As the calendar enters the last month of 2025, let's take a look back at the last two months of hockey and figure out who has been the New York Rangers top early candidate for Most Valuable Player.
There are a couple of names to put here, and each undoubtedly has an argument for winning it. But, there is only one that stands above the rest and it is pretty evident.
Let's rank them.
5. Vladislav Gavrikov
After his most recent overtime game-winner against the Dallas Stars, Vladislav Gavrikov is the fifth-placeholder for the Most Valuable Player this season. At this current moment, with the absence of Adam Fox, he could jump up a couple of spots if he can step up and fill Fox's shoes.
4. Mika Zibanejad
As the team's leading goal-scorer, and already at the 20-point mark after 28 games, Mika Zibanejad has a chance to chase some career-highs this season if he keeps up his hot streak. He has put on quite a show already this season, but with "Mika March" a few months away, can he sustain this success until then?
3. Adam Fox
Even with his most recent injury sidelining No. 23 for a few weeks, there is no replacing Adam Fox. Gavrikov and company can try their best, but Fox is in a league of his own. Without even looking at the statsheet, his presence on the ice has not been matched since Brian Leetch was commanding the Blueshirts blueline. That is an MVP statement.
2. Igor Shesterkin
The Rangers can only go as far as their goaltender, and Igor Shesterkin has been great this season. The average record and his unusually low winning percentage is not of his doing, but of his skaters in front of him. With a .912 save percentage and a goals against average of 2.45, No. 31 is doing his part to win hockey games.
1. Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin is up for a contract extension at the end of the 2025-26 season. If you want to put a label on a player that needs to have a career-year, and ultimately become the unanimous winner of the Rangers MVP award, it is Artemi Panarin. He is already a point-per-game player, with eight goals and 20 assists in 28 games, but he has to be better then that. Especially is he wants to make what he thinks he should be paid to remain a Ranger.