Rangers could complement J.T. Miller, Mika Zibanejad with different forward profile

The New York Rangers finished their preseason with a 4-1 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday, and although it's early, Mike Sullivan's team already gave signs of what it could be.

The Rangers' 2025-2026 campaign begins on Oct. 7th, when they play against the Pittsburgh Penguins. One of the players who will be under the microscope is Alexis Lafreniere, who showed signs in training camp that he could be entering a new dimension.

Lafreniere, 23, was key for the Rangers, especially defensively, showing better puck control, better back-checking and support for the defensemen, something useful playing alongside J.T. Miller and Mika Zibanejad. Staying in such a role could be the answer for him to take a step forward.

Defensive role could be key to unlocking Alexis Lafreniere's potential with New York Rangers

If Lafreniere adopts this defensive style for good, it wouldn't be about stopping his attacking play, but rather adding responsibility without the puck, closing passing lanes and supporting defensemen like Adam Fox and Vladislav Gavrikov, making simple decisions under pressure.

This experiment could work for different reasons. With Miller organizing the center and Zibanejad focusing on scoring, Lafreniere can become the necessary glue for the line, the one who balances and covers gaps so the other two can do their thing.

The Canadian is coming off an inconsistent year, so adding defense could secure him more quality minutes, confidence and a different way to generate impact.

If this plan works, it could mean fewer losses in the neutral zone, more recoveries and his line facing fewer clear shots against when he is on the ice. If this improves, the adjustment worked.

Of course, there are risks. If he focuses too much on defending, he could lose creativity. But the reward could be greater, as it would mean more minutes in important situations, giving Lafreniere a clear identity.

Everything will depend on Sullivan, but with Miller setting the pace and Zibanejad attacking, Lafreniere wouldn't need to force the difficult play but make the right decision. The adjustment would make consistency a new advantage.