After a long offseason, it's finally hockey season again. The New York Rangers are set to kick off their 2025-26 season tonight when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in MSG. Although the 2024-25 season didn't go as expected, there is considerable optimism heading into this year. Many expect the Blueshirts to return to the playoffs and make a deep run if everything goes right. Here are three things that Rangers fans should be excited about heading into this season.
1) The leadership of J.T. Miller
For the first time since December of 2024, the Rangers will have a player wear the C. Just before the start of training camp, the Rangers named J.T. Miller as the 29th captain in team history. This should not come as much of a surprise, as either him or Vincent Trocheck were the only players who had a legitimate case to be the captain. Even though Miller was only acquired a few months ago, he's the best choice to help change the team's culture.
A criticism many have had about the Rangers is that they're a soft team, both on and off the ice. They lack the grit and physicality necessary for success in the playoffs. This lack of grit is a significant reason why the Rangers fell to the Lightning and Panthers in the Conference Finals. They also essentially quit last season after not being happy with the moves President and General Manager Chris Drury made during the offseason.
These things will not happen with a player like Miller as captain. Miller is not afraid to play physical, delivering big hits and fighting to win every battle he's in. That will help close the gap between them and teams like the Panthers. He's also highly competitive, with a fiery personality. He will not allow his teammates to take shifts off or not give their best effort night in and night out. This will prevent the team from quitting, as they did last season.
2) A rebound season from Adam Fox
Just like many Rangers, last season was a season Adam Fox would like to forget. In 74 games he recorded 10 goals and 51 assists for 61 points. These were the lowest marks of Fox had put up in a full season. His metrics weren't great, by his standards, either as according to Natural Stat Trick he had a xG% of 52.18% and a xGA of 51.48. These also were among the lowest totals of Fox's career. It was a statistical season Fox would like to improve upon.
However, this offseason, the Rangers made moves to improve Fox's situation. The most significant move was signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year deal worth $7 million per season. For the first time in Fox's career, he'll have another top-line defenseman playing alongside him. Having that type of player alongside Fox will help him bounce back. He should have no problem reaching his previous point total.
The addition of Gavrikov could also make Fox a more formidable force in the offense. Throughout his career, Gavrikov has been a shutdown defenseman. If he can take on more of the defensive responsibility in that pairing, it will open up Fox to become more offensive-minded. We may see Fox have his best offensive season of his career, which will improve his chances of winning his second Norris Trophy.
3) Celebrating the history of the organization
Regardless of how the team does on the ice, it'll be a special season for the Rangers. It's the 100th season of Blueshirts hockey, a milestone very few teams have reached. Because of this anniversary, the 2025-26 season will forever be a landmark in the franchise's history. Whether the Rangers win the Stanley Cup or finish with the worst record in hockey, you will not be able to tell the story of the Rangers without bringing up this season.
The organization plans to commemorate the team's rich and storied history. In the main concourse of MSG, an exhibit will be featured that serves as a Rangers museum. It'll have many different essential artifacts from the team's history. The Rangers will also host eight different theme nights, each dedicated to a specific era of Rangers hockey. Sam Rosen will also return as the master of ceremonies on those theme nights.
It's a great chance for Rangers fans to learn more about the team and its long history. It's a chance for older fans to reminisce on their favorite childhood memories and players. It also allows younger fans to learn the history of the Rangers and understand what it means to wear the Rangers sweater.