It is finally time to see some meaningful New York Rangers, as the 2025-26 regular season is about to commence. The centennial season has a lot in store, and it could be trending in a more positive direction.
With that said, let us discuss some potential hot takes for the brand new season, and let's keep it on that positive note. After last season's abysmal beginning, middle, and end, good vibes are a necessity.
Cuylle nails 40+ goals
Out of all the Blueshirts for the 2025-26 season, no one has higher expectations than Will Cuylle. Was last season's success a fluke, or is this kid for real? Can his body keep up with the constant battering? Can he become the first 40-plus goal scorer since Chris Kreider's heroic 52-goal performance in 2021-22?
The last one there should be a lock for next season. Cuylle is going to get a lot more power-play time with the aforementioned Kreider, regretfully, in sunny California with the Anaheim Ducks. That will register a lot more scoring opportunities. He was halfway there in a terrible year with 20 goals in 2024-25. That should be reason enough to double it if this team gets off to a better start.
Igor wins the Vezina
In Igor we trust. This team lives and dies by what No. 31 does in the net, and this upcoming season will be his first true season in his "prime years". Shesterkin will be a Vezina finalist, and he will win his second award.
Shesterkin faced just about every distraction you could have last season. He was injured, the locker room was broken, and his captain was traded. Hopefully, without anything like that happening in 2025-26, the Rangers, and Shesterkin himself can get back on track.
Laba plays all 82 games
One of the bright spots from the preseason, and a nice name to see on the Rangers official opening night roster, Noah Laba will make his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 7.
The up-and-comer won the Lars-Erik Sjoberg Award for having an incredible training camp and will put those skills to the test in the NHL. The sky is the limit for this kid, and he has shown he can be a special player and a player who lasts all season long at the NHL level.