Season Preview – 3. New York Rangers
Jonathon McDowell 
(@NYRangers via X.COM)
The New York Rangers entered the 2024-25 NHL season with sky-high expectations, projected to finish 3rd in the league and poised for a deep Stanley Cup run. With an elite core of players including Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox, Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and superstar goaltender Igor Shesterkin, the team is firmly in win-now mode. A quiet offseason saw the addition of Reilly Smith to the top-six forward group, while younger players like Alexis Lafrenière, Will Cuylle, and Zac Jones are expected to step into larger roles. Despite the lack of overall roster changes, the Rangers are well-positioned for success. To take home the Stanley Cup this year, they must manage potential distractions like Shesterkin’s looming contract situation and avoid familiar pitfalls in the postseason.
Season Expectations
The New York Rangers pressure to succeed is immense, and for good reason since the Rangers boast one of the most complete rosters in the league. Their core, led by Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Chris Kreider, has consistently delivered elite performances in recent seasons. Meanwhile, Igor Shesterkin, one of the NHL’s top goaltenders, serves as the backbone of a team with lofty ambitions. Anything less than a deep playoff run will be seen as a missed opportunity for a team built to win now.
The offseason saw minimal roster changes, reflecting the organization’s confidence in its current group. Trading for Reilly Smith was a calculated move aimed at addressing the top-six right wing spot. Smith’s combination of offensive skill, defensive reliability, and championship experience adds an important piece to the puzzle. However, the departures of Jack Roslovic, Alex Wennberg, and Erik Gustafsson leave gaps in depth roles that younger players like Will Cuylle and Zac Jones must fill. This reliance on internal development represents both an opportunity and a challenge for a team that has already established itself as a contender.
A key storyline for this season is the continued development of Alexis Lafrenière, who enters the final year of his entry-level contract before his massive seven-year, $52.15 million extension begins next season. After showing significant progress last year, Lafrenière will be expected to take another leap forward and solidify his status as a top-line player. Similarly, a fully healthy Filip Chytil adds balance and scoring depth to a lineup that already boasts firepower on the top two lines. The growth of young talents like Kaapo Kakko, Zac Jones, and Will Cuylle will be crucial in determining whether this team can meet the lofty expectations set for them.
The Rangers are undeniably talented, but the NHL is unforgiving. Meeting expectations will require the stars to deliver, the depth to step up, and the team to avoid distractions as they chase their first Stanley Cup in three decades.
Projected Lines
Under head coach Peter Laviolette, the Rangers are expected to adopt a fast, up-tempo system that focuses on aggressive forechecking and quick transitions to offense. Laviolette emphasizes puck retrieval and rapid offensive movement, while also maintaining defensive responsibility. His system encourages player mobility and quick decision-making in both ends of the ice, allowing for offensive creativity while ensuring solid team defense. The result is a dynamic, high-energy style that leverages the Rangers’ speed and skill, with a focus on pressure and maintaining strong structure throughout the lineup.
To clarify, these line projections are meant to only predict the start of the season. With so many potential combinations possible, its almost certain that there are tweaks and additions of new faces by the end of the year. Expect the season to start as such:
Artemi Panarin – Vincent Trochek – Alexis Lafrenière
Chris Kreider – Mika Zibanejad – Reilly Smith
Will Cuylle – Filip Chytil – Kaapo Kakko
Jonny Brodzinski – Sam Carrick – Adam Edstrom
K’Andre Miller – Adam Fox
Ryan Lindgren – Jacob Trouba
Zac Jones – Braden Schneider
Igor Shesterkin
Jonathan Quick
Scratches: Jimmy Vesey, Victor Mancini
Line 1
This line has been one of the better combinations for the Rangers this year so far, but in order to make a serious push as a contending Stanley Cup champion, they will need to work out some kinks before the playoffs. As of right now, they have played a total of 228.5 minutes together while putting up a mere 49.6% xGoals For % along with a lacking net -0.05 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. However, this is the first full look that Lafreniere is seeing in a top line role, and after a serious breakout in last years playoffs and a new long-term extension, he still is finding his footing as a young star. Even though he has managed to put up 8 goals and 16 points in 21 games this season, he is -8 on the year illustrating he needs to step up defensively. Panarin took a major step last season cementing himself as one of the leagues best winger posting a career high 49 goals and 120 points. This season he has built off the momentum and has produced 12 goals and 26 points in 21 games, putting him on pace for 47 goals and 102 points, which is a step back from last year. Yet, given his ability to step up in crucial games and carry the Rangers offensive production, there should be no angst when it comes to his long-term production this season. Trochek overtook Zibanejad in last years playoffs as the top line center for the Rangers, and has yet to disappoint with his newly allocated ice time. Even though he has taken a step back offensively this season with just 10 opoints in 21 games played, he is defensively sound and provides stability to his two skilled wingers.
