Rangers: Three Players Poised for Breakout Seasons in 2024-25

The New York Rangers had a truly magical season in 2023-24, and the mantra for this upcoming season is to simply, "run it back". With new acquisitions and a similar roster going again in 2024-25, securing the President's Trophy again is the expectation.

We all know the bright stars of this team, but are there some new faces that could see breakout seasons next season? And if so, who are they?

Alexis Lafreniere

Many can argue that Alexis Lafreniere had a breakout season last year, and rightfully so. But, many believe that he can go even further beyond what he did, and truly take his status from star to superstar. It is also worth noting, this is the end of his current contract. We should all expect to see fireworks from No. 13 this upcoming season.

With a perfect attendance last season, he appeared in all 82 games and scored 28 goals and 29 assists. Both of those are career highs, by a wide margin. Furthermore, he rocked Madison Square Garden in the playoffs with eight goals and six assists.

Next season, the 22-year-old can use the experience gained to craft an even better performance. There is no doubt that he seemed much more comfortable on the ice, and as a part of that ridiculous good second line with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trochek, he fit right in. We should see him nail even more career-highs next season, as that is his expectation.

Kaapo Kakko

Another guy that's in a put-up or shut-up situation in 2024-25, is Kaapo Kakko. The former second-overall pick has been good, but not great for the Rangers during his tenure. He signed a one-year deal worth $2.4 million, with all signs saying this might be his last chance to make a lasting impact.

Last season, he appeared in 61 games and scored 13 goals and six assists for 19 points. That is not what you want to see from someone with as much potential and hype surrounding him as Kakko. Additionally, he was deemed a healthy scratch at some point for the second time in the playoffs last season. That further supports that he is on thin ice with the Rangers front office.

If Kakko wants to stay in New York, he will have to have a breakout year. There is no room for error, and he has to prove every single night that he belongs on this team. If not, he may be a top trade-piece come the deadline.

Matt Rempe

Can Matt Rempe continue to ride this momentum for another season? He made his arrival known, and then he did something that not many people have been able to do, which is to take over New York. And, he did it basically over night.

Rempe has a chance to show not only his physical game but his offensive game as well in 2024-25. We all know his primary role is that he will be throwing hands with some of the NHL's hardest and nastiest players, but who says he can't develop into a dependable forward as well?

The momentum is on his side. The fans love this guy, and he seemingly gets better when feeding off the energy of the fans. It's a perfect circle. If he can score a couple of goals, add a couple of assists, and be more than just a fighter, he will be a breakout star in 2024-25.