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3 Rangers who need to exceed expectations under Mike Sullivan

Under a first year head coach, the New York Rangers have a lot at stake next year. And with a new coaching style, here's three members of the Blueshirt roster who will have the most to prove under their 38th coach in program history — Mike Sullivan.
ByJennifer Streeter|
Vancouver Canucks v New York Rangers
Vancouver Canucks v New York Rangers | Sarah Stier/GettyImages
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On April 28, 2025, after one decade as head coach, Mike Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreed to part ways after Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the playoffs for the third straight season. On May 2, 2025, Sullivan was named the head coach of the New York Rangers.

And boy does he have his work cut out for him. After failing to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs in National Hockey League infamy the very year after winning the Presidents' Trophy, all NHL fans will be on the Blueshirts and their head coach to see how the 2025-26 season works out for them.

Here's three members of the Rangers' roster who have the most to prove under Sullivan's first year as head coach.

3. J.T. Miller

J.T. Miller, Mike Sullivan - NHL, New York Rangers
Toronto Maple Leafs v New York Rangers | Sarah Stier/GettyImages

After coming to the New York Rangers via a trade sending center Filip Chytil, defenseman Victor Mancini and a 2025 conditional pick to Vancouver, the Blueshirts saw a rapid increase in offensive production and motivation as a result of J.T. Miller joining the roster.

The deal occurred on Jan. 31st; here are Miller's numbers exclusive to the Rangers for the 2024-25 NHL season: 32 games played, 13 goals, 22 assists for 35 points with an average of 1.09 points per game, which was up from the 0.88 points per game he registered in Vancouver.

As a result of his hard work and success, a lot of fans are taking to social media to advocate for him being named the next team captain. Once the preseason arrives it can only be expected that Sullivan will keep his eyes focused on Miller a bit more often than others to see if he's up for an elevated leadership role.

2. Chris Kreider

Chris Kreider, Mike Sullivan - NHL, New York Rangers
New York Rangers v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

Should Chris Kreider remain a Ranger, there are a lot of fans who will not be happy.

Kreider posted his worst statistical season to date with 30 points in 68 assists (22 goals and a mere eight assists). This season was also a 45 point drop off from what he tallied during the Rangers most recent Presidents' Trophy run. If Kreider remains a Rangers his seasons a certainly numbered for the 34-year-old.

Therefore, odds are Sullivan will be seeing how how soon it's time to let go of the Massachusetts native.