Why the Rangers are set for a bounce-back season in 2025-26

The New York Rangers have reasons to believe that they will have a much better 2025-26 season after failing to reach the playoffs in 2024-25.

Fresh voice on the bench should produce immediate results

The arrival of Mike Sullivan as head coach should be reason enough to reset the mindset of the squad and deliver better results. Sullivan is one of the most successful coaches in the recent history of the NHL. Despite missing the playoffs with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the last three seasons, he won two Stanley Cups with the Penguins. In his 12 seasons as a coach in the NHL with Pittsburgh and the Boston Bruins, he has eight playoff appearances.

The Rangers already have the talent to compete

But it is not only the "coach factor" from which the team could benefit. The Rangers also have an important core of elite players: J.T. Miller, Artemi Panarin, Adam Fox and Igor Shesterkin. 

Miller was recently named the 29th captain in franchise history after he exceeded expectations with 35 points in 32 games upon his return to the club from the Vancouver Canucks.

Panarin continued a run of excellent play with the Rangers in 2024-25. He contributed 37 goals and 52 assists, marking the fourth straight season he's posted at least 89 points.

Fox remained steady on the blue line, chipping in 10 goals and 51 assists while posting a +9. He's been responsible for a positive plus-minus in all six of his seasons with the Rangers.

Finally, there's Shesterkin anchoring things in goal. The former Vezina winner had a bit of a down season in 2024-25 amid the team-wide struggles, but still posted six shutouts despite facing a league-high number of shots (1,751). With improved play in front of him, the Rangers have every reason to expect Shesterkin to return to his elite form.

The core of elite players and the "new coach bump" should give a breath of fresh air to the Rangers, and should position them to return to being competitive at the highest level again.