Line 2
This line needs a wake up call after an abysmal start to this season. If New York plans on making noise this year again, then their secondary scoring line must produce better than a bottom-six line average. To start this season, they have played 147.5 minutes together with an unimpressive 48.5% xGoals For % along with a ineffective net -0.16 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. Kreider already had a fire lit under him by management after it was leaked that General Manager Chris Drury was shopping him to other teams. The veteran winger has looked a little lost at times, yet still has managed to post 9 goals in 19 games, putting him on pace for 39 goals on the year. Nevertheless, Kreider, along with his linemates, need to find a second gear and turn around their poor play to avoid an inconsistencies that may haunt them come the playoffs. Zibanejad has been producing at an average point rate this year with 15 points in 21 games, however, the glaring issue is the fact he has only scored 4 goals. For an offensive centerman like Zibanejad, who has posted over 30 goals in three of his last 6 seasons, he will need to start finding the back of the net on a consistent basis. His defensive game has taken a hit too this year, but that could be a contribution from the entire team and not just one player. Smith was brought in this offseason from Pittsburgh in hopes to add speed, skill, and a defensive reliability in the top-six, and he has not disappointed. His veteran accumen and Stanley Cup pedigree is an important presence in the Rangers locker room, and expectations have been met so far with his overall play.
Line 3
Surprisingly, this has been the most effective forward line for the Rangers overall this season. In just 129 minutes of ice time together as a line, they have managed to put up an overwhelming 65.2% xGoals For % along with an impressive net 1.94 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. While this line is both sound on both ends of the ice, there is a slim chance that they are able to continue to produce at this rate. Cuylle is a big power forward who is still learning the rigorous grind of a 82 game NHL season, but has fit right into a third line role. Last season was his first full season as an NHL player, and he posted 21 points in 81 games. This season, he already has put up 18 points in 21 games, which is extremely impressive for a sophomore player in a limited middle-six role. Chytil has been stellar this year when he is in the lineup and not nursing any injuries. Last season, he was only able to play 10 games due to a concussion and has not looked off his game after missing so much time. He provides a wealth of defensive responsibility down the middle, and when healthy, can produce at a higher than average rate for a third line center across the league. Kakko has never been able to reach the potential that comes with being a second overall pick, though he has looked a lot better this year in a limited role. So far he has posted 12 points in 21 games, putting him on pace to be just shy of 50 points, which would be a career high. While he may never pan out as an offensive threat, he is still pulling his weight on an extremely effective third line for the Rangers.
Line 4
This line has done its job to provide a heavy forechecking presence along with being reliable in their own zone. While they should see roughly 8-10 minutes every given night, they make sure to avoid being liabilities whenever they are playing. They have only played 52 minutes together all season, but in that short time period they have still managed to put up a solid 57.8% xGoals For % along with a net 0.81 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which on paper makes them more efficient than the Rangers top two lines. Brodzinski is a solid bottom-six contributor who will be cycled out for Vesey depending on matchups and health. Yet, he can play on the secondary power play unit, or even on the penalty kill, making him a swiss army knife for the coaching staff to deploy when necessary. Carrick is a rough and tough 4th line centerman who was brought in to help stabilize the penalty kill. While is rarely contributes any consistent offensive, he is sure to rattle opposing teams and stand up for his team mates when the time is right. Edstrom is a nice story this year for the Rangers who are in need of positivity. The massive 6’7″ 234lbs forward is a beast on the forecheck and even can keep up with a quicker tempe despite his huge frame. While he will never pan out to be an offensive threat, he will be able to provide energy and big hits that can swing momentum in the Rangers favour.
