The New York Rangers have a very important season ahead of them in a few short weeks, and it could be the defining factor in how the next couple of seasons go. This team was aggressive in the offseason, and hopefully it works out.
One of the most important things to remember is that a very large majority of this team is still homegrown. These are Rangers draft picks from years past who have worked their way up to this point and are still fighting to be a part of whenever the next Stanley Cup window is.
One of those players is center Noah Laba, and he is a very interesting case for next season. Where does he end up at the end of it, and what is the ultimate plan with him?
Importance of development
Laba is entering his second season as a Blueshirts centerman, and with an influx of prospects coming in soon, he is ahead of the pack. He has played up and down the lineup at this point, and he is very likely going to the checking line on the third line with Will Cuylle and freshly signed Eeli Tolvanen for 2026-27.
In 74 games last season, No. 42 had nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points. Couple that with nearly 51% from the faceoff dot, and it was a steady year for him.
At best, this upcoming season has to be about development. What are his strengths, and what are his limitations on the ice? Can he be trusted with more playing time and with much more offensive-heavy weapons around him, or is that role of being a tough and physical center-of-the-ice player his primary play style?
Thankfully, the Rangers pipeline has more of a logjam on the wings than the face-off takers, but that doesn’t mean that Laba’s spot in the future is 100% safe. He has to continue to fight for his place here.
Time at 2C?
With captain J.T. Miller manning the second-line center spot, there is an opportunity for a swap at some point in 2026-27. Laba’s success can give head coach Mike Sullivan a little bit of an argument to make for why he should get more playing time.
Last season saw a relatively slow and cautious return of Miller, and there was nothing spectacular about his first year with the “C” on his chest. If he cannot start to make waves back toward what he did in Vancouver, a third-line role might suit him better, rather than moving toward the wing.
All Laba can do is play for himself and let whatever happens, happen. Solid play can help out his future beyond the 2026-27 season.
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