5 Rangers to watch as preseason battle with Bruins heats up

The New York Rangers had a disappointing season last year, but there is time now for a big comeback. The team appears motivated and ready to demonstrate the significant improvements they have made over the summer. They performed well against the Devils, and now it is time to bring the same energy to a game against the Boston Bruins. There are several players to watch to see if they show their strength.

Gabe Perreault

Perreault is a right winger player who is motivated, aggressive, young, and has already proven to the team that he is stronger than he was last season. With this young player on the ice and newly in the NHL, the potential for him to grow and succeed is high. Already starting the preseason with the first goal for the Rangers to gain, that’s impressive even for a newbie. Perreault will provide the Rangers with a solid foundation to become a winning team. 

Igor Shesterkin

Shesterkin is a name that will always be in the player to watch category. He has earned it with the number of saves and the talent he brings to the team. When he is on the ice, the crowd shows up. Igor chants circulate MSG and even in away arenas. His presence is appreciated by the fans. Shesterkin recently signed a contract extension, for which many fans and players are grateful. He is a powerful goalie, highly focused, and he will always show up for the team, even when the team doesn’t support him on the ice. He will do his part. Shesterkin has yet to play in a preseason game, but he is on the roster for the game against the Bruins. Even though he had a rough season last year, he is still one of the top goalies. Shesterkin is determined to play well and improve the team. He will be on top of the puck at all times and hopefully protect the net, ultimately leading to another win. 

Will Cuylle

Cuylle is known for his physicality. This left winger played 82 games in the last season, scoring 20 goals and adding 25 assists. Last year, we saw some brutal hits from Cuylle. Will we see some brutal hits in this upcoming season? He had an impressive plus-minus rating during the last season. He has also improved his career highs for goals, assists, and plus-minus each season. If he comes onto the ice with the same momentum, then he will definitely increase his stats for this upcoming season.

Adam Fox

Fox didn’t have the best performance by his own standards last season. He's a defenseman that has the potential to be better. Fox played 74 games with 10 goals and 51 assists and a +9 plus-minus rating. Fox was better in past seasons, such as 2023-24, when he had 17 goals and 56 assists with a plus-minus rating of +21. Will we see old Fox regain his presence on the ice? Time will tell.

Sam Carrick

Sam Carrick, a center who played 80 games with six goals and 14 assists last season. He ended the season with plus-minus rating of +5. Carrick also had a 54.2 face-off percentage in his previous season. Will he continue with his winning face-off percentage?