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[New York Rangers]

How Chris Drury avoids failing grade despite atrocious Rangers season

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

The day he fired Peter Laviolette as coach on April 19, New York Rangers general manager Chris Drury took his fair share of the blame for an absolutely atrocious 2024-25 season, perhaps the most disappointing in franchise history.

“Leading into the season, given the success we had the last few years, we had high expectations. Quite simply, we fell short across the board,” Drury told reporters that day. “Nobody here takes it lightly. We know our fans are frustrated and they deserve a better season than this. It starts with me. I need to do a better job and give the staff and players the opportunity to succeed.”

He is right, of course. It always starts at the top of the organization, and this season is no different. Drury’s fingerprints are all over this mess

But that doesn’t mean Drury deserves a failing grade, even if the season itself was an epic fail.

Let’s break it down.

Related: J.T. Miller weighs in on Mike Sullivan hire, after participating in U.S. Open golf qualifier

Grading Rangers GM Chris Drury: The bad​

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

Might as well start with the negative. And there’s no hiding from the fact that there’s plenty of it.

First and foremost, Drury miscalculated how much he’d disrupt the locker room with how he handled the departures of respected veterans Barclay Goodrow and Jacob Trouba. He placed Goodrow on waivers to get past his no-trade clause and didn’t communicate his plan in advance to the two-time Stanley Cup winner, who was claimed by the San Jose Sharks, one of the teams on his no-trade list.

But that was just the start.

Drury mishandled trying to trade Trouba last summer, and was misguided in bringing the captain back to start this season. That was painfully evident at the start of training camp and in Trouba’s lackluster effort and admitted lack of leadership, his biggest strength to the team.

True, not many of us could’ve predicted that the whole house of cards would fall inside the Rangers room because of the GM’s heavy-handed approach in dealing with Goodrow and Trouba. But the bottom line is, it did. Drury didn’t have a good read on his own players and it blew up in his face big time, not to mention submarined the season.

Then there was the leaked memo to the other 31 GMs in the League, saying that the Rangers were open for business, specifically naming Trouba and the longest-tenured Rangers player, Chris Kreider, by name. How exactly this became public is a great question, because Drury is notoriously private and tight-lipped about everything. But, again, bottom line, this backfired badly on the GM and his team.

Kreider had a litany of injuries this season. But it was clear that one of the great goal scorers in franchise history was gutted by his name being dropped by Drury in trade talks. It was just another messy situation that caused more dissatisfaction and lack of motivation within the room.

That he botched these three things, and did so in such a public manner, certainly makes his grade this season trend down, way down. Complaints from Mika Zibanejad about lack of communication from management appear to be more on the player than Drury, so that shouldn’t affect his final grade here.

Hamstrung by a tight salary cap, Drury’s biggest move last offseason was trading for veteran forward Reilly Smith, with the Pittsburgh Penguins retaining some of his salary. That move didn’t move the needle at all, both at the time of the trade and for the brief stretch he played for the Rangers before he was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights ahead of the deadline in March.

It’s too early to grade New York’s 2024 draft class. But top pick E.J. Emery clearly has a ways to go to develop his game after a so-so freshman season at North Dakota.

Related: Key takeaways from 1st Mike Sullivan press conference as Rangers coach, including ‘partnership’ with GM Chris Drury

Grading Rangers Chris Drury: The good​

One thing that gets overlooked is that Drury, no dummy here, recognized during and after the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs that the Rangers needed to shake up their core. To do so, he needed to create more room under the salary cap. That’s why he waived Goodrow and tried to get Trouba’s no-trade list early on.

Drury clearly had eyes on a big move or two, either in free agency July 1 or via trade — or perhaps both. Without more available cap space, his hands were tied. Trouba and his agent didn’t submit the no-trade list until the required July 1, leaving Drury no time to move the captain and his $8 million AAV in order to make a splash when free agency started.

Jessica Alcheh-Imagn Images

Though he erred badly in not moving Trouba at some point over the summer, Drury did well once he finally did trade the veteran defenseman Dec. 6 to the Anaheim Ducks. Drury got the Ducks to take on all of Trouba’s contract, which carries through the 2025-26 season. That alone was a home run. But the Rangers also got serviceable defenseman Urho Vaakanainen back in the trade, as well as a fourth-round draft pick in 2025. Well done.

In removing the contracts of Goodrow and Trouba, Drury created nearly $12 million in cap savings. A small part of that went to Smith and veteran center Sam Carrick, a free-agent steal with an AAV of $1 million.

Another chunk went to J.T. Miller, whom the Rangers acquired from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31. It can be argued that you or I could’ve made that trade, since Vancouver was backed into a corner with limited options where to deal the contract-protected Miller, who was in a messy feud with Elias Pettersson. Miller wanted New York and got it when Drury shipped Filip Chytil, rookie defenseman Victor Mancini and a conditional first-round pick this year out west.

Miller’s arrival begins the re-shaping of the Rangers core. His style of play and no-nonsense direct approach as a leader are a good fit for the Rangers. Though 32 years old, Miller was a solid add by Drury. And the fact that Chytil again sustained a head injury in Vancouver further justifies why it was important to move on from him, and get something of true value in return for the oft-injured center.

To make this an even better trade, Drury needs to make the right decision on the conditional pick. The Rangers must decide 48 hours before the draft begins June 27 whether to keep it and give the Penguins their first-rounder in 2026, or retain next year’s selection and pass along the No. 12 overall pick this year to Pittsburgh.

Drury also acquired rugged defenseman Will Borgen to fill Trouba’s vacated spot on the right side of the defense corps. Borgen was a pleasant surprise, and landed a multi-year contract worth $4.1 million. Time will tell if Drury rushed too quickly into that extension for Borgen or if surrendering Kaapo Kakko in this trade was a big mistake. This season, though, Borgen’s emergence made this move a net positive.

Adding more draft picks and young forward Juuso Parssinen ahead of the trade deadline in moves to unload pending UFAs Smith, Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey made sense. Adding defenseman Carson Soucy for a third-round pick was more of a head scratcher, though he remains under contract for next season.

On the prospects front, it was good to see two of Drury’s first-round picks play some in the NHL this season. 2023 top pick Gabe Perreault got his feet wet over five games with the Rangers after he finished up strong sophomore season at Boston College and won another gold medal with the United States at the 2025 World Junior Championship (along with 2023 third-round pick Drew Fortescue).

Brennan Othmann, the 2021 first-round pick, showed flashes in 23 games with the Rangers, largely in a bottom-six role. However, he didn’t score a goal and finished with just two assists. Next season is a big one for the 22-year-old.

And a couple of Drury’s later-round picks emerged. Mancini (fifth round 2022) made the big club out of training camp and then was a trade chip used to acquire Miller. Dylan Roobroeck (sixth round, 2023) led Hartford of the American Hockey League with 20 goals in his rookie pro season.

Final 2024-25 grade for Rangers GM Chris Drury: D+​

Drury doesn’t deserve nor receive a good grade for being in charge of this trainwreck of a season.

But he doesn’t get a failing grade either.

D+ sounds about right.

Now, let’s see if he learned from his mistakes and can right this ship again in 2025-26.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-drury-avoids-failing-grade-atrocious-season/

 

[New York Rangers]

Jon Cooper explains why Rangers’ Mike Sullivan has ‘sign of a good coach’: report

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

When it comes to being a good coach in the NHL, it takes one to know one. And clearly New York Rangers coach Mike Sullivan has a fan in fellow-two-time Stanley Cup winner Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Sullivan and Cooper are two of the most successful coaches of their era. Sullivan won the Stanley Cup in consecutive years with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2016 and 2017; and Cooper did the same with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021. Cooper has the best winning percentage of any current coach in the NHL (.595) and his 572 wins are 25th all-time in NHL history. Sullivan, hired by the Rangers two weeks ago, is not far behind Cooper; He has a .522 win percentage and is 32nd all-time with 479 victories.

In 2016, Sullivan led the Penguins past Cooper and the Lightning in seven games during the Eastern Conference Final, en-route to a Stanley Cup championship.

Cooper got Sullivan back this past February, when he guided Canada past Sullivan’s United States-coached team in the championship game at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Sully’s first day as #NYR Head Coach in the books. pic.twitter.com/6ypXKB1AF1

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

So, yeah, these guys know each other pretty well.

But, what makes Sullivan such a top coach in Cooper’s opinion?

“The sign of a good coach, to me, is when the star players are playing super hard,” Cooper told The Athletic. “’Sully’ got his star players in Pittsburgh to play hard, even years into his time there. For me, that’s a great sign. The other sign is: Does the team look disorganized at all? Do they look like they’ve gotten the message from the coach on how to play? And his teams have always looked like they knew what was going on.

“Those things sound easy to do, but they’re not.”

There was never a doubt that Sullivan had Sidney Crosby in his corner the past 10 seasons in Pittsburgh. Penguins stars Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang were big fans of the coach, too. So, that goes a long way in holding a team together even during the tough times, like the past three seasons when Pittsburgh failed to reach the postseason.

Mike Sullivan always says it’s a player’s game – but let’s be real: back-to-back Cups don’t happen without his leadership behind the bench.

Here's to the winningest coach in franchise history. Two Cups, countless memories… Thank you, Sully.
Read more: https://t.co/BWy9O17AAY pic.twitter.com/zfgBNIwvKD

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) April 29, 2025

Sullivan emphasizes building relationships as a key to success. And doing so with his best players is paramount.

“I think there’s a burden of responsibility that comes with being a top player on a team,” Sullivan explained at his introductory press conference last week. “When players embrace that it gives them the chance to be at their very best. I watched that first-hand with some of the guys I coached in Pittsburgh, no one personifies it more than Sid.

“So, my hope is that I can have some conversations with some of the top players and the core guys here in New York and challenge them in ways that will hopefully inspire them to be their best.”

Related: How Chris Drury avoids failing grade despite atrocious Rangers season

H2

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

Though Cooper and Sullivan never coached on the same side, the Lightning bench boss believes that he’s got a good read on the new Rangers coach. And part of that is understanding the complexities and nuances of Sullivan’s personality.

“He’s got a lot of ‘no bulls—‘ to him,” Cooper observed. “He gets to the point, gets it across and moves on. I think that’s served him well. But there’s another side to him — the ‘Sit down, have a couple beers’ side. There’s a fun Sully in there too.”

But it’s that ability to get his best players to buy in that will be so important for the Rangers. Especially after the regression in production and effort from players like Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere and Artemi Panarin this past season.

If Cooper is right about Sullivan, the Rangers could be in line for a serious turnaround next season.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...jon-cooper-explains-mike-sullivan-good-coach/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Watch and learn in playoffs; Oilers advance; Flyers, Canucks, Kings make key hires

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sure hope the New York Rangers are watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs closely.

There’s much to be learned about what it takes to be a winner. First and foremost, just watch how relentless the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers play. And that every single player buys into that relentless, ferocious style. This group is committed to the cause.

But there’s more there, and Chris Drury as Rangers general manager should take serious note of this. Look at the depth of the Panthers. Already, 17 different players have scored a goal for the Panthers in 10 postseason games. They hammered the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5 on Wednesday with Matthew Tkachuk, Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe combining for one point and two shots on goal. That’s because they did their jobs in other areas of the game AND the rest of the lineup contributed offensively, including three goals from defensemen and six different goal scorers from up and down the lineup.

