The New York Rangers sun is setting on the 2025-26 season. With only three games left for the Blueshirts to appear in, this is going to be a very long summer.
But, let's now think about that right now, and instead focus on who should be a must watch for the final nine periods of hockey. It is evaluation time, for both veterans and youngsters. You better believe that head coach Mike Sullivan is already drawing up battle plans for the 2026-27 campaign.
J.T. MillerÂ
J.T. Miller is enjoying a nice stretch at the end of the season here, but it is ultimately too late. The captain has had a rough season, much like the rest of this Rangers team, but his is highlighted more due to that letter on his chest.
There were certainly some moments to weakness from No. 8, both on the ice and in the locker room. In front of the media, he had a few comments that went awry, and his performance on the ice was certainly not what the Rangers front office paid for.
These last three games are going to be heavy indicators as to what direction the Rangers decision-makers come up with for their captain.
Gabe Perreault
One of the bright spots for the youth group, Gabe Perreault has been fantastic for the Rangers this season. Question is, can he close it out with a strong showing to give him momentum into the summer?
This season, the rookie has scored 10 goals and added 15 assists for 25 points. The 20-year-old has skated in 46 games, and his impact on the ice has been pretty substantial all season long. There is a big hope that he will be pan out just fine, despite the ever-growing trend of this franchise inability to properly raise first-round prospects.
Dylan Garand
The goaltending situation next season gets a bit tricky. Igor Shesterkin will be a Ranger for life, so no need to worry about that, but it is behind him that should cause some Rangers fans some worry. Of course, there is one valid and easy solution, but it depends on if this goalie gets another shot before the end of the year.
With three games left to go, Sullivan has a couple of options here. The dream would be for Shesterkin, Jonathan Quick and Dylan Garand to each get one last start each. Garand goes first against the Dallas Stars, Shesterkin to get his final start of the season against the Florida Panthers, and then end the year with Quick against the Tampa Bay Lightning in what could be the final start of his career.
Garand should be the backup for next season, but he has not had many starts this season to make Rangers fans feel comfortable. One more start could ease the anxiety, and two would really put this goaltending situation for next season a better picture.