The New York Rangers have established themselves as one of the NHL’s top teams in recent years, having secured the 2024 Presidents’ Trophy and currently leading the standings at the start of the 2024-25 season. With much of the fanbase focused on the NHL team’s performance, the achievements of many prospects have gone unnoticed, including Noah Laba, a 21-year-old who has quietly risen to become a leading player in college hockey.
Laba was drafted by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2022 Draft while playing for the Lincoln Stars in the USHL. Standing at 6-foot-2, he plays center and showcases a smart, physical style comparable to professional standards. After his tenure in the USHL, he joined Colorado College, where he quickly made a significant impact.
Two years post-draft, Laba has received accolades such as the NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year, the NCHC Three Stars Award, a position on the NCHC First All-Star Team, and a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award. He recently shared insights with Michael Ostrower from The Hockey Writers about his path through the USHL, his choice to play for Colorado, and his future prospects in New York City.
Laba’s leap of faith has paid off. The USHL has produced many top American players, yet Laba faced a setback after going undrafted in the 2020 USHL Draft. However, an invitation to training camp from a Lincoln Stars assistant coach motivated him to pursue a roster spot. Four years later, he reflects positively on his journey. “Lincoln means a lot to me,” Laba mentioned. “I wasn’t drafted, but [Lincoln’s] assistant coach, Nick Peruzzi, encouraged me to attend camp. I decided to go, performed well, and made the team. The focus on development and support from both coaching staffs were invaluable for my growth.”
After a successful two seasons with the Stars, Laba had opportunities to join top collegiate programs but opted for Colorado College, despite its prior 9-24-3 record. “The main reason I chose [Colorado College] was the coaching staff… I wanted to contribute to turning the program around and building something meaningful. I didn’t want to just join a successful team; I was looking for opportunities to help shape the program alongside friends like Kaidan Mbereko and Ethan Straky.”
Elected assistant captain for the 2024-25 season, Laba’s leadership was acknowledged by head coach Kris Mayotte, who noted the positive impact of their players’ leadership within the team. After an initial 13-22-3 record during Laba’s freshman year, Colorado improved to 21-13-3 in his sophomore season, and they are now nationally ranked.
Regarding the team’s rapid improvement, Laba commented, “Culture plays a significant role. When we arrived in 2022, it was almost frowned upon to put in extra work; now, it’s expected. Our leaders are putting in the time, and we approach games with confidence, no longer intimidated by teams we feared in our freshman year.”
Individually, Laba hit impressive milestones in his sophomore year, scoring 20 goals and totaling 37 points in 36 games, earning him recognition as one of college hockey’s leading two-way players. Reflecting on his progress, he stated, “Growth comes with time, experience, and team success. Winning leads to individual success, and I’ve become more comfortable with my teammates. I’ve worked hard in the summer to improve my physicality and overall game.”
As he focuses on the college season, Laba is conscious of his upcoming transition to professional hockey. Being part of the Rangers organization, he is aware of their commitment to his growth, maintaining regular communication with development coaches who see potential in his abilities. “The Rangers have an excellent development staff. Tanner Glass has been my main contact, and he’s a fantastic resource who understands my game and is guiding me to adapt to the NHL level.”
Despite the Rangers’ interest in signing him, Laba decided to return to Colorado for another season. “Last season, the Rangers wanted to sign me, and that was tough to think about, but I felt coming back to college was the right choice. By the end of the season, I aim to earn a contract and begin my pro career.”
His immediate focus remains on developing and winning with Colorado. Laba recognizes there is still much for him to improve on to achieve his professional aspirations. “There are many aspects of my game that need enhancement. The work is continuous if you want to reach the pro level. However, I believe my speed and physicality will serve me well in the NHL. I feel my game is adaptable, but I’ll keep putting in the effort to enhance every part of it.”
Though he still has room for growth, Laba’s recent advancements are promising for the Rangers. He presents an exciting prospect as a young center with a professional approach, giving fans reason to look forward to his signing an entry-level contract and eventual NHL debut.