Remember, that’s a team which lost more than half of its bottom six, two regular defensemen and the backup goalie after winning the Stanley Cup last season. But Florida retooled in the offseason, added Seth Jones and Brad Marchand in-season and have complete buy in. Now they Panthers are one win away from a third straight trip to the Eastern Conference Final.

Carolina Hurricanes? Yup, complete buy-in to their system, to go along with quality goaltending and terrific depth — even after the Mikko Rantanen fiasco.

Edmonton Oilers? They took out the Vegas Golden Knights in five games in the second round not just because they have two of the greatest players of their generation. Buy in and depth certainly doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to win a Cup with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard as your goalies.

Gotta play defense, too. And each of these teams commits to that. Yes, even the Oilers, 1-0 winners in overtime on Wednesday.

Keep watching Rangers. Keep watching.

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New York Rangers news​

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

Chris Drury’s report card for this atrocious season wasn’t pretty, but we explain why exactly the Rangers general manager didn’t receive a failing grade.

J.T. Miller didn’t make the cut at a 2025 U.S. Open golf qualifier, but he shared his thoughts about taking a crack at it, as well as how he feels about Mike Sullivan being hired as Rangers coach.

Speaking of Sullivan, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper weighed in on how the new Rangers bench boss stands out as an elite NHL coach.

And Sidney Crosby shared his thoughts with The Athletic about Sullivan’s departure from the Pittsburgh Penguins.

If the Rangers keep their first-round pick this year, here’s why they need to select the best center available at No. 12.

To that end, here’s a breakdown between Jack Nesbitt and Roger McQueen, two possible center candidates the Rangers could select at No. 12.

ICYMI: Will Cuylle scored a beauty for Canada in their latest win at the World Championships.

Gotta love Calvin de Haan. The veteran had some great quotes and stories to share on the Cam and Strick podcast, including about his brief and unfulfilling Rangers tenure.

NHL news and rumors​

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Sportsnaut: The Edmonton Oilers mean business. They’re headed to the Western Conference Final after their 1-0 overtime win in Game 5 eliminated the Vegas Golden Knights.

Sportsnaut: And the Oilers may just be on a repeat collision course with the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. The Panthers absolutely demolished the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 5, their third straight win in the series, and are now one victory away from the East Final.

ESPN: Not surprisingly, Rick Tocchet was named coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, replacing old friend John Tortorella.

NHL.com: And in Vancouver, the Canucks replaced Tocchet with his former assistant, Adam Foote.

Forever Blueshirts: We broke down just how close former Rangers first-round pick Manny Malhotra came to landing the Canucks job.

Sportsnet: The Canucks also signed 2023 top pick Tom Willander to his entry-level contract. The highly-regarded defenseman starred at Boston Univsersity.

NHL.com: The Los Angeles Kings hired three-time Stanley Cup winner Ken Holland to be their new general manager.

The Athletic ($$): Arthur Staple reports that Brendan Shanahan is “a long shot, but not off the table” to be considered for a front office role with the New York Islanders.

Sportsnet: Because it’s Canada, of course there’s debate over what it’d take to get Sidney Crosby to play for the Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Despite rumors that assistant Sergei Brylin will leave the Devils to coach in the KHL, NJHN reports that won’t be the case, that the Stanley Cup winner plans to remain in the Garden State.

The Fourth Period: Dave Pagnotta reported that D.J. Smith interviewed for the Penguins coaching vacancy and the former Ottawa Senators coach is a top candidate to replace Mike Sullivan.

WATCH: Kasperi Kapanen scores the overtime winner for the Oilers, to eliminate the Golden Knights in the second round.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...fs-oilers-advance-flyers-canucks-kings-hires/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers’ Will Cuylle has goal, assist to help Canada to 4th straight win at World Championships

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Will Cuylle had himself a day at the World Hockey Championships on Thursday. Playing up in the lineup, the New York Rangers forward scored a goal and added an assist in Canada’s 5-1 win over Austria.

Cuylle assisted on Travis Konecny’s goal at 8:32 of the third period which made it 3-1 Canada. The 23-year-old took a pass behind Austria’s net from defenseman Noah Dobson, then carried the puck out into the left circle, spun around and fired a shot toward the net that deflected to Konecny, who finished off the scoring play.

Will Cuylle Travis Konecny #MensWorlds | #MondialMasculinpic.twitter.com/Xi0wziGsy5

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) May 15, 2025

Three minutes later, Cuylle made it 4-1 with his second goal in as many games. Cuylle beat Austrian goalie Florian Vorauer with a nasty snipe from the left dot on his only shot of the game. So, that means Cuylle’s scored on each of his last two shots in the tournament, since he scored on his lone shot Monday against France.

WHAT A SHOT!
Will Cuylle makes it 4-1 for Canada.#MensIIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/KdpQrjdfda

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 15, 2025

Cuylle now has three points (two goals, one assist) in four games for unbeaten Canada.

The power forward logged 13:49 TOI, his most in any game so far. This after he was the extra forward against France and played just 5:55.

His goal against France also was a snipe. That one came off the rush on left wing. The Rangers must be pleased with Cuylle’s showing at the Worlds after he scored 20 goals this past season, tying Mika Zibanejad for fourth on the team this season.

Related: Why John Davidson believes Rangers will ‘come back … make some noise’ next season

Rangers’ Mika Zibanejad, Juuso Parssinen playing well at World Championships​

Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

One other Rangers player was in action Thursday at the World Championships. Juuso Parssinen picked up an assist when Finland routed Slovenia 9-1. He assisted on Lenni Hameenaho’s goal at 8:32 of the second period which put Finland ahead 5-1.

Eeli Tolvanen paced Finland with four goals and leads the tournament with six in four games. Zibanejad is tied for third in goal scoring at the Worlds with four in four games with Sweden.

Zibanejad caught a break with his most recent goal, Wednesday against Latvia.

Mika Zibanejad scores to make it 5-0 after a Latvian player shot it into his own net. #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/atMHlUCYnC

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 14, 2025

Parssinen has three points (two goals, one assist) in four games for Finland, including one game-winning goal.

Zibanejad leads Sweden back into action Friday against Slovenia. Cuylle and Canada play Slovakia on Saturday.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...-canada-4th-straight-win-world-championships/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why it’s time for Rangers to trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

This offseason should not be a time for the New York Rangers to be sentimental about their current longest-tenured player. It’s best for the Rangers to find a trade partner and cut ties with Chris Kreider.

Perhaps that sounds a bit cold. But if that’s the case, then the Rangers likely have the right man for the job to manage this situation. Though you’d hope that Chris Drury would handle Kreider’s exit more smoothly than he did those of Jacob Trouba and Barclay Goodrow, the bottom line is that the general manager has already proven capable of making hard decisions when it comes to veteran personnel.

That Drury already showed his hand by including Kreider specifically in the infamous trade memo to the 31 other GMs in the League last November is reason to believe that he’s planning to move on from Kreider.

Though, there are valid arguments to keep Kreider, they simply don’t trump those to deal him away.

There’s certainly sentiment that new coach Mike Sullivan could help spur a comeback season from Kreider, who dropped to 22 goals and 30 points this past season. That, coupled with the hope that a healthy Kreider is due to bounce back in 2025-26, are understandable reasons to keep CK20 on Broadway.

The Kreider who’s a game-changing net front presence and 30+ goal scorer as he was the previous three seasons before his 2024-25 downturn is enticing to have on the roster. But at age 34 and coming off a slew of injuries, can that type of season be expected from him?

Then there is the sentimental side. Kreider is one of three players to score 300 goals in Rangers history, and is 11 away from passing Jean Ratelle for second-most all-time. He needs one more power-play goal to pass Camille Henry for most in franchise history. He’s 117 games away from 1,000 with the Rangers.

But as already stated, sentimentality has no place here. If Brian Leetch can be traded by this organization, so can Chris Kreider.

So, let’s breakdown into why exactly this is the time for the Rangers to trade Kreider.

Related: Why John Davidson believes Rangers will ‘come back … make some noise’ next season

Reason why Rangers should trade Chris Kreider this offseason​

James Guillory-Imagn Images

Salary cap​

The No. 1 reason to move Kreider is to create more room under the salary cap. It’s exactly why Drury went to such lengths to move on from Goodrow and Trouba. Veterans making too much money, where salary-cap space outweighs a player’s value to the roster.

Kreider is owed $6.5 million each of the next two seasons. To help reshape their roster, the Rangers need more room under the cap and removing Kreider’s AAV would be a big help.

As of today, the Rangers have roughly $8.422 million in cap space, per PuckPedia, even with it rising to $95.5 million next season. That’s before they re-sign RFAs Will Cuylle, K’Andre Miller, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom.

It’s not going to be easy. Kreider has a 15-team no-trade clause; and there might be teams interested in Kreider who want the Rangers to retain some salary here. The Rangers don’t want that. They’ll take less in return to rid themselves of the full $6.5 million per season. But keep in mind, there may not be a robust market for an aging power forward with back issues coming off his lowest full-season point total in seven years.

Drury’s proven adept at getting other teams to take on the full contract before — again, see Trouba and Goodrow, in different circumstances — so he may need to wield some similar magic here with Kreider.

Give the kids a chance​

Removing Kreider from the mix, in theory, creates more opportunity for young forwards Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard. We say “in theory” because the Rangers could use the Kreider savings to add another veteran forward either via trade or free agency. But for salary-cap reasons and solid roster management, it makes the most sense to give the kids an opportunity at regular playing time.

That doesn’t mean guaranteeing Perreault, Othmann and/or Berard a lineup spot. Sullivan’s already made it clear that everyone must earn their way. But without Kreider there, it creates an opening, an opportunity.

Gabe Perreault takes his rookie lap for the Rangers pic.twitter.com/3Rs1Rk1QRh

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 2, 2025

Perreault will be a 20-year-old rookie next season. He’s the wild card here. Will he be ready to add skill and high hockey IQ to this stagnant lineup next season? Othmann doesn’t have a goal in 25 career games in the NHL, but he’s been a goal scorer at every other level, is just 22, and brings a physical element the Rangers like. Berard scored six goals and had 10 points in 35 games this season; he adds speed and energy to the lineup, but his upside is more in question than the other two.

Maybe Juuso Parssinen gets more of a look, too. With Kreider out of the picture, it makes it easier to work Will Cuylle full-time into the top six. Perhaps Cuylle or Alexis Lafreniere takes over Kreider’s power-play time, as well.

But the key here is that competition ramps up and the kids get a chance if Kreider is not on the roster.

Shake up stagnant core​

This is a transitional time for the Rangers. Their core — led by Kreider and Mika Zibanejad — has been intact a long time and achieved some success with a pair of trips to the Eastern Conference Final, three 100-point seasons, and winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24. But that core crumbled last season and showed signs of not being mentally strong enough to be a champion.

Drury noticed the need for change after the six-game loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 conference final. He’s addressed it some with several roster changes the past year. But he’s not done. And moving Kreider feels like the most obvious move to make here to continue shaking up the mix on the ice and in the room.

That’s not to insinuate at all that Kreider is a problem. It just feels like it’s time to make this move.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/reasons-trade-chris-kreider-this-offseason/

 

[New York Rangers]

‘Stock has definitely risen’ on potential Rangers free-agent target Adam Gaudette

Stephen Brashear-Imagn ImagesStephen Brashear-Imagn Images

There are many reasons why Adam Gaudette’s name is being mentioned as a possible free-agent fit with the New York Rangers this offseason.

