After a dramatic collapse in the 2024–25 NHL season, from Presidents’ Trophy winners to missing the playoffs, the New York Rangers simply must enter 2025–26 with a renewed sense of purpose and a chance at redemption.
First of all, new leadership behind the bench represents a stark departure from the turbulence of last year. Head coach Peter Laviolette was terminated, and two-time Stanley Cup-winning coach Mike Sullivan was hired to take his place. Known for his success with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sullivan will bring a fresh voice, a revamped system and a winning mentality to the Rangers.
This season also carries psychological momentum for the Blueshirts.
Rangers enter 2025-26 with extra motivation
After last season’s turbulence — including the previously mentioned missed playoffs and resulting heavy criticism — the Rangers simply have no other choice than to press the reset button.
Still, expectations are likely needed to stay within reason. The core is aging, cap space is tight and the window may be closing for this group. But — On the ice, the core remains formidable: Artemi Panarin, J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, Vladislav Gavrikov, Igor Shesterkin and even backup netminder Jonathan Quick all offer up elite talent. Hopefully under new leadership and what can only become an improved structure and culture, the only way the Rangers have to go this year is up.
The younger players are not to be overlooked, with Will Cuylle, Matt Rempe, Gabe Perreault and Brett Berard all upping their training this past offseason and all making promises full of excitement surrounding them delivering on the ice.
In short, 2025–26 feels like a fresh start for the Rangers because of new leadership, retooled defense, a psychological reset after last season’s failure, and what can only be assumed to be a more competitive mindset.
It's a season full of opportunity, the entire Rangers roster just needs to take it.