The New York Rangers are unlikely to experience a significant decline following this season. While they may not be at the forefront of Stanley Cup contention, any setback will be moderate rather than severe. The team’s ongoing rebuild, which has been anything but straightforward, has successfully established a robust system of prospects for the Rangers for the first time in years. This foundation is expected to sustain their competitive edge, even after this crucial season.
The current core of the Rangers seems to have one final opportunity to secure a Stanley Cup victory. Captain Jacob Trouba acknowledged this sentiment at the onset of training camp, pointing out that key players like Trouba, Ryan Lindgren, and Kaapo Kakko could be traded after this season. Additionally, star goalie Igor Shesterkin, who can become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the year, has reportedly rejected an eight-year, $88 million offer from the team. The salary cap may complicate decisions regarding the roster, especially if significant contracts are extended to Shesterkin, Alexis Lafreniere, and K’Andre Miller, who will all demand substantial increases.
Therefore, securing contributions from their pipeline of prospects next season is crucial, particularly through talented players on rookie deals.
This is more a reality than mere hope for the Rangers. They are no longer playing irrelevant games in September, which is a significant achievement in itself. Their most promising group of prospects before their 2018 rebuild came in 2007, with players like Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, and Carl Hagelin making their mark.
This new generation of prospects has the potential to continue the team’s momentum, building on the success of Lafreniere, Kakko, Miller, Braden Schneider, Zac Jones, and Will Cuylle. They have forwards suited for both top-six and bottom-six roles, along with defensemen who could contribute as early as the 2025-26 season.
Gabe Perreault (23rd overall, 2023) is seen as a player with star potential. Recent reports indicate that the skilled forward is improving his skating and strength, making it likely he will transition to professional play after his NCAA season in early 2025. Scott Wheeler ranked him as the 13th-best NHL prospect in college hockey, given his impressive 60 points (19 goals, 41 assists) in just 36 games as a freshman—an excellent find in the 2023 draft.
Victor Mancini (159th overall, 2022) made his NHL debut with a solid two-way performance and even got time on the penalty kill against the Pittsburgh Penguins. His presence will be valuable for the Rangers as they face salary cap decisions regarding current defenders like Lindgren and Trouba.
Brennan Othmann (16th overall, 2021) had a productive season in the AHL with 21 goals and has already achieved success at the World Junior Championships. The hope is that he will join the NHL roster in 2024-25, though additional AHL experience will further develop his skill set.
Brett Berard (134th overall, 2020) was among the last cuts in preseason, coming off a successful 25-goal season in Hartford. His potential resembles that of Mancini, indicating he could be an effective energy player when he gets his chance.
Adam Sykora (63rd overall, 2022), the highest Rangers pick from the 2022 draft, is a relentless forward known for his tenacious play and solid mid-range shot, drawing comparisons to Yanni Gourde.
Matthew Robertson (49th overall, 2019) has yet to make his NHL debut, but at 23 years old, he had a promising training camp despite a lower-body injury. With fellow defenseman Zac Jones, also 23, securing a full-time spot, there may still be an opportunity for Robertson, who is a defense-first player with some offensive upside, having recorded 21 points in the AHL last season.