The Rangers likely are looking to upgrade their bottom six and Gaudette is one of the more intriguing options out there on the open market this summer. Not only is the 28-year-old coming off a breakthrough 19-goal season with the Ottawa Senators, but his price tag should still be reasonable.

All of that is appealing to the Rangers, who could use more depth scoring at an affordable price.

“I think the stock has definitely risen,” Gaudette said after the Senators were eliminated in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Toronto Maple Leafs. “That was a personal goal of mine, proving that I am an everyday NHL player and finally getting over that hump of, is he an AHL player or NHL player? I had personal goals when I signed here and pretty much nailed every one.”

Big one for Adam Gaudette pic.twitter.com/brrMmtmUaH

— Sports on Prime Canada (@SportsOnPrimeCA) April 6, 2025

Gaudette signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Senators last summer after the forward played just two games with the St. Louis Blues in 2023-24. He had 26 points playing in an NHL career-high 81 games, averaging 10:25 TOI. His 19 goals were sixth on the Senators; and in the playoffs, Gaudette was tied for fifth in scoring for Ottawa with three points (one goal, two assists) in six games.

“I’ve always had the mindset that I can be an impactful player in this league, just needed the chance to prove it,” Gaudette explained. “I think this is just the beginning and I have a lot more to give.”

Gaudette has played 301 NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks, Blues and Senators. And he did notch 33 points in 50 games with the Canucks during the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 campaign. But he struggled with consistency, lack of production, and finding a set role in the NHL until this season.

Now he understands better who he is and where he fits.

“Good playoff teams need a good bottom six to support them through the playoffs,” he said. “I accepted my fourth-line center role and ran with it.”

If the Rangers move Mika Zibanejad to right wing on a line with J.T. Miller, that would open up a spot on their third line at center. There are in-house candidates like Juuso Parssinen and Jonny Brodzinski, and maybe even Noah Laba, who turned pro at the end of his NCAA career with Colorado College. But it’s easy to see why the Rangers could consider Gaudette, as well.

Related: Why it’s time for Rangers to trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Why Rangers should proceed with caution when it comes to free agent Adam Gaudette​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

There are a slew of red flags with Gaudette that the Rangers must be aware of, though.

First and foremost, as mentioned above, it was thought that he already had his breakout season in 2019-20. Gaudette followed that up with 10 goals and 25 points the next four seasons in the NHL, yo-yoing between the bigs and the minors. That’s a major warning sign that perhaps Gaudette played well above grade this season.

Of course, it could be that a more mature Gaudette simply found himself and his game in 2024-25. But let’s face it, his track record isn’t great. So, general manager Chris Drury really would need to rely on his scouts here, those who’ve seen Gaudette on a regular basis, not only this season but in previous ones.

Gaudette had an unsustainable shooting percentage of 21.1 percent this season. He only recorded 90 shots on goal, despite playing all but one game. Those are important stats. Gaudette also scored 13 of his goals before the New Year, and petered out in 2025 with six, including two in the final game of the regular season.

The flip side is that he did play well against the Maple Leafs in the postseason, and his defensive play was much improved this season, including time spent on the penalty kill. The Senators outscored the opposition 32-19 with Gaudette on the ice 5v5 this season, per Natural Stat Trick. And his other metrics were largely positive.

Earlier @Senators Head Coach Travis Green joined the guys and recapped the season for the Sens and talked about the play of former Canuck Adam Gaudette.

Full interview..https://t.co/6lvxUAO6Kr pic.twitter.com/W1tepGN5T3

— Donnie & Dhali (@DonnieandDhali) May 16, 2025

Another thing for the Rangers to consider is whether Gaudette has what it takes to play on the third line with higher expectations than on the fourth line as he did in Ottawa. The Rangers already have Sam Carrick to center their fourth line, and he’s a perfect fir there, likely playing with Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom next season.

The best case scenario would be if Gaudette followed in Carrick’s footsteps to become a free-agent steal at an affordable price. But there’s much to consider before the Rangers pull the trigger on a deal July 1.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...tial-rangers-free-agent-target-adam-gaudette/

 

[New York Rangers]

Juuso Parssinen of Rangers scores fancy goal for Finland at World Championships

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn ImagesDennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

Juuso Parssinen continues to make a positive impression and play a big role for Finland at the 2025 World Hockey Championships. The New York Rangers forward added to his impressive play at the tournament Saturday when he scored a highlight-reel goal off the rush in a 2-1 win against Latvia.

Parssinen made a slick between the legs play at high speed approaching the Latvia net early in the second period. He appeared to be trying to pass to an onrushing teammate, but caught a break when the puck hit the skate of a Latvian defenseman and deflected into the net to give Finland a 1-0 lead at 7:37 of the second period.

What a play from Juuso Parssinen to make it 1-0 Finland. Patrick Puistola may have touched it in the end but Parssinen has credit for the goal. #MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/8bJ2o5YO7x

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) May 17, 2025

That was Parsinnen’s only shot on goal Saturday, but he made it count. He also won six of 10 face-offs and logged an even 10 minutes TOI.

The 24-year-old now has four points (three goals, one assist) in five games for Finland, which has won four of five. Parssinen’s first two goals in the tournament were game-winners, and he’s plus-6 so far.

PARSSINEN SCORES THE OVERTIME WINNER

FINLAND BEATS FRANCE.#MensWorlds pic.twitter.com/rjPQ3GtXIL

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 11, 2025

His goal Saturday is quickly becoming a go-to highlight on social media. But that’s nothing new for Parssinen. He blew it up a couple years ago when he scored this between-the-legs beauty for the Nashville Predators in overtime against the Minnesota Wild.

Related: ‘Stock has definitely risen’ on potential Rangers free-agent target Adam Gaudette

Rangers intrigued with what they have in Juuso Parssinen​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

This is the potential the Rangers see in Parssinen, whom they acquired from the Colorado Avalanche on March 1 in the Ryan Lindgren trade. It’s, in part, what led the Rangers to sign Parssinen to a two-year, $2.5 million contract a couple weeks ago.

Parssinen was actually scratched for more games (12) than he played (11) with the Rangers after the trade. When he was in the lineup, Parssinen skated in the bottom six, both at center and on the wing. He won 40.3 percent of his face-offs in limited opportunity. The Rangers had only a 28.57 percent expected goals share when Parssinen was on the ice 5v5, per Natural Stat Trick, and were out-chanced by a whopping 77-21 margin with him on the ice.

But Parssinen came alive offensively late in the season, with five points (two goals, three assists) in his final three games. And he’s carried that momentum into the World Championships.

Can he bring it consistently? That’s always been the question for the talented forward, who offers versatility with the ability to play center or on the wing. Even at the Worlds, it hasn’t been all good. Parssinen was demolished at the face-off dot prior to Saturday’s much better showing.

Next season will give the Rangers a better idea if they have an extra depth forward on their hands or an emerging young talent ready to take the next step.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...sinen-fancy-goal-finland-world-championships/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Agree to disagree about Chris Kreider; Auston Matthews has his playoff moment

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Though most readers agreed with my take Friday that now is the time for the New York Rangers to move on from Chris Kreider, there were others who steadfastly believed otherwise.

This was my favorite reply on X (formerly Twitter) because it was so simple and direct:

Nope. Don’t agree. Sorry. Say what you want.

— Rosebudskier (@rosebudskier) May 17, 2025

Another reader accused me in a since-deleted tweet of having something personal against Kreider, making me a bad reporter.

Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Unlike that person who posted that tweet, I actually know Kreider. I was there the day he was drafted in Montreal, sat with him on the charter when I worked for the team, saw up close how he handled the early ups and downs in his career, met his parents, traveled back to Boston College with him to hear his collegiate tales. He’s met my son, and always asked about how Ryan was doing in school and in baseball.

Chris Kreider is a really good dude. I’m fortunate that I’ve been able to watch his journey up close all these years, and get to know him.

This isn’t to say we’re best buds. But it is to show that I know the person and the player, and it wasn’t easy to write that article. But I really do believe the Rangers are best served by trading him. And you know what, maybe it’s best for him too. How pained (outside of the actual physical pain he felt) and uncomfortable did he look this season? Miserable. He knew, and still knows, that the organization doesn’t want him anymore.

Kreider can still play. Even in his off year, Kreider still scored 22 goals. And if he’s healthy, Kreider could be a solid bounce-back candidate next season. I get all that. But there are plenty of reasons why it’s time to move him now.

I won’t map out them out here, just read the story (link in next section). We can agree to disagree, but it’s certainly not personal and I do believe it’s a very fair analysis of why the time is now for the Rangers to move on from Kreider.

LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our videos, including the Rink Rap podcast, at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page

New York Rangers news​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

There’s no time to be sentimental. Here’s why it’s time for the Rangers to trade Chris Kreider this offseason.

Breaking down the pros and cons for the Rangers when considering free-agent forward Adam Gaudette.

Here’s why former team president John Davidson believes the Rangers will bounce back and “make some noise” next season.

NHL news and rumors​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Sportsnaut: Here are the key takeaways after the Toronto Maple Leafs staved off playoff elimination with a gritty 2-0 road win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in Game 6.

TSN: The Maple Leafs may be without one of their more important players for Game 7 against the Panthers on Sunday. Forward Mathew Knies was injured in the first period Friday after taking a reverse hit from Panthers defenseman Niko Mikkola and is questionable for the series finale, per Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube.

TSN: The Edmonton Oilers will be without injured defenseman Mattias Ekholm and goalie Calvin Pickard to begin the Western Conference Final. Ekholm’s been out the past month with an undisclosed injury and Pickard missed the past three games.

Sportsnet: Dallas Stars captain Jamie Benn was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the CBA, for roughing after he punched Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele during a scrum in Game 5 of their playoff series Thursday.

Ottawa Citizen: Bruce Garrioch reports that the Senators and Clause Giroux have started talks on a new contract before the 37-year-old forward becomes an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Hockey News: Washington Capitals great Nicklas Backstrom signed a contract to play in Sweden next season, attempting to come back after he missed two seasons following hip resurfacing surgery.

The Fourth Period: Dave Pagnotta reports that the Vegas Golden Knights are making it a priority to extend star center Jack Eichel, who has one year remaining on his contract.

NHL.com: Rick Tocchet was introduced as Philadelphia Flyers coach and explained that his new team has “a lot of tools” which intrigued him enough to take the job.

Yahoo Sports: Former Rangers forward Reilly Smith said he’s hoping to work out a new contract to stay with the Golden Knights after the Blueshirts traded him there ahead of the deadline in March. Smith can be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

WATCH: Auston Matthews scores the most important playoff goal of his career to help save the Maple Leafs season in Game 6 against the Panthers.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...chris-kreider-auston-matthews-playoff-moment/

 

[New York Rangers]

Resurrecting Mika Zibanejad’s game is major Mike Sullivan challenge with Rangers

Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesDanny Wild-Imagn Images

Though many New York Rangers fans might not buy it, the Mika Zibanejad they remember from two seasons ago is still out there. He’s just a little far away at the moment.

That’s both a figurative and literal statement. Not only does Zibanejad seem far removed from the dynamic scorer who averaged better than a point per game from 2019-23, he’s actually not nearby from a geographic standpoint. The forward is in Europe, playing for his native country and tournament host Sweden in the World Championships.

