Very little went right for the New York Rangers during the 2025-26 NHL season, which saw them finish last overall both in the Metropolitan Division as well as the Eastern Conference Standings.
Even more concerning was how many times they failed to score a single goal on home ice, ultimately being shut out seven times at Madison Square Garden. The Rangers also set a new NHL scoreless record for their first three home games, during which they failed to light the lamp once.
It’s been an offseason of change for the franchise, who traded away forward Vincent Trocheck to the Utah Mammoth, while also acquiring scoring forward Pavel Dorofeyev and backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo.
But have the Rangers done enough to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for what would be the first time since 2024?
The New York Rangers Have Been Given An Optimistic Outlook
GettyGabe Perreault of the New York Rangers.
According to NHL Insider Vin Santoro of The Big Lead, the Rangers are a club that could make a return to the playoffs despite missing last season.
He included the Rangers in his list of clubs he expects to be playing beyond the 82nd game of the regular season next spring thanks in large part to the acquisition of Dorofeyev, writing the following:
“This team has the potential to either thrive or face challenges once more. Pavel Dorofeyev is an ideal addition for a team in need, as he possesses the ability to score at an elite level. While playing alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mitch Marner certainly boosts his performance, Dorofeyev has also shown impressive numbers even when not on the ice with them. In the 25-26 season, he logged 403 minutes at 5v5 without either Eichel or Marner, during which Vegas achieved a 55.3 expected goals percentage and outshot their opponents by 68.”
The Rangers last made the playoffs in 2024, a season in which they not only won the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s beset regular season team, but also advanced to the Eastern Conference Final before being eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Vin Santoro Names One Rangers Player Who Must Step Up
He also noted that one player who must elevate his performance is former first overall draft pick Alexis Lafreniere, who has yet to meet the burden of expectations that come with being the first name called off the draft board.
“With supportive linemates, Dorofeyev is set to shine, but one player who must step up this season is Alexis Lafreniere. Despite being the first overall pick, Lafreniere has yet to meet those high expectations, and this year could be crucial for his development.”
The Rangers are set to open Training Camp next month, and will play the rival New Jersey Devils in their exhibition opener on Sept. 21.
Rangers Given Encouraging Update By NHL Insider After Brutal 2025-26 Season