Perreault. Lafreniere looks like he’s more comfortable playing with Zibanejad, which is a positive. Getting Adam Fox back, that’s a huge thing, another positive,” McGuire offered.

Lafreniere had his second career hat trick Tuesday in the win against the Flames, giving him eight goals in his past nine games. Perreault had assists on two of those goals, giving him seven points (three goals, four assists) in his past five games. The 20-year-old’s confidence is growing by the day. That’s a tangible positive result down the stretch, one that figures to carry benefits into next season.

LAFFY RIGHT ON TARGET FOR THE HATTY pic.twitter.com/uliT9wLywk

— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) March 11, 2026

Zibanejad’s been really good all season — and now the 32-year-old is living his best life, flanked by a pair of talented 20-somethings (Lafreniere is 24). No. 93 has eight points (three goals, five assists) in the past four games; he leads the Rangers with 27 goals and 61 points.

“So, there’s more positive than negative right now,” McGuire said. “I think the coaching staff is starting to feel their way through this roster. It’s going to be a tough year for free agents. It’s not a real good year, so I don’t think Chris Drury can go down that road. It’s been a really tough year in Hartford, a few really tough years in Hartford, so there’s some work to be done.

“Retool, rebuild, it really doesn’t matter what you call it, they’ve got some work to do.”

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...re-mcguire-warns-fools-gold-late-season-surge