The math isn’t kind. After a demoralizing 5–1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, the New York Rangers‘ playoff hopes have gone from improbable to nearly extinguished. With just a handful of games remaining and the margin of error long gone, the conversation has already begun to shift—from miracle runs to uncomfortable truths.
The 2024–25 season, once full of promise after a 114-point division-winning season, has devolved into one of the most disappointing in recent franchise memory. With just 79 points through 77 games, the regression has been stark. Stars who once drove this team—Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, and Alexis Lafrenière among them—have faltered. The once-electric offense has sputtered. And with it, the season has slipped through their fingers.
But amid the frustration and finger-pointing, there are silver linings—individuals who’ve not only shown up this year, but shined through the darkness. As the Rangers face a looming offseason filled with tough decisions and introspection, these four players have emerged as reasons to believe the future isn’t lost—just waiting to be reclaimed.
Artemi Panarin: The Lone Star Still Shining
If there’s been one constant in an otherwise chaotic season, it’s Artemi Panarin. The dynamic winger isn’t quite on pace to match last year’s 120-point explosion, but his 34 goals and 83 points in 75 games are nothing short of elite—especially on a team where offensive support has evaporated.
The gulf between Panarin and the rest of the roster is jarring. Adam Fox is the second-highest scorer with 56 points—nearly 30 fewer. And yet, Panarin continues to dance through defenders, create offense from thin air, and carry the weight of a struggling team on his back.
With one year remaining before he hits unrestricted free agency, his long-term future is uncertain. But make no mistake: Panarin will be a centerpiece in 2025–26, and perhaps the Rangers‘ last true game-breaker.
Will Cuylle: A Culture Builder in the Making
At just 23 years old, Will Cuylle has gone from a promising rookie to tone-setter. He may not dominate headlines, but his rise has been one of the season’s most encouraging developments. His point totals have nearly doubled, and his ice time has jumped by four full minutes—a reflection of the trust he’s earned.
Cuylle doesn’t just hit—he hits with purpose. He ranks fifth in the NHL in hits (285), kills penalties, wins puck battles, and does the hard work so many others shy away from. He’s become a staple of Laviolette’s lineup, often outplaying veterans like Kreider and Zibanejad in five-on-five scenarios.
Set to become a restricted free agent this summer, Cuylle has earned a future in New York. Whether it’s a bridge deal or a longer-term investment, the Rangers would be wise to lock him in. He’s not just part of the solution—he’s helping shape it.
Igor Shesterkin: Still Elite, Still Underrated
The numbers may not jump off the page—a .903 save percentage and 2.89 GAA are well below Igor Shesterkin’s lofty standards—but raw stats don’t tell the full story. The Rangers have left their franchise netminder exposed night after night, and still, he’s delivered.
Shesterkin ranks sixth in the NHL in Goals Saved Above Expected (19.5), has started 58 games (third-most league-wide), and has faced a league-high 1,652 shots. He hasn’t just been busy—he’s been under siege.
While his $11.5 million per year cap hit through 2028 invites scrutiny, Shesterkin’s performance proves he’s still a top-10 goalie—and arguably the team’s most valuable player when the system collapses in front of him. If the Rangers can figure out the skaters in front of him, they already have the backbone of a contender.
J.T. Miller: A Midseason Spark
Brought in as a midseason addition, J.T. Miller has wasted no time making his presence felt. In just 27 games, the veteran center has notched 10 goals and 17 assists, showcasing the blend of grit and skill that made him such an appealing target.
His 59.0% faceoff win rate has brought sorely needed stability down the middle, and his physical, smart two-way game has added value at both ends of the ice. While he hasn’t single-handedly turned the tide, Miller has looked rejuvenated in a Rangers sweater—and might be the kind of leader the locker room needs more of.
At 32, the latter years of his deal (which runs through 2028) are a concern. But in the short term, he’s proving he can still play—and lead.
A Bleak Season, But Not a Hopeless One
This season has been a reality check. Big contracts and aging cores have clashed with fading production, and the team now faces a murky path forward. Zibanejad and Kreider—once the emotional heart of the Rangers—are signed long-term, but their best days may be behind them.
Still, amid the letdowns and empty seats at MSG, there’s hope. Panarin’s brilliance, Cuylle’s tenacity, Shesterkin’s resilience, and Miller’s late surge offer a foundation. A flawed one, yes—but one with pieces that still matter.
The question now isn’t just how to fix the Rangers. It’s who they want to be when the puck drops next fall.
Will they be a team stuck in the past?
Or one bold enough to build something new?
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