The 2025-26 season didn't go the way the New York Rangers or their fans wanted it to go, but the circumstances created opportunities for players like Jaroslav Chmelař, who took the chance and ran with it. As the Rangers head into a summer of roster construction, Chmelař is a player whose name should be written in pen as opposed to pencil, given his performance, his raw tools, and the infectious energy he brings to the ice.
Expectations
This was originally slated to be a developmental year in the AHL for Chmelař. After showing more offensive flashes in the minors than he did during his NCAA tenure, the goal was for him to stabilize his pro game in Hartford. He was viewed as a "break glass in case of emergency" recall—someone who might get an NHL look if injuries mounted or if the big club's play bottomed out. Given his solid 29-point output in 2024-25, the expectation was for him to take a modest step forward. Instead, he exceeded the curve entirely.
Performance
Chmelař got off to a hot start in Hartford, tallying 25 points in 48 games and trending toward a career year before his March recall. Once he arrived on Broadway, he turned heads immediately. In 28 games with the Rangers, he notched four goals and two assists while averaging just 9:09 of ice time.
While a 17.4% shooting percentage suggests some puck luck, his underlying metrics prove he was more than a passenger. Individually, he had a 48.31 CF%, and a 53.86 GF% per Evolving-Hockey. He was also part of a trio which might become the newest "Kid Line." In a limited 55-minute sample alongside Adam Sýkora and Noah Laba, the trio posted a staggering 60 GF%.
Essentially, when Chmelař was on the ice, the Rangers possessed the puck and generated high-quality chances. The fact that his actual GF% (43.86) trailed his expected numbers is likely a byproduct of a revolving-door fourth line that lacked finishing talent. At his size, he provided a level of physical presence and net-front disruption that Mike Sullivan’s system desperately required.
Grade: B
Where do they go from here?
"I'm as hungry as I've ever been," Chmelař told reporters during his exit interview. "I'm going to work my ass off to get here next year." He should get that chance. Chmelař is an exciting talent who brings the exact brand of heavy hockey Sullivan is looking for, but with the skating ability to keep up in the modern NHL.
Jaroslav Chmelar’s first NHL goal! pic.twitter.com/SNuyWPWUYg
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) March 6, 2026
While he still has developing to do, he is best served learning on the fly at the NHL level. His metrics suggest a reliable bottom-six floor with enough offensive upside to chip in double-digit goals. The Rangers should avoid the temptation to sign veteran grit in free agency this summer as they already have exactly what they need in the 226 pound Czech winger.
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