Yet that version of Zibanejad appears to be the same one that participated in the Four Nations Faceoff in February; and that should have the Rangers encouraged over the possibility that the 32-year-old has something left in the tank. With a highly-respected new coach known for getting the most out of accomplished veteran players now behind the Rangers bench, it’s possible that Zibanejad’s 15th NHL season might prove to be a clean slate and a fresh start for him on the way back to star status.

Related: Why it’s time for Rangers to trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Mika Zibanejad has looked like his old self at Four Nations, World Championships​

Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Zibanejad endured what was likely the worst season of his career in 2024-25, recording 62 points – marking a second straight season of offensive decline after he piled up a career-high 91 in 2022-23. His overall game also deteriorated, as he went from an outstanding two-way player that was a plus-70 from 2021-24 to one that finished minus-22 last season – just shy of his career-worst minus-23 mark in 2017-18.

The eye test backed that up, as Zibanejad frequently struggled with defensive responsibilities as opponents often feasted offensively when he was on the ice. The Rangers were outscored 5v5 with Zibanejad on the ice 52-43 and they’re expected goals share was 48.67 percent, per Natural Stat Trick.

Zibanejad played so poorly that now-former coach Peter Laviolette moved him out of the middle and occasionally out of the top-six forward group, before he found a somewhat successful home at right wing on center J.T. Miller’s line. Still, Zibanejad mostly looked like a shell of the all-around force he used to be.

The “old” Zibanejad, though, made an appearance for Tre Kronor in the inaugural Four Nations event. He looked quick and highly engaged in two games, scoring a goal when centering Sweden’s top line before missing the contest due to an illness.

Three months later, that guy has shown up again in an international competition. Zibanejad has four goals in six games — yes, one was an own goal by Latvia — to help power undefeated Sweden to the top of Group A at the Worlds, performing every bit like the No. 1 center he once was for the Rangers.

Mika Zibanejad with the equalizer!#MensWorlds #IIHF #SWEAUT @Trekronorse pic.twitter.com/qeDFXnCbbT

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 10, 2025

Apparently, the skills are still there, which, to be fair, he did show down the stretch when he had 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in the final six games of the Rangers season.

Skeptics – and there are deservedly plenty at this point after such a rough 2024-25 – would ask why Zibanejad is so invested and effective now, and wasn’t for so much of the NHL season.

That question is a fair one. To cite the Rangers’ drama-filled season that included significant tensions with the front office over personnel moves and what seemed like obvious rebellion against Laviolette isn’t an excuse for Zibanejad’s lackluster play – which was hardly limited to him on the Blueshirts roster. Yet, he was the tone-setter, the one who’s malaise hung like a dark cloud over the Rangers last season.

There’s no question, though, that the built-up acrimony played a role. Zibanejad confirmed it when he complained about how management handled personnel moves and “communication” issues at breakup day. Reminding everyone in a separate interview that he has a no-move clause that he “earned” and has no plans to leave didn’t help his standing with general manager Chris Drury and owner James Dolan.

You think the public display of extending Drury shortly after Zibanejad spoke out wasn’t a sign by the owner that it’s time for Zibanejad get in line and do what he’s paid handsomely to do — and that’s perform on the ice?

Even Zibanejad’s biggest detractors, though, are probably going to have to grit their teeth and accept that he’s not going anywhere. With five seasons remaining on a contract that carries an $8.5 million salary-cap hit and is essentially buyout-proof – along with the aforementioned no-move – Drury would have to perform some serious magic to trade Zibanejad.

For his part, however, Zibanejad will have to accept that there’s a new sheriff in town – one that, unlike his recent predecessors, almost certainly won’t be departing after two seasons this time. Mike Sullivan is Drury’s coaching white whale of sorts, now finally in the fold, in lockstep with his GM and expected to be here for the long haul after a 10-year run with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Plenty can be made of the turnover behind the bench during Drury’s tenure, with the GM having hired his third coach in five years. Laviolette and Gerard Gallant, Drury’s first hire, each lasted two seasons, both done in in part by losing the locker room, whether that was fully their fault or not.

The difference this time? While Gallant and Laviolette were both accomplished – Gallant guided the Vegas Golden Knights to the 2018 Stanley Cup Final and captured the Jack Adams Award that season, while Laviolette won the Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and is one of the winningest coaches in league history – neither was Drury’s top choice to lead the Rangers.

Sullivan is exactly that, and the two-time Cup winner with the Penguins probably has as good a chance as anyone to heal the divisions and end the drama in the room and get Zibanejad – and others – back on track.

Related: ‘Stock has definitely risen’ on potential Rangers free-agent target Adam Gaudette

Mike Sullivan’s role to bring best out of Mika Zibanejad with Rangers​

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

Sullivan faced a similar situation in Pittsburgh in December 2015, taking over an underachieving and drifting club that had just fired coach Mike Johnston.

The team was “kind of a mess,” according to then-Penguin Matt Cullen.

“When you’re walking into a room with Sidney Crosby and [Evgeni] Malkin and [Kris] Letang and [Marc-Andre] Fleury, it’s a long list of guys who have some big reputations,” Cullen said. “He was super direct, and it didn’t matter if you were Sid or a guy on the fourth line, the expectations were super clear. It was something guys really responded to.”

Sullivan’s honest, one-size-fits-all approach proved to be perfect. The Penguins righted the ship and went on to win the Stanley Cup that season, and the next one as well.

Now, the Rangers’ roster doesn’t contain four future Hall of Famers, so expecting a Stanley Cup run next season might be wholly unrealistic – especially from a group that showed so little investment in 2024-25. What Zibanejad and others should have realized upon Sullivan’s hiring is that he isn’t going anywhere. Having reportedly made the 57-year-old the highest-paid coach in NHL history at $6.5 million per year for five years, ownership made it clear that it’s committed to leadership behind the bench – and not for two seasons this time.

The question of whether the Rangers core veterans have effectively fired the last three coaches – Gallant’s predecessor David Quinn being the other – isn’t worth relitigating anymore. What matters now is whether Sullivan, armed with job security and an effective level of authority that Quinn, Gallant and Laviolette didn’t possess – can get the current iteration of Zibanejad to return from his home country for training camp.

“It’s probably not unlike what he walked into in Pittsburgh,” Cullen said of Sullivan’s hiring in New York. “A team that’s awfully close to being really good, high expectations – it’s a perfect scenario for him to come into. I can’t think of a better coach and person to come in and lead the ship.”

A key decision Sullivan faces in the attempted resurrection of Zibanejad’s game is how to use him. Under Gallant and especially Laviolette, Zibanejad became a matchup center, expected to shut down opposing top pivots, especially in the playoffs.

He was good in that role, but Zibanejad’s offense – and eventually, his all-around play and confidence – declined in tandem. Getting him back to the quick, freewheeling player who consistently attacked the net and exhibited a positive arrogance might end up having a lot to do with how Sullivan views Zibanejad’s role.

Whether his days at center are over remains to be seen. Perhaps, he’ll be back on the wing riding shotgun with Miller.

Zibanejad’s chances of turning back the clock under Sullivan will be among the most critical Rangers variable next season. If Zibanejad just required a reset and the 75- to 80-point player that once excelled in all three zones re-emerges, the Rangers will be a much different team than the one that crashed from the Presidents Trophy to missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024-25.

Sullivan knew he’d be tasked with this significant undertaking when he accepted the job. It’s also up to Zibanejad to be on board with what the new coach is selling – and to buy into a partnership with Sullivan. After all, it’s highly unlikely that either person will be departing anytime soon.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...mika-zibanejad-major-mike-sullivan-challenge/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Neil Smith ‘given a pass;’ Devils coach ‘invested’ in Maple Leafs

Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORKFrank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK

Was chatting with Neil Smith on the phone Thursday and the former New York Rangers general manager caught my attention with something he said.

“I did some unpopular things. even before ’94, in an effort to make the team better,” Smith explained. “But I never hid from the media. I never hid from the players. If you wanted an answer, you could just ask me the question, I was always available to everybody.

“So, therefore, I was given a pass on a lot of stuff I did.”

Historically, Smith will always receive a pass or benefit of the doubt for his mistakes — especially those made in the seasons following 1993-94 — because he oversaw the only Rangers championship in the past 85 years.

But his take is intriguing because he was speaking about in the moment not historically, looking back in hindsight. Smith was always available to the media, talking hockey, explaining his decisions, thinking and mindset, or sometimes just shooting the shit.

I never believed Smith did it to curry favor with the press, of which I was a young member at the time. Neil was just being Neil. Outgoing, friendly, open, engaging. He was human, relatable. Not a robot.

He’s right; one of the benefits is that he wasn’t skewered, for example, when the Rangers failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 1992-93 after winning the Presidents’ Trophy the season before (sound familiar?). Smith was scrutinized, but treated fairly. He wasn’t skewered.

In a broader scope, his comment Thursday made me think about my early days in the media, when reporters routinely chatted up players pregame outside locker rooms and then would sit down with Smith or another executive for dinner before the puck dropped on that game. This is how long-standing relationships and trust were built. Trust was built on both sides.

These days? Not so much. There’s limited access to players — I mean, forget about handing a blow torch to a player as he worked on a stick and chatted with you in the bowels of Madison Square Garden 30 minutes before warmups anymore. Those days were real. But they’re in the past.

I get it, social media plays a role in why that changed. Perhaps the big-time money invested in players changed dynamics, too. But these days, it feels like most every team — certainly the Rangers — want to own the message, control the relationships (such as they are) between players and media. Good luck standing off to the side to have a casual conversation with a player, even on a practice day, without a PR person hovering about or letting you know that’s enough, the player needs to go now.

And the GM? Chris Drury looks so pained and says very little of substance in his very rare media sessions. I guess it could be worse. You could be a Knicks beat reporter and hear from Leon Rose, well, never.

Things are just different now. I’d argue, not better. But let’s leave it as different. And thanks to Neil, a respected friend more than 30 years after we first met, for sending me down this path with a simple open assessment and comment the other day.

LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to our videos, including the Rink Rap podcast, at the Forever Blueshirts YouTube page

New York Rangers news​

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Former team president John Davidson explained why he believes the Rangers will bounce back next season and “make some noise.”

Will Cuylle is heating up at the World Championships. The Rangers forward scored goals in consecutive games for Canada and had a two-point outing on Thursday.

ICYMI: We handed Chris Drury his report card, and it wasn’t pretty. But why didn’t the Rangers GM receive a failing grade?

New York Post ($$): Mollie Walker has a detailed feature today about why Mike Sullivan’s been an “elite leader” throughout his coaching journey.

The Athletic ($$): Arthur Staple has a fun read about what an ideal Rangers offseason looks like, as well as a nightmare scenario.

NHL news and rumors​

Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

NHL.com: It’s on to the Eastern Conference Final for the Carolina Hurricanes, who knocked out the Washington Capitals in five games, playing a stifling brand of defense.

Sportsnaut: But not so fast in the Western Conference, where the Winnipeg Jets saved their season and staved off elimination with a 4-0 shutout win in Game 5 against the Dallas Stars.

TSN: Back in the Eastern Conference, Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said he doesn’t expect injured goalie Anthony Stolarz will be available for Game 6 against the Florida Panthers on Friday in South Florida. That leaves Joseph Woll — coming off a subpar Game 5 loss — in net trying to keep Toronto’s season afloat.

Daily Faceoff: New Jersey Devils coach Sheldon Keefe is back home for the summer in Ontario and said “I feel myself invested in what’s happening” with his former team, the Maple Leafs, in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

TSN: New Los Angeles Kings general manager Ken Holland confirmed that Jim Hiller will remain the team’s coach next season.

