Rangers eyeing 2026 offseason for major superstar signings

The New York Rangers changed coaches, captains and reinforced their roster for the 2025-26 season, but the franchise is already thinking about 2026-27.

According to The Athletic’s Peter Baugh and Vincent Mercogliano, GM Chris Drury sees the summer of 2026 as a turning point, as several significant contracts expire, and the NHL salary cap will increase.

Not only does Artemi Panarin, an elite Rangers player with an $11.6 million cap hit, end his contract, but also other superstars like Connor McDavid (UFA, Edmonton, $12.5 million), Kirill Kaprizov (rejected record extension from Minnesota, UFA, $9 million) and Jack Eichel (Vegas, in initial extension talks) do, as well

This is seen as a "perfect storm" by the Rangers, who are willing to rebuild their roster again next year.

"If a franchise-altering player becomes available, (Drury) will be positioned to strike," The Athletic reported. "There’s a narrow path to revival, but that could disappear if the Rangers don’t capitalize on their opportunity."

Rangers must capitalize on their veterans and exploit free agency

The Rangers' core is filed with veteran players. Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and new captain J.T. Miller will be 33 at the start of the 2025-26 season, so the front office is thinking about rejuvenating the roster and promoting internal competition.

Sullivan and Drury must capitalize on their superstars' talent before they decline, while also preparing for the future by developing young talent and watching for free agency opportunities.

2026 is a major opportunity for the Rangers, but if they fail, they will be trapped with an "old" team and no new stars. Management must be impeccable.

"The Rangers putting this much stock into the 2026 summer comes with risk. If they fail to land one of the big free agents, they could find themselves in a concerning position," added Baugh and Mercogliano.

Drury must have financial discipline now, for next year. This is why the development of prospects like Gabe Perreault is relevant. Although Perreault, 20, could start in the AHL, they must gradually integrate him into the first team, so if they don't sign the necessary superstars, the team is not left adrift.