The New York Rangers entered the 2024-25 season with high expectations after capturing the Presidents’ Trophy and coming within two wins of the Stanley Cup Final. With a nearly identical roster, their 12-4-1 start hinted at another deep playoff run. But a string of losses in late November unraveled the season — and the roster.
Captain Jacob Trouba, Kaapo Kakko, Filip Chytil, and Ryan Lindgren were all moved out, while GM Chris Drury brought in Urho Vaakanainen, Will Borgen, and J.T. Miller. The shakeup failed to reverse the slide. Now, with five games remaining, the Rangers sit eight points out of the final wild-card spot.
If they miss the playoffs, Drury will face another pivotal offseason — one that could define both the team’s future and his own.
Coaching Carousel Continues?
Despite overseeing the best regular season in franchise history, Peter Laviolette’s tenure appears in jeopardy. Questionable decisions, such as refusing to adjust the power play or limit struggling veterans’ ice time, have drawn criticism. More importantly, it seems the locker room has tuned him out.
If Laviolette is dismissed, Drury will be seeking his third head coach in five seasons — after parting ways with Gerard Gallant following a disappointing first-round exit in 2023. Names like Pittsburgh’s Mike Sullivan and even John Tortorella have been floated, though both come with complications. For Drury, the next hire may be his last chance.
Core Shakeup on the Horizon
The Rangers’ problems extend beyond coaching. The roster is aging, expensive, and underperforming. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad — longtime leaders — may be on the move.
Kreider, hampered by a back injury, has just 25 points after a 75-point campaign last season. With two years left at a $6.5M cap hit, his value remains for teams in need of playoff experience. But his time in New York may be up.
Zibanejad poses a tougher challenge. His production has declined for two years, and with five more seasons at $8.5M and a full no-trade clause, moving him will be difficult. Still, clearing that cap space would be transformational for the roster.
Artemi Panarin could also be in play. While still the team’s most dynamic offensive weapon, he’ll be 34 at season’s end and entering the final year of his contract. Trading him could bring back valuable assets and allow the Rangers to get younger.
Who Stays for the Rebuild?
With changes looming, the foundation for the future appears centered on Igor Shesterkin, Adam Fox, and J.T. Miller. All three are signed long-term and remain key contributors.
Alexis Lafrenière, fresh off a seven-year extension, was expected to be part of that core after a breakout season. However, his regression has fueled trade chatter. Unless the right deal emerges, he’s likely to return — but he’ll need to prove he’s worth the investment.
Will Cuylle has been a bright spot, posting 18 goals and 39 points in his sophomore season. A pending RFA, he’s due for either a bridge deal or long-term extension. His grit and scoring ability make him a prime piece for the next phase.
On the blue line, only Fox is untouchable. K’Andre Miller’s inconsistency could make him trade bait, and Braden Schneider looks like a third-pair defender. With defense being the team’s Achilles’ heel, Drury has major work to do this summer.
What’s Next?
The 2024-25 season was supposed to be a championship push. Instead, it’s ending in disappointment. With the playoffs all but out of reach, the Rangers are headed for a critical offseason — one that may redefine their identity for years to come.
Drury faces tough decisions: a possible coaching change, significant trades, and reshaping a flawed core. If the goal is to be a true contender again by 2025-26, the overhaul must begin immediately.
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