Sportsnaut: Here’s a breakdown of the top defensemen available in NHL free agency this offseason, including Aaron Ekblad of the Panthers.

New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols examines whether the Devils should consider reuniting Keefe with the top UFA on the market this summer, Mitchell Marner, who he coached in Toronto.

WATCH: Andrei Svechnikov scores the series-winning goal late in the third period of Game 5 for the Hurricanes against the Capitals.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...given-pass-devils-coach-invested-maple-leafs/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why former Rangers center Brian Boyle thinks ‘maybe Game 7 on the road isn’t so bad’

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

For someone who won some pretty massive Game 7s on home ice at Madison Square Garden with the New York Rangers, perhaps it’s a bit surprising to hear that Brian Boyle thinks that being the road team with the right mind set is the way to go in a seventh and deciding contest in a Stanley Cup Playoff series.

History and statistics tell you he isn’t technically right. Road teams have won 83 of 201 all-time Game 7s in NHL history (41.3 percent). But Boyle’s opinion on this wasn’t swayed just because the Florida Panthers went into Toronto and whacked the Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 7 on Sunday night to advance to the Eastern Conference Final. Remember, those same Panthers won Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final last spring on home ice against the Edmonton Oilers.

In 2015, when Boyle was with the Tampa Bay Lightning and playing against the Rangers in the conference final, his take on Game 7s solidified. Tampa took Game 5 at MSG with a 2-0 win and had the chance to wrap up the series at home but were blown out 7-3 by the Presidents’ Trophy winners in Game 6.

“We get back on home ice and try to put on a show and it was just a gauntlet, [Derick] Brassard had like nine points in the game (he had five; three goals, two assists). It’s like, what are we doing here?,” Boyle said on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast Monday. “Everybody in New York was feeling great about themselves. That’s sort of where I started realizing maybe Game 7 on the road isn’t so bad.”

That decisive Game 7 at MSG was dictated by the Lightning and their complete buy-in to coach Jon Cooper’s ethos to “How can we play a game where we only give them one goal?”

It was all about defense, selling out, giving up your body. Boyle thought it was easier accomplished on the road than at home.

“We were surgical. I don’t think we had a ton of shots, but we scored a fluky goal by [Alex] Killorn … a really lucky goal … and then the second goal from [Ondrej] Palat and it was like we’re done. Lock it down,” Boyle explained. “It was no-one’s getting one by us.”

Forget about allowing one goal. The Lightning won 2-0 and advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. The Rangers, who’d never lost a Game 7 on home ice, were done for the season.

“I remember J.T. Miller had a one-timer off my knee and I still have like a bone spur on top of my kneecap blocking it,” Boyle recalled. “Because I went down in a way I’ve never gone down before. but it was just that this puck is not getting by me. And everyone on the team did stuff like that.

“The goal is to go in there and make that building quiet. And we did it.”

Related: Resurrecting Mika Zibanejad’s game is major Mike Sullivan challenge with Rangers

Former Rangers center Brian Boyle learned the recipe for Game 7 success on the road​

Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The year before, in 2014, Boyle helped the Rangers rally from 3-1 down against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round. That seventh game was played in Pittsburgh, Boyle scored the game’s first goal, and the Rangers found a way to eek out a 2-1 victory

As Cooper told the Lightning a year later, just “give them one goal.”

But as noted above, home teams do have the advantage in Game 7s. But Boyle’s point is that the pressure can really shift to the home team in these situations and with the right mindset and buy-in, the visiting team can take full advantage.

The Rangers did that to the Penguins — Henrik’s Lundqvist’s outrageous heroics certainly didn’t hurt — and the Lightning did it to the Rangers the following year.

Sunday in Toronto, pressure mounted significantly on the Maple Leafs when they had seven high-danger scoring chances, including a pair of partial breakaways, in the first period and failed to convert in a scoreless first 20 minutes.

The Panthers shut it down the rest of the way, allowing only one high-danger chance against the rest of the night, per Natural Stat Trick. The damn burst for Florida with three goals in a span of 6:24 in the second period, and that was, in essence, that.

They knew what it takes in a big spot on the road. So does Brian Boyle.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...rian-boyle-thinks-game-7-on-road-isnt-so-bad/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers star rumored to be in mix as Islanders search for new president, GM continues

Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesDan Hamilton-Imagn Images

It’s been nearly a month since the New York Rangers’ biggest rival, the New York Islanders, told president and general manager Lou Lamoriello that his contract wouldn’t be renewed. They’re still looking for his successor – or successors.

With the end of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ season after a 6-1 home loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their second-round series Sunday night, a new name is already rumored to be in the Islanders mix.

Maple Leafs director of hockey operations Brendan Shanahan, whose Hall of Fame playing career included a two-season stint with the Rangers, could be in the hot seat after Toronto was routed at home in Game 7 and failed to get out of the second round again. He’s served as their top executive since 2014 – and hired Lamoriello as GM a year later. Lamoriello left in May 2018 to go to the Isles after the Maple Leafs wanted to move him from GM to senior adviser.

Toronto has made the Stanley Cup Playoffs in nine straight seasons under Shanahan but has gotten beyond the opening round just twice. That includes this season, when they blew a 2-0 series lead to the Panthers under first-year coach Craig Berube and second-year GM Craig Treliving. The Maple Leafs haven’t reached the conference final since 2002 no reached the Final since 1967, the last time they won the Stanley Cup.

Shanahan spent two seasons with the Rangers, putting up 52 goals and 108 points in 140 games from 2006-08. He helped them reach the playoffs in both seasons and had his final NHL hat trick with the Rangers against the Islanders on Dec. 3, 2006.

He finished his playing career with the New Jersey Devils in 2008-09 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Shanahan won the Stanley Cup three times with the Detroit Red Wings and finished his career with 656 goals and 1,354 points in 1,524 games.

The 56-year-old signed a six-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs in May 2019 that runs through the end of this season. After another playoff disappointment, ownership might well decide it’s time for a change – especially with star forwards Mitchell Marner and John Tavares eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1.

Marner is expected by many to leave as a free agent, while Tavares – who bolted from the Islanders to the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2018 – said he wants to stay.

Related: ‘Stock has definitely risen’ on potential Rangers free-agent target Adam Gaudette

Rangers archrival rumored to have interest in Brendan Shanahan for front office role​

James Lang-Imagn Images

NHL analyst Nick Kypreos told Sportsnet Central that there’s a good chance Shanahan’s job could be eliminated.

“Make no mistake, over the course of 10 years, this has been Brendan Shanahan’s team,” the former Rangers forward said. “He’s the one that hired (ex-GM) Kyle Dubas. He’s the one at the end of the day who changed coaches … all of it fell on the watch of Brendan Shanahan. I think there was a level of respect for Brendan over his playing career, to give him an opportunity.

“He’s lived it. He’s won championships on Detroit — surely he can find a way to get the right mix, the right players, the right character together to win a Stanley Cup. But now that he’s doubled down and tripled down on the core (players) and they didn’t come through, there’s going to be a level of changes. We’ll see where ownership now goes with this whole role of a president. Maybe they don’t need one. Maybe they move on from Brendan Shanahan and don’t replace a president.”

Despite this season’s disappointment, Shanahan’s time in Toronto has to rated as an overall success – the Maple Leafs were a tire fire when he got there. If they ax him, he would surely attract the interest of a franchise that missed the playoffs this season and hasn’t won a postseason series since 2021.

Lamoriello’s successor, whether it’s Shanahan or someone else, takes over a team that owns the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft next month after winning the lottery (the Rangers will pick No. 12). There’s also an excellent goaltender (Ilya Sorokin) and a couple of talented defensemen (Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov). But the Islanders are also loaded with long-term contracts for players whose best years are behind them, and their talent pipeline is just beginning to refill after Lamoriello traded away multiple first-round picks in the early 2020s.

The Islanders reportedly were interested in longtime NHL general manager Ken Holland and ex-Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, now the executive vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens. But Holland took the GM job with the Los Angeles Kings, and the Canadiens refused to give the Islanders permission to talk to Gorton.

The Islanders reportedly interviewed former NHL GMs Jarmo Kekalainen and Marc Bergevin, as well as Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche. The Hockey News reported Monday that Bergevin and Darche each had a second interview with the Islanders. But it’s unlikely that any of those three would get both titles – meaning that there could be an opening for Shanahan, who knows many of New York’s staff, mostly though his connections with Lamoriello.

Shanahan’s stature could help the Islanders do one thing they’ve never been able to do – bring in a marquee free agent. With the shine of a new building wearing off UBS Arena after four seasons, the Islanders have to do something to keep the turnstiles spinning. Bringing in Shanahan, and perhaps a solid GM under him if he doesn’t want both jobs, could be just what they need.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...anahan-rumored-islanders-search-president-gm/

 

[New York Rangers]

How Brady Martin, Braedon Cootes could be center options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn ImagesStephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

With the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, there’s a good chance the New York Rangers will select a center. Or they should, depending on what the draft board looks like after 11 players are already taken.

Two centers to consider after the top tier of pivots are Brady Martin and Braedon Cootes.

They are pretty similar in size, handedness, character and style, though there are distinct differences, too. If players like Jack Nesbitt and Roger McQueen are off the board, one or both of Martin and Cootes could be there for the Rangers.

Related: Center options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft: Jack Nesbitt, Roger McQueen

Brady Martin ​

Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds – 6 foot, 175 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Mike Morreale:

“The right-handed shot complements a power-forward style with a great work ethic and intelligence in the offensive zone. Martin relishes play in the trenches and is the type of player who will make an impact in clutch situations. The 18-year-old had 72 points (33 goals, 39 assists), eight power-play goals, and three short-handed goals in 57 games.”

Brady Martin is the No. 1 body checking forward in the draft. He’s extremely physical with or without the puck, playing significantly bigger than his size. Martin is extremely dangerous on the forecheck, and also able to throw a reverse hit with ease. He will have no problem dealing with the physicality in the NHL and would be a nice addition to the Rangers gritty yet skilled future along with young players like Will Cuylle and Brennan Othmann.

Martin’s not the fastest skater but it’s certainly not a weakness by any means. He gets up and down the ice with the puck while making slick plays. He has solid vision and playmaking ability, to go along with a cannon of a shot. Whether that be in stride, standing still, or hammering a one-timer, all his offensive instincts are very smooth and with a purpose. Has no problem picking corners from anywhere, and loves to go top shelf with authority.

It’s easy to like Martin’s approach and game, and see how he’d fit in the Rangers lineup, likely as a high-end No. 2 center. He’s someone worth trading up for if necessary. Think Sam Bennett grit with Mika Zibanejad smoothness and finish, but answers all the variables in Zibanejad’s game. Could become J.T. Miller 2.0, another player previously selected by the Rangers in the middle of the first round.

Projected timeline to Rangers lineup: 1-2 years

Braedon Cootes ​

Seattle Thunderbirds – 6 foot, 183 pounds

Sportsnet analysis from Jason Bukala:

“The team that selects Cootes will be inheriting a ‘lead by example’ prospect who empties the tank every time his number is called. He’s the captain in Seattle, rolls over the boards in all situations, produces offence at even strength and on the power play and provides energetic penalty-killing. He plays much bigger than his listed size. Cootes will provide secondary scoring at the NHL level and he can be trusted to check top six forwards. Cootes ended the regular season with 26 goals, 37 assists.”