Pair 1
This pair has been the most effective pairing in the entire league, amongst pairs who have played a minimum of 200 minutes together this season. They have played 244 minutes together and have managed to put up a league leading 65.3% xGoals For % along with a ridiculous net 1.99 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes. We can most likely attribute this overall success to the elite play of Fox, who is up for the Norris Trophy every year, but we must give credit to the chemistry the pair has formed throughout the course of the season. Miller has established himself as a top-four defenseman for the Rangers these past few season, but this year he has been tasked with contributing top-pair minutes on a regular basis. Although the overall analytics of the pair is impressive, his personal stats do not reflect the success they are having. This season he has posted a mere 4 points in 21 games and is a -3, but over the course of the remaining 61 games of the regular season, he should be able to settle in and start contributing on the stat sheet again. Fox is one of the top elite defenseman in the league and has a keen sense of poise on both ends of the ice. While he has yet to score a goal this year, he has 18 assists over 21 games to backup his reputation. As long as Fox remains healthy and continues to play at the level his is capable of, then there is zero worry about his play or even who he plays with.
Pair 2
What was meant to be a reliable shutdown pair for the Rangers this year, has quickly morphed into a defensive liability every time they are on the ice. Already this season they have only played a total of 129.9 minutes together, which on paper, slots them as a third pairing behind Jones and Schneider. However, given the fact they have put up an abysmal 48.5% xGoals For % along with a net -0.14 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, it is clear to see why they are receiving a limited role as the season continues. Lindgren is a pending free agent this offseason and it seems as though any talk around a potential extension has been mute. Although, he is the exact type of defender any aspiring playoff team will want on their roster come playoff time, due to his selfless ability to black shots, make big hits, or munch ice time even if he is hurting. He brings a sense of respect and honour for being a New York Ranger, and management would be wise to keep his services to maintain that personality and accountability in the locker room. Trouba has been the subject of trade rumours dating back to the end of last season, and along with Kreider, was recently leaked to be a part of managements trade block. While he is the captain of the Rangers, moving on from him and his expensive $8.0 million cap hit, might be the exact catalyst the Rangers need to get out of the funk they are currently in. No doubt he is a great player and leads by example through his momentum shifting hits and tough play, but perhaps a change of scenery would benefit both player and team in this case.
Pair 3
There was some question regarding the responsibilities this duo would have to face as the penciled in third pair this offseason, but they have seemed to surpass expectations so far. They have played a total of 139 minutes together and have managed to produce a solid 54.4% xGoals For % along with a net 0.44 xGoals For Per 60 Minutes, which puts them behind the top pairing as far as analytics go. Jones has had a difficult time finding a permanent role on the back end of the Rangers for the last few seasons, playing a career high 31 games last year. This year he was basically handed the role after management decided to go against filling the hole left by Erik Gustafsson in free agency. Jones has shown he is a capable NHL defender this year and has put up 7 points in 15 games so far, putting him on pace for 35 points, if he maintains this pace. Schneider is poised to overtake Trouba as the second pairing right defensman as soon as this year. However, it would be wise to utilize his chemistry with Jones and keep him in the allotted role he is currently in right now. Overall he has looked seasoned and his potential is still rising in his young career.
