With each strong performance in 2025, the New York Rangers are distancing themselves from last season’s disappointing conclusion and the pressing need for major roster changes.
Their dominant 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday showcased one of their finest outings of the season, possibly convincing general manager Chris Drury to avoid making drastic moves. The idea of overhauling the lineup through significant trades seems unnecessary and potentially detrimental at this point.
Coach Peter Laviolette praised his team’s focus following the win, which improved their January record to 7-1-3 against a Senators squad that was on a five-game unbeaten streak. The score could have been even more lopsided had two Ranger goals not been nullified by successful offside challenges from Ottawa. The Rangers now look markedly different from the team that ended 2024 with a 4-15-0 record.
The lineup has maintained consistency for five games, showing an increase in depth, physicality, defensive commitment, and attention to detail. After a turbulent first half of the season, the team has found its rhythm, raising questions about the need for a high-profile acquisition like Vancouver’s J.T. Miller—whose potential trade to the Rangers recently fell through.
Given the earlier atmosphere of frustration and waning confidence, Drury might have felt compelled to make significant changes. While the possibility of adding Miller remains appealing, disrupting the current group after such a strong showing against Ottawa seems less probable.
Laviolette commended the entire team for their performance, noting the effective balance across all lines and solid play from goaltender Igor Shesterkin. While the Rangers may no longer require a complete overhaul, they still need key upgrades for a playoff push, particularly on the right side of Mika Zibanejad’s line.
Zibanejad continues to improve, and young left winger Will Cuylle has been performing well, scoring against the Senators. Despite veteran Reilly Smith’s contributions, the Rangers will likely need to seek a right winger to partner with Zibanejad, an annual task for Drury.
If the GM remains in acquisition mode, he might target someone like Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres. Tuch, a powerful 6-foot-4 winger, recently enjoyed a productive season and would stabilize the right wing position for at least another year due to his contract, which runs through 2025-26 at a manageable cap hit of $4.7 million. He brings energy and physicality, often supporting his teammates.
The Rangers must also strengthen their defensive line. The addition of right-side defenseman Will Borgen, acquired in last month’s Kaapo Kakko trade, has significantly improved their defense. Borgen’s tough, traditional style has contributed to a more stable defensive front, and a similar player is needed on the left side.
Could Drury pursue someone like Ben Chiarot of the Detroit Red Wings, who shares Borgen’s size and strength? If Detroit’s struggles persist, Chiarot, with a matching $4.7 million cap hit through next season, could be a viable replacement for Ryan Lindgren, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and likely won’t return.