A prototypical captain, Cootes just wore the “C” and helped lead Canada to the gold medal at the U18 world championship, after he was captain for Seattle in the Western Hockey League. His hands are a weapon offensively, but perhaps what is most impressive is his puck retrieval skills. He’s always looking for puck possession and makes players around him better in the process. Cootes is crafty on his skates and quick with his curl and drag release that gets through traffic and can beat goalies clean from anywhere.

While his physicality may not be Brady Martin level, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. He stand up when challenged and initiates as well, and doesn’t seem afraid of anyone. Just a part of what makes him such a good leader.

There could be flashes of Mark Scheifele here, but with his combination of build, hands, and compete level, Wyatt Johnston might be the better NHL comparable. Cootes could be a good fit with the Rangers, though likely not among their top center choices. If the other options are off the board, Cootes is not a bad consolation prize, with a projection as high-end third-line center, who might grow into a 2C.

Projected timeline to Rangers: 2-3 years

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...braedon-cootes-center-options-2025-nhl-draft/

 

[New York Rangers]

Examining alternatives if Rangers don’t trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesJoseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

It feels like there’s a better than 50-50 chance the New York Rangers move on from Chris Kreider and trade the 34-year-old forward this offseason. But there’s certainly a world where the longest-tenured current Rangers player remains on the roster next season.

It would seem prudent for the Rangers to take the least-sentimental approach and trade Kreider this summer. This is especially so after general manager Chris Drury included Kreider’s name in the infamous trade memo to the other 31 GMs in November.

You can review the reasons why the Rangers should trade Kreider in an article published last week here at Forever Blueshirts.

But here, let’s focus on what happens if the Rangers don’t cut ties with Kreider. In that scenario, the Rangers retain his $6.5 million AAV, which runs through 2026-27 and have roughly $8.42 million in available salary-cap space to work with this offseason. Much — all? — of that is needed to re-sign restricted free agents K’Andre Miller, Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe and Adam Edstrom.

Zac Jones and Arthur Kaliyev are also RFAs, but not sure how they can be re-signed, even at modest deals, with so little cap space and others in line ahead of them.

You may have heard that the NHL salary cap increases significantly next season to $95.5 million, a jump of $7.5 million. So, where is all that extra space for the Rangers? Well, it’s been pretty much eaten up with extensions for Igor Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, Will Borgen, Urho Vaakanainen and Juuso Parssinen, each of which kick in next season.

So, with all that said, what are the Rangers options if Kreider returns for the 2025-26 season?

Related: Resurrecting Mika Zibanejad’s game is major Mike Sullivan challenge with Rangers

Alternative options if Rangers don’t trade Chris Kreider this offseason​

Danny Wild-Imagn Images

Run it back​

Does Drury believe he’s tweaked the core enough by trading away some players and adding the likes of J.T. Miller and Borgen last season? Is that the level of change he sought?

Likely not. It’s hard to imagine Drury has the stomach to run it back with the same cast that closed out this past season six points out of a playoff spot and woefully underperformed throughout 2024-25.

But if Kreider isn’t traded, one of the Rangers options is to stay the course and trust that new coach Mike Sullivan can help guide this current group back into the postseason. Remember, this core, by and large, did win the Presidents’ Trophy two seasons ago.

The Rangers could run it back, likely with better results than this past season, and focus on the 2025-26 offseason, when they currently project to have $38 million in available space to do their serious retooling. A lot can change between now and then, but as of today Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor and Artemi Panarin project to be free agents in 2026.

Back to the task at hand here.

In this “run-it-back” scenario, Kreider likely lands on the third line, and remains on the penalty kill and one of the power-play units. To keep it simple, let’s assume for this project that the Panarin – Vincent Trocheck – Lafreniere line remains intact, and Mika Zibanejad plays right wing on a line with J.T. Miller and Cuylle.

Assuming the fourth line will be Sam Carrick centering for the Twin Towers of Rempe and Edstrom, that leaves Kreider on the third line with Parssinen or Jonny Bordzinski in the middle and one of Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, Brett Berard or Parssinen on the other wing. Perhaps Noah Laba could work his way into the mix as third-line center.

If Zibanejad lines up at center, he and Kreider could be reunited on that third line and a top-six role opens up for the skilled prospect Perreault, or perhaps Othmann, Parssinen or Berard. Or in this case, Kreider could move back up into a top-six role if healthy and productive.

If this has the look and feel and of same-old, same-old, well, that’s because it is.

Trade Mika Zibanejad or Artemi Panarin​

This option is possible, if unlikely. Not to mention it would be very, very difficult, considering both Zibanejad and Panarin have full no-move clauses. Moving either would be the ultimate shake-up to this core, though the Rangers would then need to replace quite a bit of lost production in the lineup.

Again, moving either veteran is highly unlikely. But just for information purposes, the Rangers would save $11.64 million against the cap by trading Panarin, who has one season remaining on his mega-deal. Zibanejad makes $8.5 million annually through 2029-30.

Trade Alexis Lafreniere​

Again, an unlikely option, but a possibility nonetheless. The Rangers committed to a long-term extension with Lafreniere last season, and despite a poor showing in 2024-25, he’s the type of player you build around and give more responsibility to moving forward. Lafreniere will be 24 next season and did score 28 goals two years ago, not to mention how he didn’t wilt in the 2024 postseason.

Trading Lafreniere is somewhat appealing because it frees up $7.45 million under the cap and you’d assume the Rangers could get a sizeable return for the former No. 1 overall pick. Still, that feels like a panic move and short-sighted.

Trade K’Andre Miller​

K’Andre Miller is obviously not a forward, but the Rangers have an important decision to make on the 25-year-old defenseman’s long-term future. He’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, due a sizeable raise, and can be a UFA in 2027. But his wonky inconsistent play the past two seasons doesn’t necessarily have him on a linear path to someone you can trust and invest in long term.

Signing him this summer likely means $6 million-plus added to the budget, and is probably the way the Rangers go, especially if they view Miller as Adam Fox’s long-term partner. They could trade him, receive a solid return, but then be in the position of investing in a replacement.

Again, this feels unlikely, unless Drury and Sullivan don’t believe in Miller and would rather cut ties. Again, any potential cap savings there would be would go into paying his replacement.

Trade Carson Soucy​

It’s hard to tell how much the Rangers value Carson Soucy. In the minds of the hierarchy, Soucy might be a partner for Fox, a second-pair staple with Borgen, on the third pairing, or be a swing 6th-7th defenseman. Really, who knows? He was so-so after being acquired from the Vancouver Canucks ahead of the trade deadline.

If he’s not a keeper, the Rangers could free up $3.25 million by trading him. Soucy does have a 12-team no-trade clause, but that shouldn’t stand in the way of a deal. That would give the Rangers some wiggle room financially, though another defenseman would be needed on the roster and could mean Jones is back in the mix as an affordable and familiar option.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/alternatives-dont-trade-chris-kreider/

 

[New York Rangers]

Why Rangers should investigate possible Sabres trade: ‘there’s definitely noise around [Bowen] Byram’

Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn ImagesTimothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

With rumors swirling again that Bowen Byram could be traded this summer, the New York Rangers owe it to themselves to at least find out what it might cost to land the 23-year-old defenseman from the Buffalo Sabres.

The rumor mill first began to churn around Byram prior to the NHL Trade Deadline in March. His name is out there again, with League insider Elliotte Friedman the latest to discuss Byram’s future on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast.

“There is no doubt [Byram’s] name is out there, and there’s just been an agent change. So, that always leads to conversation about what does this mean? There is no doubt his name is out there. There’s no doubt they’re gauging market value on him, and we will see where this takes us,” Friedman explained Wednesday. “But there is definitely noise around the Byram name and the Buffalo Sabres.”

Byram is a pending restricted free agent with arbitration rights this summer. He’s due a sizable raise on his current $3.85 million AAV. Since the Sabres already invested $23.6 million annually through 2030 in three young defensemen — Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power and Mattias Samuelsson — they may not have the stomach to pony up more big bucks on another d-man, no matter how talented. Especially since each of the four are left-hand shots, though Byram and Samuelsson can play on the right side, too.

Byram logged the second most TOI for the Sabres this season, 22:42 playing all 82 games. Only Dahlin, the Sabres captain, averaged more (24:14 TOI). Byram’s career-high 38 points were third among Sabres defensemen behind Dahlin (68) and Power (40); and his 35 even-strength points were sixth most among all Sabres skaters.

Bowen Byram scores in his first game back in Colorado! pic.twitter.com/q9bR81R1j4

— NHL (@NHL) January 3, 2025

The No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Byram played more than 1,500 minutes 5v5 this season, most on the Sabres. He was on ice for a team-high 80 goals 5v5 and 66 against. The Sabres had an expected goals share of 47.88 percent 5v5 with Byram out there, per Natural Stat Trick, on par with Power (48.05 percent) but not nearly as good as Dahlin (54.59 percent).

The rub for Byram is that he’s stuck behind Dahlin and Power on the power play, logging far fewer minutes there than the other two. Since he was previously behind Cale Makar in Colorado, before being traded to Buffalo ahead of the 2024 deadline, Byram doesn’t wish to be behind Dahlin and Power long term.

That helps explain why his name is out there in trade rumors, even if the Sabres still have two years before he can be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

“I think he would like a bigger role, and it’s tough in Buffalo with who’s ahead of him and who’s around him. I think that absolutely is part of the decision-making process,” Friedman said.

Related: Examining alternatives if Rangers don’t trade Chris Kreider this offseason

Why Bowen Byram could be a fit with Rangers​

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

So, where does this leave the Rangers? As stated at the top, general manager Chris Drury needs to, at minimum, place a call to his Sabres counterpart Kevyn Adams to see what it would take to land Byram. The Sabres likely would seek a young forward to play in their top-six. Draft picks aren’t of interest to the Sabres, who are hungry to start winning after missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs an NHL-record 14 consecutive seasons.

“The goal next season is to compete for the playoffs, so any move that they make is going to have that in mind,” Dave Pagnotta reported in The Fourth Period.

Adams would and should ask for Alexis Lafreniere in return. One talented 23-year-old with serious upside in exchange for another. That Lafreniere has cost certainty, locked in at $7.45 million per year for the next seven seasons, only adds to his value.

Some Bowen Byram clips from last night.

A lot to like in his Blue & Gold debut. pic.twitter.com/liRcBHBfaf

— The Sabre Report (@TheSabreReport) March 8, 2024

The Rangers likely would balk at that one-for-one trade. But what if it expanded to include J.J. Peterka from the Buffalo side and one of Brennan Othmann, Gabe Perreault or Brett Berard from New York’s side? Just considering options here.

If the Sabres are high on Perreault or Othmann, perhaps one of those players along with a secondary piece could land Byram. Again, just spitballing.

Of course, the second part of this equation is that the Rangers likely would move on from their own restricted free agent K’Andre Miller, who’s also a pending RFA with arbitration rights this summer. He’s two years older at 25, but might be more of a defensive fit alongside Adam Fox moving forward on the top pair in New York. Then again, Byram and Fox could be a scary good offensive pairing 5v5, and a solid 1-2 on the power play, whether paired together or manning separate units.

There’s also a world where Byram slots in on the second pair with Will Borgen, and the Rangers go with a defensive-minded d-man, in the Ryan Lindgren mold, to pair with Fox.