Goalies
The potential largest free agent market fish this upcoming offseason is Shesterkin. Speculation surrounding his future in New York has been circling him and the team for over a year now. There was talk that the Rangers were ready to extend him to a record setting extension for a goaltender before the season began, with Shesterkin’s camp wanting to more value. There is no doubt he will earn the largest contract in NHL history for a goaltender when it is all said and done, yet it remains to been seen if he will earn that accolade in a Rangers jersey. However, this season his play has been just average for his elite standards, considering he is ranked 17th in the league among goaltenders with an ok 4.1 Goals Saved Above Expected. While the overall team defense is to blame for his lack of elite analytics, he is still the difference maker for this team and has shown the poise to be unbeatable in high pressured moments. Quick is still living out his childhood dream of being a Ranger and has shown glimpses of his old self this year, putting up a solid 5.4 Goals Saved Above Expected, which indeed puts him ahead of Shesterkin in the league rankings. Yet, he is on the team to provide a reliable backup role along with a winning pedigree for a team that is in desperate need for a Cup. Barring any significant injuries for Shesterkin, Quick will remain as one of the more solid backups in the league.
Scratches
While the overall team may be facing some adversity or some challenges with speculation surrounding managements vision, the depth that surrounds this roster is extremely reliable. Vesey started the year injured and seemingly lost his spot to Edstrom, setting himself up for motivation to earn back a consistent role in the bottom-six. He will likely continue to see a rotation and battle with Brodzinski for that final forward spot, and potential give management a reason to avoid making any moves come the deadline. Mancini has been another good story for the Rangers this year. In his first full-year playing professional hockey, with his stellar play he forced the coaching staff to play him 10 games, thus burning off a year of his entry-level deal. In 10 games he was able to put up 4 points and ultimately showcase he can be a future reliable defender for the Rangers, as soon as next year. We will likely see him sent down to the AHL to receive heavy minutes on the top pair for his development, but he gives the Rangers another solid option as far as defensive depth is concerned.
Keys to Success
For the Rangers to realize their full potential this season, several key factors must align, beginning with the health of their roster. Injuries have derailed promising seasons in the past, and maintaining a healthy lineup will be crucial, particularly for players like Filip Chytil, who brings invaluable depth and versatility to the center position. A fully fit Chytil provides balance throughout the forward lines, allowing the Rangers to ice a lineup that is dangerous at every level.
Balanced scoring will also be essential for success. While the Rangers’ star players have consistently delivered offensive firepower, a deeper contribution from the supporting cast is critical to ensuring long-term success. Players like Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière must step into larger roles this season, complementing the top-tier talent and creating matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Lafrenière, in particular, is entering a pivotal year, having shown flashes of brilliance last season. As he continues to develop, the Rangers will look to him to provide consistent offense and emerge as a difference-maker.
Growth from younger players is another fundamental element of the Rangers’ keys to success. Will Cuylle and Zac Jones represent the next wave of talent and will be relied upon to fill gaps created by offseason departures. Cuylle, a promising forward with a physical edge, has the potential to provide secondary scoring and energy, while Jones must establish himself as a reliable presence on the blue line. The transition from promising prospect to everyday NHL contributor is not always seamless, but the Rangers will need these players to adapt quickly and solidify their spots in the lineup.
If the Rangers can find a way to blend their star power with balanced scoring and significant contributions from their younger players, they will be one of the most formidable teams in the league. A cohesive, healthy, and well-rounded roster is the foundation for any championship contender, and the Rangers have all the pieces to make that happen.
Potential Downfall
Despite the New York Rangers immense talent and potential, there are several key concerns that could undermine their quest for a Stanley Cup this season. One of the biggest risks to their success is the lack of secondary scoring. The Rangers have struggled in the past with a reliance on their stars to generate offense, and in high-pressure playoff moments, that can be a fatal flaw. The inability to spread offensive production across all four lines will leave the Rangers at the mercy of opposing matchups, especially in the postseason when every line’s impact becomes more crucial.
Another flaw lies in the pressure of the postseason and the Rangers history of underperforming in big moments. Despite their regular-season success in recent years, the Rangers have faltered in the playoffs, most notably in their losses to teams like the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Carolina Hurricanes, and Florida Panthers. In critical moments, the team has sometimes struggled with consistency, failing to convert on key chances or maintain their focus when it matters most. The Rangers have an impressive core, but they are yet to prove they can handle the immense pressure that comes with a deep playoff run. Without the ability to execute in clutch moments, the Rangers risk seeing their title hopes dashed once again. This becomes even more important as the team’s expectations grow higher and the competition becomes fiercer.
