The New York Rangers have a glimmer of hope for the 2025-26 season. There is a chance that under new leadership, locker room distractions eradicated and another celebration season ahead for the Centennial season, things can finally turn around.
These three things have to happen in order to call next season a success and are also the absolute best case scenario's.
1. Rangers stay strong all season
The 2024-25 season was a roller coaster ride. This team could not string together wins and would go on elongated slumps, further plummeting them to the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. The Presidents' Trophy-winning Rangers from the season before thrived on being behind the 8-ball, and that was what made them so great, but last season's squad could not find that fire in them. Once this team went down, they were down for the count.
In 2025-26, the Rangers must have a complete season, competing for all 82 games. There is no way that they can be as unorganized as last season, or else it would be another failing year.
2. No more distractions
There was a lot of off-the-ice drama that hindered the Rangers last season, and it had an effect on the ice. President and General Manager Chris Drury's comments to the media regarding player movement and then the departure of ex-captain Jacob Trouba really ruffled feathers in the locker room.
Next season, the Rangers have to be all-in, together. Their mantra of "It Takes Everyone" has to be as true as its value, as any kind of internal beef could cause this train to be derailed before it even starts.
3. Rangers return to form
The Rangers have a new coach in Mike Sullivan, a new first-pair defenseman in Vladislav Gavrikov, and a full season of J.T. Miller incoming. The absolute best case-scenario has to be that this organization returns to form, and for that to be accomplished, they must make the playoffs.
Obviously, the goal is to win the Stanley Cup, and like it is for every team in the NHL, it could happen. But, returning to the playoffs and making a run is a great starting point for a team that might have a few cracks left with this core group.