The most difficult needle to thread would be if the Rangers acquired Byram and kept Miller. That’d be a bold move to solidify the top-four for years to come, but would necessitate moving out some contracts to fit everyone under the salary cap this season. It’d be less difficult beginning in 2026-27 when the salary cap takes another significant leap and the Rangers have serious money coming off the books.

For now, this is all conjecture. But if the Rangers are interested in the player, they need to seriously look into Byram’s availability this summer.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...estigate-sabres-trade-bowen-byram-nhl-rumors/

 

[New York Rangers]

New York Rangers Daily: Misery loves company at MSG after Knicks collapse; NHL coaching rumors

Wendell Cruz-Imagn ImagesWendell Cruz-Imagn Images

So you thought being a New York Rangers fan was tough. Well, Wednesday night wasn’t the greatest if you are hard core for the other team that calls Madison Square Garden home.

Holy hell. What an epic, historic collapse by the New York Knicks in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Final series against the Indian Pacers.

Up 14 with 2:45 remaining in regulation, the Knicks let it all slip away. On home court, no less. With Indiana star Tyrese Halliburton imitating Reggie Miller’s infamous choke sign. It’s the first time in NBA history that a team up that many points with 2:45 or less to play lost in the playoffs. The record was 994-0 before the Knicks let it become 994-1.

The Knicks lost 138-135 after an embarrassing display of ineptitude. Let’s be honest, this staggering loss could be a KO even though it’s just the first game of the series. Really, it’s hard to find a Rangers equivalent from their history. I mean, that’s just how unreal this collapse was by the Knicks.

But at least the Knicks have the chance to somehow pick themselves up off the mat and get back in this series. That’s because they earned their way here, into the playoffs, into the conference final after taking out the defending champion Boston Celtics, a series which included two amazing comebacks of their own.

They have the chance because they’re here in the playoffs. It’s more than the Rangers can say after failing to even qualify for the postseason. So, there’s that. Still a chance to write their own history.

But misery loves company, as the old saying goes. And today the Rangers have some serious company at MSG in that department.

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New York Rangers news​

Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

As the Chris Kreider debate remains heated with the fan base, here’s a breakdown of the options if the Rangers choose not to trade CK20 this offseason.

If the Buffalo Sabres decide to trade Bowen Byram this summer, here’s why the Rangers should be interested in exploring a deal for the 23-year-old defenseman.

So, what about Carson Soucy? Did the veteran defenseman show the Rangers enough to stick around next season? And, if so, where does he fit best?

Our Eric Charles takes a look at two more center options for the Rangers to consider with the No. 12 pick in this year’s draft: Brady Martin and Braedon Cootes.

NY Post ($$): Larry Brooks examines how Matt Rempe, and not Will Cuylle, might be the more likely Rangers RFA to receive an offer sheet from another NHL team this summer.

NHL news and rumors​

Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Sportsnaut: Here are the key takeaways after the Dallas Stars erase a 3-1 deficit with a five-goal third period to rally past the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

TSN: The Oilers took three penalties that cost them early in the third periord, the Stars capitalizing on each. And Oilers star Leon Draisaitl said postgame “we’ve got to be an awful lot more mature than that.”

Sportsnaut: The Florida Panthers had the “right recipe” to snag Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday. Game 2 is in Raleigh on Thursday.

Sportsnaut: ICYMI, here’s a complete breakdown of each of the conference final series, along with our staff predictions.

Sportsnaut: And here’s a breakdown of the top candidates right now for the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Forever Blueshirts: Former Rangers star and Hockey Hall of Famer Brendan Shanahan was granted permission to speak with the Islanders about a front office role. Shanahan’s contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs expires next month and he’s not expected to be retained after 11 years as Toronto’s director of hockey operations.

TSN: The Seattle Kraken received permission to speak with Maple Leafs associate coach Lane Lambert, the former Islanders bench boss, for their head coaching vacancy.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Speaking of coaching vacancies, the Pittsburgh Penguins are taking their time replacing Mike Sullivan. But Dan Kingerski reports that Mitch Love, the Washington Capitals assistant, appears to be a top candidate — though Kingerski notes that the Kraken also have interest in him.

Boston Herald: Fresh off agreeing to a contract extension, Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told the Herald that the Bruins coaching search will be completed long before the NHL Draft in late June, and that they are not waiting to discuss their opening with anyone still coaching in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Fourth Period: Dave Pagnotta reports that former Philadelphia Flyers assistant Brad Shaw will join Sheldon Keefe’s staff with the New Jersey Devils.

Sportsnet: It’s sounding like to a man that the Winnipeg Jets players really want the team to re-sign unrestricted free agent Nikolaj Ehlers.

Daily Faceoff: Shortly after the Maple Leafs were eliminated in Game 7 of the second round by the Panthers, William Nylander was off to play for Sweden at the World Championships. He’s expected to join Mika Zibanejad and Co. in the lineup Thursday against Czechia in the quarterfinals.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...pany-msg-knicks-collapse-nhl-coaching-rumors/

 

[New York Rangers]

Former Rangers star axed as president of Maple Leafs, clearing possible path to Islanders

Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesDan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Brendan Shanahan won’t have his contract as president of hockey operations renewed by the Toronto Maple Leafs, clearing his path to a potential role with the New York Rangers’ biggest rival, the New York Islanders.

The Leafs announced the decision to cut ties with Shanahan on Thursday. That was one day after they reportedly granted permission for Shanahan, whose Hall of Fame playing career included a two-season stint with the Rangers, to speak with the Islanders about a front office role.

“Over the past 11 seasons, Brendan Shanahan has made countless contributions to the Toronto Maple Leafs on the ice, off the ice and in the community,” Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment president & CEO Keith Pelley said in announcing the decision. “Brendan is one of the most respected leaders in the game and he has instilled many of the traits that were the signature of his Hall of Fame career throughout the organization, uniting this storied franchise in the ‘Honour, Pride and Courage’ that it was founded on.

Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

“Our responsibility and driving motivation, however, is to add a new chapter to the Maple Leafs’ championship history, and it was determined that a new voice was required to take the team to the next level in the years ahead. The franchise will be forever grateful for Brendan’s contributions and wish him and his family every success and happiness in the future.”

Toronto’s decision not to retain Shanahan after 11 years came four days after the Maple Leafs’ season ended with a 6-1 home loss to the Florida Panthers in Game 7 of their second-round series. It also came exactly one month after the Islanders, told president and general manager Lou Lamoriello that his contract wouldn’t be renewed.

Shanahan was believed to be in the hot seat after Toronto failed to get out of the second round again. He’s served as their top executive since 2014 – and hired Lamoriello as GM a year later. Lamoriello left in May 2018 to go to the Islanders after the Maple Leafs wanted to move him from GM to senior adviser.

Toronto made the Stanley Cup Playoffs for nine straight seasons under Shanahan but has gotten beyond the opening round just twice. That includes this season, when they blew a 2-0 series lead to the Panthers under first-year coach Craig Berube and second-year GM Craig Treliving. The Maple Leafs haven’t reached the conference final since 2002 nor reached the Final since 1967, the last time they won the Stanley Cup.

“While I am proud of the rebuild we embarked on starting in 2014, ultimately, I came here to help win the Stanley Cup, and we did not,” Shanahan said in a statement. “There is nothing more I wanted to deliver to our fans, and my biggest regret is that we could not finish the job.”

Shanahan spent two seasons with the Rangers, putting up 52 goals and 108 points in 140 games from 2006-08. He helped them reach the playoffs in both seasons and had his final NHL hat trick with the Rangers against the Islanders on Dec. 3, 2006.

He finished his playing career with the New Jersey Devils in 2008-09 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Shanahan won the Stanley Cup three times with the Detroit Red Wings and finished his career with 656 goals and 1,354 points in 1,524 games. He is 14th all-time in goals, 28th in points and 20th in games played.

The 56-year-old signed a six-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs in May 2019. But after another playoff disappointment, ownership decided it was time for a change – especially with star forwards Mitchell Marner and John Tavares eligible for unrestricted free agency on July 1.

Marner is expected by many to leave as a free agent, while Tavares – who bolted from the Islanders to the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2018 – said he wants to stay.

Related: ‘Stock has definitely risen’ on potential Rangers free-agent target Adam Gaudette

Leafs won’t re-up president Brendan Shanahan, paving way for front office role with Islanders​

James Lang-Imagn Images

NHL analyst Nick Kypreos told Sportsnet Central earlier this week that there was a good chance Shanahan’s job could be eliminated.

“Make no mistake, over the course of 10 years, this has been Brendan Shanahan’s team,” the former Rangers forward said. “He’s the one that hired (ex-GM) Kyle Dubas. He’s the one at the end of the day who changed coaches … all of it fell on the watch of Brendan Shanahan. I think there was a level of respect for Brendan over his playing career, to give him an opportunity.

Tom Szczerbowski-Imagn Images

“He’s lived it. He’s won championships on Detroit — surely he can find a way to get the right mix, the right players, the right character together to win a Stanley Cup. But now that he’s doubled down and tripled down on the core (players) and they didn’t come through, there’s going to be a level of changes. We’ll see where ownership now goes with this whole role of a president. Maybe they don’t need one. Maybe they move on from Brendan Shanahan and don’t replace a president.”

Despite this season’s disappointment, Shanahan’s time in Toronto was an overall success – the Maple Leafs were a tire fire when he got there. The Islanders haven’t said anything about hi, but it’s hard to imagine he wouldn’t attract interest from a franchise that missed the playoffs this season and hasn’t won a postseason series since 2021.

Lamoriello’s successor, whether it’s Shanahan or someone else, takes over a team that owns the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft next month after winning the lottery (the Rangers will pick No. 12). There’s also an excellent goaltender (Ilya Sorokin) and a couple of talented defensemen (Noah Dobson and Alexander Romanov).

But the Islanders are also loaded with long-term contracts for players whose best years are behind them. Also, their talent pipeline is just beginning to refill after Lamoriello traded away multiple first-round picks in the early 2020s.

The Islanders reportedly were interested in longtime NHL general manager Ken Holland and ex-Rangers GM Jeff Gorton, now the executive vice president of hockey operations for the Montreal Canadiens. But Holland took the GM job with the Los Angeles Kings, and the Canadiens refused to give the Islanders permission to talk to Gorton.

The Islanders reportedly interviewed former NHL GMs Jarmo Kekalainen and Marc Bergevin, as well as Tampa Bay Lightning assistant general manager Mathieu Darche. The Hockey News reported Monday that Bergevin and Darche each had a second interview with the Islanders.

But it’s unlikely that any of those three would get both titles – meaning that there could be an opening for Shanahan, who knows many of New York’s staff, mostly though his connections with Lamoriello. He also has a relationship with Isles executive John Collins from their time working at the NHL before Shanahan left to go to the Leafs.

Shanahan’s stature could help the Islanders do one thing they’ve never been able to do – bring in a marquee free agent. With the shine of a new building wearing off UBS Arena after four seasons, the Islanders have to do something to keep the turnstiles spinning. Bringing in Shanahan, and perhaps a solid GM under him if he doesn’t want both jobs, could be just what they need.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...le-leafs-clearing-possible-path-to-islanders/

 

[New York Rangers]

Rangers rival set to name Mathieu Darche as new GM; is Brendan Shanahan still in mix for front-office role?

Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesNick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Mathieu Darche is set to become the seventh general manager in the history of the New York Rangers’ biggest rival, the New York Islanders, according to multiple published reports.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun and Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman are among those reporting that Darche will get his first GM gig in the NHL on Long Island.

