The New York Rangers recently completed the first month of the 2024-25 NHL season, concluding with a record of 6-2-1 after beginning the season with a strong 5-0-1 start. They set a franchise record by winning their first four road games.
Throughout October, key moments, victories, losses, and standout performances defined the Rangers’ early season. One of the most promising developments has been rookie defenseman Victor Mancini. At just 22 years old, he earned a spot on the opening night roster due to his strong showing during training camp and preseason, filling in for the injured Ryan Lindgren. Mancini contributed four points (one goal and three assists) while playing eight of New York’s nine games as part of the third defense pair. He scored his first NHL goal on October 17 against the Detroit Red Wings.
Mancini averaged 15:36 in ice time and exhibited a solid two-way game. After the Rangers sent Chad Ruhwedel to the Hartford affiliate, Mancini remained with the team even after Lindgren returned from injury.
In other news, Igor Shesterkin turned down an $88 million contract offer, which would have made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history at $11 million annually. Shesterkin, who is reportedly seeking between $12-13 million per season, will become an unrestricted free agent after this season if he doesn’t sign an extension. He has shown his value on the ice with a record of 4-2-1, a .923 save percentage, a 2.43 GAA, and one shutout, impressive numbers given the Rangers’ defensive struggles.
The Rangers had a fantastic start to their season with a 6-0 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, highlighted by 29 saves from Shesterkin. Chris Kreider scored two goals, while Alexis Lafreniere, Filip Chytil, Vincent Trocheck, and Sam Carrick also contributed.
Artemi Panarin is once again a key player, starting the season strong with six goals and six assists in the first five games, making him an early candidate for both the Hart Trophy and Art Ross Trophy. In total for October, he scored six goals and accumulated 15 points, averaging 20:42 ice time and registering at least one point in the first eight games.
Filip Chytil has also been a significant factor, proving his health and performance level are strong. During a commanding 7-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens on October 22, he scored two goals and totaled four goals and three assists across nine games, leading the team with a plus-11 rating.
In a noteworthy move, general manager Chris Drury secured Alexis Lafreniere with a seven-year, $52.15 million extension, keeping him under contract through the 2031-32 season. This contract, averaging $7.45 million per year, seems like a great deal as Lafreniere’s performance continues to improve, having scored four goals and eight points in nine games this season.
The Rangers faced a tough challenge on October 24 against the Florida Panthers, who defeated them 3-1 at home. This loss mirrored their previous playoff exit against the Panthers, as they struggled to match Miami’s physicality and hunger. This was the Rangers’ first regulation loss after an impressive season start that included a six-game point streak (5-0-1).
