The New York Rangers’ 2024-25 season was, to put it mildly, a defensive dumpster fire. A “nightmarish” campaign saw the team bleed chances, get caved in on the regular, and ultimately fall short of expectations. With a new coaching staff in place and a host of new faces, the Rangers are betting big on a revamped defensive corps to right the ship. Let’s break down the new-look defense and what it means for the team’s fortunes in 2025-26.
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The Great Defensive Shake-Up
Gone are the familiar faces of Jacob Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Zac Jones, and Victor Mancini. In their place, a new cast of characters has arrived, tasked with bringing stability, grit, and a more structured approach to the Rangers’ back end. The new additions include Vladislav Gavrikov, Will Borgen, Urho Vaakanainen, Carson Soucy, and Scott Morrow. Only Adam Fox and Braden Schneider remain from the previous defensive group, providing a semblance of continuity amidst the overhaul. This dramatic turnover signals a clear message from the front office: the status quo was unacceptable, and a new identity is being forged on the blue line.
First Pairing: The Dynamic Duo of Gavrikov and Fox
The projected top pairing of Vladislav Gavrikov and Adam Fox is a tantalizing blend of defensive prowess and offensive brilliance. Gavrikov, signed to a significant contract after a stellar run with the LA Kings, is a massive upgrade. He’s a bona fide top-four defenseman who can eat minutes, shut down top opposition, and move the puck effectively. His arrival provides the Rangers with a legitimate defensive anchor, something they sorely lacked last season.
On the other side, Adam Fox is, well, Adam Fox. A perennial Norris Trophy candidate, Fox is the engine of the Rangers’ offense from the back end. His hockey IQ is off the charts, his skating is effortless, and his puck-moving skills are elite. After a down year by his lofty standards, a rebound season is widely expected. Paired with a reliable partner like Gavrikov, Fox should have the freedom and support to rediscover his best form and wreak havoc on opposing teams. This duo has the potential to be one of the best in the league, a true one-two punch of defensive acumen and offensive creativity.
Second Pairing: The Shutdown Tandem of Soucy and Borgen
The second pairing of Carson Soucy and Will Borgen is a throwback to a bygone era of stay-at-home, defensive defensemen. Both acquired midway through last season, Soucy and Borgen are big, physical, and relish the defensive side of the game. They won’t wow you with highlight-reel plays, but they will grind down opponents, block shots, and clear the front of the net.
If Soucy and Borgen can develop chemistry, they could form a formidable shutdown pair, capable of neutralizing the opposition’s top forwards. However, there are legitimate questions about their consistency and ability to handle heavy minutes against elite competition. Can they be trusted in high-leverage situations? The answer to that question will go a long way in determining the success of the Rangers’ defense this season.
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Third Pairing: The Youth Movement of Schneider and Morrow
The third pairing of Braden Schneider and Scott Morrow is a glimpse into the future of the Rangers’ blue line. At just 23 and 22 years old, respectively, Schneider and Morrow are still developing, but they possess intriguing potential. Schneider is coming off a solid season where he posted 21 points and is now fully healthy after undergoing surgery for a torn labrum. He’s a physical, right-shot defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice.
Morrow, acquired in the offseason, showed flashes of his offensive upside with six points in 14 games for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. He’s a smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman who can quarterback a power play and create offense from the back end. This young duo will likely experience some growing pains, but their development will be a key storyline to watch this season. If they can find their footing and play to their potential, the Rangers could have a dynamic and cost-effective third pairing for years to come.
The New Sheriffs in Town: Sullivan and Quinn
A new defensive corps requires a new defensive system, and that’s where head coach Mike Sullivan and assistant David Quinn come in. Sullivan, known for his structured and disciplined approach, will be tasked with implementing a system that emphasizes defensive responsibility and minimizes high-danger scoring chances. Quinn, who has previous experience as the Rangers’ head coach, will work closely with the defensemen to instill good habits and develop their skills. The impact of this new coaching staff cannot be overstated. A sound defensive structure can elevate the play of the entire group and mask some of the individual deficiencies.
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Overall Outlook: Cautious Optimism
The Rangers’ defensive corps is undoubtedly better than it was last season. The addition of Gavrikov is a game-changer, and a healthy and motivated Adam Fox is a force to be reckoned with. However, there are still plenty of question marks. Can Soucy and Borgen handle a shutdown role? Will Schneider and Morrow develop as hoped? Can the new coaching staff implement a successful defensive system?
Vaakanainen, who was solid with 15 points in 46 games last season, provides valuable depth and will push for a regular spot in the lineup. His presence in the press box is a luxury the Rangers didn’t have last season.
Ultimately, the success of this new-look defense will depend on a number of factors. The top pairing needs to be dominant, the second pairing needs to be reliable, and the third pairing needs to show progress. If all of those things happen, the Rangers could be a much-improved team in 2025-26. The “nightmare” of last season may be over, but the work is just beginning for this revamped blue line. The potential for a new era of defensive stability is there, but it’s up to the players and coaches to make it a reality.
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