The 48-year-old has spent the past six seasons as director of hockey operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning, where he was part of back-to-back Stanley Cup championship teams in 2020 and 2021, as well as a third appearance in the Final in 2022.

This was a long time in coming for Darche. As mentioned before, he was heavily considered for Penguins GM job that Kyle Dubas got. Was in final interviews with Vancouver and Montreal as well. Also interviewed in Chicago.
After multiple interviews with Islanders, he finally gets… https://t.co/v94PCPnOyF

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 23, 2025

He’ll succeed Lou Lamoriello, who was informed on April 22 that his contract as team president and general manager would not be renewed when it expires at the end of June. The Isles were given permission by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday to talk to former Rangers star Brendan Shanahan about a front-office position. The Maple Leafs said Thursday that Shanahan’s contract as president of hockey operations, which expires next month, would not be renewed.

Reports indicate that Shanahan is not being hired as team president by the Islanders and that, at least for now, Darche will report directly to ownership. Until the Islanders speak publicly on the matter, it remains in question whether there’s a spot for Shanahan in their front office at some point.

Related: Realistic trade options if Rangers decide to deal Alexis Lafrenière, including Trevor Zegras

Rangers rival decides that Mathieu Darche will be next GM of Islanders​

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Darche was heavily considered for the GM role with the Pittsburgh Penguins that ultimately went to Kyle Dubas in June 2023. He was also a finalist with the Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens, and interviewed with the Chicago Blackhawks.

He takes over a team that missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season and finished sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 35-35-12 record, three points behind the Rangers, who also missed the playoffs. However, he also gets to select the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft next month after the Islanders won the lottery. The Rangers will pick No. 12, after they swept the four-game season series and missed out on the winning ping-pong balls.

Presenting the 2025 #NHLDraft Lottery results!

The 2025 Upper Deck #NHLDraft will be held June 27-28. pic.twitter.com/6JJLYngoww

— NHL (@NHL) May 5, 2025

The Lightning were 268-147-39 during Darche’s time with the team and made the playoffs in each of his six seasons with Tampa Bay.

The native of St. Laurent, Quebec, played 250 NHL games in a nine-year career as a forward, finishing with 30 goals and 72 points for five teams – the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.

Darche’s best season came during the 2010-11 campaign when he registered 13 goals and 28 points in 59 games with the Canadiens. He also helped the Canadiens reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2010.

Lamoriello, 82, was hired by the Islanders in May 2018. They made the playoffs in five of his seven seasons and reached the Eastern Conference Final in 2020 and 2021, losing to the Lightning each time.

Darche inherits Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as his coach. Roy took over in January 2024 and rallied the Isles to a playoff berth last season, although they lost their Eastern Conference First Round series to the Carolina Hurricanes in five games.

The Islanders dealt longtime center Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche for exciting prospect Cal Ritchie ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline, signaling the potential start to a rebuild. Forward Kyle Palmieri can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, and their best young defenseman, Noah Dobson, can become a restricted free agent.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...darche-gm-brendan-shanahan-front-office-role/

 

[New York Rangers]

Top right-wing options in 2025 NHL Draft for Rangers: Porter Martone & Justin Carbonneau

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With Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann and Brett Berard graduating to the NHL this season and in line to battle for regular roles next season, the New York Rangers probably need to restock their prospect pool on the wings.

Though center might be a more immediate need, the Rangers should not ignore some of the top options on right wing should they hold on to their first-round pick this year. The Rangers have the No. 12 overall pick in the draft.

With the bevy of left wingers in the system already, the Rangers have been in search for a natural top-six right winger since the departures of Pavel Buchnevich and even Frank Vatrano. The hope was that Kaapo Kaako could fill the void, but he was traded this past season to the Seattle Kraken.

In this draft, there are two pretty comparable big right wingers who should interest the Rangers: Porter Martone and Justin Carbonneau.

Related: How Brady Martin, Braedon Cootes could be center options for Rangers with No. 12 pick in 2025 NHL Draft

Porter Martone​

Brampton Steelheads – 6-foot-3, 208 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Adam Kimelman:

“Martone (6-3, 208) brings a physical, offensive game that’s been compared to Ottawa Senators captain Brady Tkachuk and Edmonton Oilers forward Corey Perry. Martone had the maturity to become Brampton’s captain as an 18-year-old. His decision-making with the puck, ability to use his body to hold off defenders and high hockey IQ also stand out, and he’s worked hard to improve his skating.”

Martone finished with 37 goals and 61 assists for 98 points in just 57 games this season in the OHL. His 1.72 points per game were second only to Michael Misa, who is projected to be a top-3 pick in this year’s draft. The NHL.com mock draft has Martone going as high as No. 7 overall to the Boston Bruins.

He’s a big skilled power forward with Brady and Matthew Tkachuck comparisons. Martone is this draft’s Ryan Leonard and likely to be gone in the top 10. That said, if more centers and defensemen sneak into the first 10 picks, perhaps he falls the same way Cole Caufield or Cole Eiserman, or even Gabe Perreault, did.

That’s comparing the situations more than the players there, since Martone is much bigger and a different player from those three. Wingers are simply easier to find through drafts and free agency. As such, each of those three is an example of how a talented winger can fall in the draft.

What makes most think he’ll be gone quickly is his undeniably elite level of skill for his size. Skating isn’t Martone’s strength but his ability to make all the subtle plays and passes with a high hockey IQ in the offensive zone mirrors Matthew Tkachuk. How he can make plays in tight around the net or attack a 1-on-1 zone entry on his own mirrors Brady Tkachuk. And how he gets his shot off looks a lot like Leonard.

Martone, who played two games for Canada at the World Championships as an injury replacement for Bo Horvat, may not be as tenacious, but there certainly is dog in him that could make him a handful once he matures. Especially when the games matter the most. His defensive game and consistency to make an impact every shift could use some growth. Maturity could, and should, rectify that.

The Rangers have a gaping hole of present and future right wingers. You couldn’t do much better at No. 12 overall than to take Martone, especially if the top centers are gone by the time they’re on the clock.

Projected timeline to the NHL: 1-2 years

Justin Carbonneau​

Blainville-Boisbriand Armada – 6-foot-1, 192 pounds

NHL.com Analysis from Mike Morreale:

“Carbonneau (6-1, 191) is a prototypical power forward with plenty of grit and smarts. His skating continues to improve, as does his 200-foot game. The right-handed shot was second in the QMJHL with 89 points (46 goals, 43 assists) in 62 games, and led Blainville-Boisbriand in goals, points and 37 power-play points (16 goals, 21 assists) in 62 games. The 18-year-old is too good to pass up at this point in the draft.” (Had him going at No. 16 overall to his hometown Montreal Canadiens)

The premier dangler of this draft is projected to go in the middle of the first round by many experts. There are some similarities to Martone at less of an elite level, with a lot of TJ Oshie in his game. Very well rounded in his offensive skills, Carbonneau could be a very legitimate upgrade to the Rangers youth movement with some seasoning.

Carbonneau uses his body well to create time and space with the puck in the offensive zone. When he gets that jump in his step from his own end, you could get hurt getting in his way, similar to Nathan Mackinnon on a breakout. He plays the game at a fast pace and with some tenacity. That should translate to becoming a top-six scoring winger over time. Carbonneau must improve on his defensive game like so many young elite scorers, but seems to play with enough drive to fix those variables.

Projected timeline to the NHL: 2-3 years

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/n...5-nhl-draft-porter-martone-justin-carbonneau/

 

[New York Rangers]

Making the case for Vincent Trocheck to be next Rangers captain

Dec 12, 2022; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) celebrates his power play goal against the New Jersey Devils during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers have a slew a major decisions to make this off-season, including whether or not to name a new captain, and, if so, which player should wear the “C” moving forward.

After Jacob Trouba was traded to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6, the Rangers went without a captain the rest of the season, with alternates Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Artemi Panarin and Chris Kreider the letter wearers and de-facto leaders.

The Rangers could go the same route this season, with four players wearing the “A” and no one named captain. Remember, the Rangers went four years between Ryan McDonagh in 2018 and Trouba in 2022 without naming a captain. So, there is precedent within the organization for that approach.

But it feels like general manager Chris Drury, a former Rangers captain himself from 2008-11, prefers the more traditional set up regarding the leadership group. He may also want to shake up that leadership core a bit, and it’s unlikely — for various reasons — that any of the four returning letter wearers will be named captain.

That opens the door for two players, who helped fill the leadership voice after Trouba was traded. One is Vincent Trocheck, the other is his buddy J.T. Miller.

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Leadership is something that comes naturally to Trocheck, who’ll be 32 next season and has three years remaining on his contract. It’s also a role he embraces, whether publicly or behind the scenes

Trocheck was asked about stepping up as a leader and the pressure that comes with that on Rangers break-up day. His response impresed.

“I wouldn’t even look at it as pressure. I want to – I want to be part of the reason we do right the ship,” Trocheck explained.

Related: Mike Sullivan weighs top candidates to be next Rangers captain: ‘There’s a lot of character in that room’

Reasons why Vicent Trocheck should be named Rangers captain​

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Team-First Mentality​

Trocheck plays for the name on the front of the jersey. He isn’t chasing the spotlight, he’s the one doing the dirty work. Whether battling in the corners, blocking a shot, hustling to back-check, or sticking up for a teammate, Trocheck is always first in line. That’s leading by example. It’s a part of Trocheck’s DNA.

He’s willing to stir things up on the ice to fire up the bench, an edge that not every player has to their game. Even when things aren’t going well, Trocheck holds himself accountable, backs up his teammates, and doesn’t let the moment get too big — an overall attitude that is also “C” worthy.

TROCHECK OPENS THE SCORING AND THEN CHAOS ENSUES pic.twitter.com/uuB3GahIkT

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) May 25, 2024

His intensity, fire and passion burns. Trocheck wears his heart on his sleeve and is the true definition of heart-and-soul Ranger.

Related: Why Rangers should avoid extension, move on from Artemi Panarin after contract expires in 2026

Vocal Leader​

Whether it’s in the locker room, on the bench, or in an interview, Trocheck is a respected voice on the Rangers roster. And after Trouba departed, Trocheck stepped up as the go-to spokesman among the players. Even during the worst of times this past season, Trocheck made himself available to the media to answer hard questions in a direct, honest manner.

By taking on that sometimes uncomfortable task, Trocheck made life easier for his teammates, who quite often didn’t have to answer the tough questions because of his selflessness. You better believe Trocheck’s teammates appreciate that quality.

On the ice, Trocheck is constantly directing traffic, getting teammates fired up, encouraging the younger ones, and chirping opponents. His energy is unmatched on the Rangers.

Being a longtime friend of Miller’s is a plus, as well. The respected and intense veteran would have Trocheck’s back, and the two would form the heart of New York’s leadership group. They would set the standard together, with Miller likely more comfortable if Trocheck was in the spotlight as captain instead of him.

Highly Respected​

Trocheck isn’t just respected inside the Rangers locker room, he’s respected around the League. Former coaches have praised his commitment, intensity, and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. From Flordia, to Carolina, and now New York, Trocheck built a reputation as somebody coaches and teammates can trust and rely on.

Inside the locker room, the respect is just has strong. Teammates look up to him, not just because he speaks up, but because he backs it up. Trockeck earns his flowers through his play, and when he talks, people listen.

Source: https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/new-york-rangers-news/next-captain-vincent-trocheck/