During the midst of what was a disastrous 2025-26 season for the New York Rangers, their farm system was under much scrutiny. That's because their AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack, was having an even worse campaign, which resulted in them finishing with the worst record in the league at 26-38-5 (60 points in 72 games). If there was one thing that was evident, the Rangers needed to bolster their prospect pipeline with top talent.
Ahead of the trade deadline, the Rangers added Liam Greentree from the Los Angeles Kings in the Artemi Panarin trade. With their first-round pick, the Rangers selected defenseman Alberts Smits. Finally, on the first day of free agency, they acquired center prospect Cole Beaudoin from the Utah Mammoth in the Vincent Trocheck trade.
These three are undoubtedly their top three prospects in the farm system. When it comes to who has the most pressure on them, it has to be Beaudoin, given the Rangers' need to solidify their center depth for the future.
Rangers need Cole Beaudoin to pan out given trade gamble
On the opening night of the NHL Draft, the Rangers made two gigantic moves, as they drafted Smits and traded for Vegas Golden Knights winger Pavel Dorofeyev, then signing him to a seven-year, $77 million contract extension. Given these two additions, the Rangers could have stood pat with their roster set-up. But instead, Rangers general manager Chris Drury decided to make one more splash, bringing in a top four defenseman in Sean Durzi and Beaudoin for Trocheck. The Rangers could have kept Trocheck for the start of the season if they wanted to, and allowed them to have a formidable top six. But, bringing in Beaudoin and Durzi was too valuable of an offer for Drury to pass up on.
That's why Beaudoin is the prospect that most needs to pan out, and soon.
Trocheck carried the most value on the team in terms of tradable players. Not only was he under contract for multiple years at a reasonable annual salary, but he could win face-offs, partake on the power play, and kill penalties. He did it all. That's why Drury had a high asking price for him throughout this year.
Not only that, but the Rangers enter training camp with a need for a top six forward. That was the gamble that Drury made it to reshape their defense and add a young center to their farm system in hopes they can be a long-term solution. Hence why the pressure is on for Beaudoin.
Cole Beaudoin received plenty of praise after trade to Rangers
Beaudoin made a name for himself this past season for the Barrie Colts in the OHL. In 55 games, Beaudoin recorded 88 points (33 goals, 55 assists). Besides the statistics, Beaudoin has received plenty of praise around the league.
First up, there was Mammoth general manager Bill Armstrong. Immediately after the trade, Armstrong praised Beaudoin, calling him a "future captain" with the Rangers, while also talking about his toughness and willingness to do what it takes to ensure his team wins.
“He’s probably a third-line guy. But he might play on your second line just because he outworks people. He’ll block a shot with his face, he’ll hit, he’ll do anything it takes to win," said Armstrong, h/t The Athletic's Peter Baugh.
Then, there was his resurfaced draft profiles from 2024, where he was dubbed a "freak athlete" by many scouts. That made sense, considering he is 6-foot-2 and weighs 212 pounds.
The Rangers faithful have heard plenty of positive remarks for plenty of their prospects over the years. Only a select few have truly panned out. Given that the Rangers went against a full rebuild and instead chose for a retool to contend sooner, they'll need Beaudoin to not only live up to expectations, but also to exceed them.
The Rangers center depth his led by Mika Zibanejad and J.T. Miller. Zibanejad will man the top line, with Miller centering the second line. As for the third line, that responsibility belongs to Noah Laba, who showed promise in his first season in New York. The fourth line center role could very well be up for grabs in training camp, with Joe Veleno a potential option. It is entirely possible that Beaudoin could make a case for himself if he shines in training camp and in preseason action. But it might not be shocking if the Rangers decide for the patient approach.
Either way, the hope is that Beaudoin can not only make it to the pro roster within a year, but perform up to the lofty expectations.
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