Compounding these issues is the possibility of the team’s collective mindset becoming stagnant under head coach Peter Laviolette. While Laviolette has a track record of success, especially in his first seasons with teams, his coaching message has sometimes struggled to resonate with players after an extended period. If the team begins to lose faith in the system, or if Laviolette’s voice starts to grow tired in the locker room, it could lead to a lack of accountability, inconsistency, or even internal discord. This has been a problem for some of his past teams, and while the Rangers have the talent to overcome this, it’s a situation worth monitoring as the season progresses.
Equally concerning is the looming contract situation of Igor Shesterkin, whose impending unrestricted free agency could become a distraction as the season unfolds. Shesterkin is expected to become the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history, and while the Rangers are clearly committed to keeping him long-term, prolonged contract negotiations could cast a shadow over the team. The uncertainty surrounding Shesterkin’s future with the team could create unnecessary distractions and negatively impact his performance, especially if he starts to feel pressure over his contract. Furthermore, if the Rangers fail to secure a deal with Shesterkin by the trade deadline or he becomes more vocal about his situation, it could destabilize the team both on and off the ice. This uncertainty surrounding the future of their star goaltender would certainly add pressure to a team already expected to contend for the Cup.
Future Outlook
The future looks bright for the New York Rangers, thanks to a combination of key young players and an impressive prospect pool that promises to keep the team competitive for years to come. Alexis Lafrenière, after signing a seven-year contract extension, is poised to take a major step in his development. The Rangers have long believed in his potential, and with his long-term commitment to the franchise, Lafrenière is expected to emerge as a cornerstone player for the Rangers. His continued growth will be critical to the team’s future, as he develops into a consistent offensive threat and a key player on both sides of the puck.
In addition to Lafrenière, the Rangers’ pipeline is rich with talent that could soon impact the NHL roster. Top prospects like Gabe Perreault, Brennan Othmann, and EJ Emery represent the next wave of potential stars for the team. Perreault, known for his offensive creativity, has the potential to provide the Rangers with a skilled playmaker in the near future. Othmann, with his power-forward game and strong two-way play, could be an impactful addition to the forward group, while Emery’s defensive strong game gives him the tools to eventually crack the lineup as a reliable top-four defenseman.
The Rangers’ depth of prospects doesn’t stop there. Players like Brett Berard, Adam Sykora, Bryce McConnell-Barker, Drew Fortescue, and Dylan Garand all have the potential to make an impact in the NHL. Berard is a dynamic forward with excellent hockey IQ, Sykora is a skilled and versatile winger, and McConnell-Barker is a talented center with the potential to develop into a reliable two-way player. Fortescue, a defenseman, has shown promise with his ability to move the puck effectively, while Garand, a highly regarded goaltending prospect, could eventually provide the Rangers with a solid backup option depending on Shesterkin’s future.
Furthermore, Victor Mancini has already begun making his mark. The defenseman, who has played 9 games for the Rangers this season, has been impressive, posting 4 points and a +3 rating. His early success is a sign that the Rangers development system is paying dividends, and Mancini could become an important piece of the defensive corps in the near future.
As the Rangers continue to build around their established stars, the contributions from these rising players will help ensure that the team remains competitive for years to come. The blend of veteran leadership and youthful talent positions the Rangers as a team that can compete for championships now and well into the future.
Final Thoughts
The New York Rangers have the talent, depth, and star power to be one of the NHL’s elite teams this season. With a strong core and promising young players, they are positioned to compete for their first Stanley Cup since 1994. However, success will depend on avoiding familiar pitfalls like a lack of secondary scoring and postseason struggles. The looming Shesterkin contract situation only adds to the pressure on a team with high expectations.
If the Rangers can rise to the occasion and get consistent contributions from their entire roster, they have the potential to go all the way. But in a league as competitive as the NHL, the margin for error is slim, and they will need to execute at a high level to achieve their ultimate goal. This season represents a defining moment for the franchise with a chance to capitalize on their championship window and cement themselves as one of the league’s elite powerhouses.
