The New York Rangers had a two-headed monster heading into the 2025-26 season, and both towered over the competition at 6'8". Matt Rempe was one, and the other was a revitalized Adam Edstrom.
Unfortunately, both had to deal with a multitude of injuries this season, and could not properly establish themselves as a dyanim duo like they were in 2024-25. Let's give a look at Edstrom's game in 2025-26, and give him a proper grade for his performance.
Expectations
As stated above, Edstrom went into the season with a mindset that he was going to help spearhead one of the best fourth-lines in 2024-25. Alongside Rempe, and a revolving door of Jonny Brozinski, Conor Sheary and Taylor Raddysh. It just never got to be that way.
Edstrom had a solid 2024-25 season, but it was a bit sloppy. 27 penalty minutes when playing a total of a little over 472 minutes of ice-time is not a terrible ratio, but not good either compared to what he accomplished this past season.
Performance
Edstrom only took one penalty in 35 games of action last season. He did not play as physical, with hits down considerably from 94 to 65 in 16 less games played, but it was an overall cleaner game. Unfortunately, No. 84 had to deal with some injuries, which kept him out of the lineup with a fractured ankle.
It is also important to note that Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan healthy-scratched him for the last 11 games, giving the younger players some more ice time. Overall, Edstrom had three goals and two assists for five points in 35 games, and finished the season with a +/- of 1.
Grade: C
Where do they go from here?
The 2026-27 season is a contract year for Edstrom, and this is his last opportunity to prove himself. His current bridge-deal is set to run out, and he will become a RFA following the 2026-27 campaign.
Next season is going to have a lot of younger players making their way to New York, via Hartford and this upcoming draft that has the Blueshirts picking in fifth. Whomever they select, whether it is a forward or a defender, will have a direct impact on the lineup.
Edstrom is going to have to fight for ice-time with every shift next season, as nothing will be guarenteed.
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