Another season in the books, another summer of what-ifs for the New York Rangers. To call the 2024-25 campaign a disappointment would be an understatement. From Presidents’ Trophy winners to missing the playoffs entirely, the fall from grace was as swift as it was brutal. The firing of Peter Laviolette and the hiring of Mike Sullivan signals a clear shift in direction, but a new bench boss doesn’t magically erase the question marks hovering over this roster. As we head into the dog days of summer, let’s break down the most pressing issues facing the Blueshirts as they look to right the ship for the 2025-26 season.
The Million Dollar Man (or, $11.5 Million to be Exact)
Let’s start between the pipes, where the Rangers have made their biggest bet. Igor Shesterkin, who signed a monster 8-year, $92 million contract last December, is now the highest-paid goaltender in the NHL. It’s a hefty price tag, but one you pay for a guy who can steal a series on his own. The problem? He’s coming off a season where, despite his best efforts, the team in front of him underwhelmed.
The big question here isn’t whether Shesterkin is elite – he is. The question is, can he withstand the pressure that comes with that kind of money? Every soft goal will be magnified, every loss scrutinized. The front office has put all their chips on Shesterkin being the foundation of this team for the better part of the next decade. He’s a beauty, no doubt, but now he has to be a rock, night in and night out, even when the team in front of him is struggling to clear the zone.
Can the Big Guns Find Their Groove?
Speaking of struggles, the Rangers’ top-six forwards have a lot to prove. Artemi Panarin, despite putting up respectable numbers, is getting up there in age. After a 31-point reduction in scoring from 2023-24 to 2024-25, does he take another step back?
Then there’s Mika Zibanejad. That $8.5 million cap hit is looking more and more like an albatross. His five-on-five production has fallen off a cliff, and he’s no longer the dominant two-way force he once was. The move to wing late last season was an interesting experiment, but is that a long-term solution? Or is it just putting a bandage on a much larger problem? The Rangers need Zibanejad to find his game, or that contract is going to be a major roadblock to building a contender.
And what about the supporting cast? For the Rangers to have any success, they’ll need more than just their top guys to go top cheese. Will Cuylle, fresh off a 2-year extension, is a player they’ll need to contribute.
A New-Look Blue Line
The defense corps has seen a significant shake-up, and for good reason. The departure of Jacob Trouba and K’Andre Miller means a new identity on the back end. The addition of Vladislav Gavrikov brings a steady, defensive presence, and the hope is that he’ll be a calming influence in the Rangers’ top four. The acquisition of Scott Morrow in the Miller trade is an intriguing one. He’s an offensive-minded defenseman with a high ceiling, but he’s still a work in progress in his own end.
The big question is, who steps up to fill the void? Will Braden Schneider be able to handle a top-four role? The Rangers’ defense beyond Adam Fox has been a weak spot for too long. If they can’t find a way to shore up their own zone, it won’t matter how many goals they score.
Are the Kids Alright?
For a team with Stanley Cup aspirations, the Rangers will be relying on a surprising number of young players to play key roles. Gabe Perreault, the team’s top prospect, is expected to be a full-time NHLer next season. He’s got the skill and hockey IQ to be a special player, but there will be a learning curve. Brennan Othmann, another highly-touted prospect, has had a rocky road so far. He’s a hard-nosed player with scoring upside, but he’ll need to find consistency to stick in the lineup.
The Rangers’ prospect pool is solid, but they need some of these young guns to not just make the team, but to make an impact. They need a duster or two to come out of camp and force their way onto the roster. The team’s success in the long term depends on their ability to draft and develop. This season will be a major test of that.
The 2025-26 season is a critical one for the New York Rangers. They have a new coach, a re-tooled roster, and a fan base that is hungry for a winner. The questions are many, and the answers will only come when the puck drops in October. One thing is for sure: it’s going to be a barn burner of a season on Broadway.
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