For the Rangers, excitement went out the window a long time ago. It’s hard to believe that only two years ago, they were on their way to earning the NHL’s best record for a Presidents’ Trophy.

The run that followed included a memorable come from behind win over the Hurricanes on the strength of Chris Kreider’s natural hat trick in the third period of Game 6 down in Raleigh to wrap up a hard fought second round triumph.

It ended in another tough series against the Panthers in six games, marking the second time in three years they’ve lost in the Eastern Conference Finals. Nobody knew it at the time, but the 2-1 loss to the Panthers in Game 6 on June 1, 2024 turned out to be the final swan song for a well-respected core that featured Filip Chytil, Adam Fox, Barclay Goodrow, Kaapo Kakko, Kreider, Alexis Lafreniere, Ryan Lindgren, K’Andre Miller, Artemi Panarin, Igor Shesterkin, Vincent Trocheck, Jacob Trouba, and Mika Zibanejad. They all were part of a strong leadership group that had success on Broadway, with four series victories over a three-year period under two different coaches.

Drury’s Roster Purge Begins With Goodrow Waiver Deal to Sharks

In a big Game 2 win back on May 24, 2024, Goodrow was the hero when he beat Sergei Bobrovsky for the winner at 14:01 of the first overtime. The veteran checking center, who only scored five times that regular season wasn’t done, getting two more in a 5-4 overtime win in Game 3 to help lead the Rangers to a 2-1 series lead thanks to Alex Wennberg’s winner at 5:35.

As it turned out, that was their final postseason win. The Panthers proved to be too much, taking the next three games by a goal with Sam Reinhart’s overtime winner in Game 4 the turning point in the series. Although Shesterkin played extremely well to keep the Rangers in the final two games, they were unable to provide enough offense against the stingy Panthers, whose forecheck and team defense tilted the ice in their favor. Late goals from Lafreniere and Panarin didn’t change the end result in Games 5 and 6.

Less than a month after he finished second on the team with his three goals trailing Lafreniere’s four against the Panthers, Goodrow was placed on waivers by Rangers team president and general manager Chris Drury on June 19, 2024. To get around his 15-team no-trade list, the shrewd move allowed the Sharks to claim Goodrow, allowing Drury to clear $3.64 million in cap space over the next three seasons. It was a prearranged deal between Drury and close personal friend and Sharks GM Mike Grier, who previously served as a hockey operations advisor with the Rangers.

Due to how poorly Drury handled the situation, it upset Goodrow and former teammates, who valued what he brought. Even though it was understandable why Drury made the move to get out of the remainder of the contract, the lack of communication didn’t sit well with the team.

By the time Goodrow returned to play the Rangers in November 2024, he was looking forward to playing at MSG again. “It’s exciting. Especially it being MSG. That’s always a trip that’s circled on the calendar,” Goodrow told Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now in a story that appeared back on Nov. 13, 2024. “Obviously, a little more meaning to it this time around, so I’ve been looking forward to it and excited to get back.”

“I still have a lot of close friends on that team. I have a lot of good memories. Couple of long playoff runs. I loved my time there,” he said. “That’s just how it went down. I didn’t like how it happened, but we’re all past that. It was a while ago. You have to move on. It comes with the territory of this job. There’s nothing you can do but put your head down and keep working.”

Planting The Seeds for Trouba’s Exit

Following a disappointing playoffs in which he struggled mightily, Trouba’s name came up in trade rumors. Despite playing on a bad ankle that he fractured during the season that forced him to miss time, the Rangers captain was put through the mud by Drury, who planted the seeds for his exit.

A declining player who signed a seven-year deal worth $56 million after being acquired from the Jets in July 2019, Trouba’s $8 million cap hit became an issue for Drury, who two years earlier fully supported naming Trouba the 28th captain in franchise history before the 2022-23 season.

After having a full no-movement clause for the first four years of the contract, it shifted to a moderated 15-team no-trade list on June 30, 2024. With it coming out that the Rangers and Red Wings had agreed in principle on a deal that would’ve sent Trouba to Detroit, he blocked the move due to having the Red Wings on his 15-team no-trade list. He also wanted to stay in New York City due to wife Kelly being a doctor.

Despite taking the high road before the start of training camp about the situation, Trouba had the dark cloud hanging over his head. Even with Drury giving an endorsement of his captain before 2024-25, the damage was already done.

“Jacob and I talk all the time as GM and captain should. We’ve had a number of different conversations over the course of the summer on a lot of different things. He is very clear as to where he stands with me and what I think of him as a player and as a leader.”-Chris Drury on Jacob Trouba, The Detroit News.

Even with the Rangers starting the season 12-4-1, things took a dramatic turn for the worse thanks to Drury.

League Memo Fractures the Locker Room

In November 2024, Drury sent out a league memo to 31 teams with both Kreider and Trouba mentioned as players he wanted to move. At the time, the Rangers were in Western Canada as part of a four-game road trip. After defeating the Kraken and Canucks to make it 12 wins over the first 17 games, the roof collapsed in onesided losses to the Flames and Oilers that sent the team into a tailspin.

By then, it was obvious that Trouba wasn’t himself. Looking distracted during games, he continued to make mistakes that led to opponents taking advantage whenever he and Miller were out as a pair. They’d been together a while, with coaches leaning heavily on both to get the best matchups to free up Fox and Lindgren.

Head coach Peter Laviolette’s man-to-man defensive system was no longer working, causing defensive breakdowns with both defensemen and forwards caught out of position. Combined with a disconnect that fractured the locker room due to having two team leaders mentioned in rumors that became an unnecessary distraction, it was just a matter of time before they imploded.

Bad losses piled up, including a 5-1 humiliation to the archrival Devils to start December. At that point, Drury tried to do damage control to cool things off for a team that had a lameduck captain who was going through the motions. Something which the late Hockey Hall of Fame NY Post columnist Larry Brooks called Trouba out on for his lack of emotion in a 3-1 loss to the Flyers on Nov. 29, 2024.

Eventually, Drury took action by having Laviolette make Trouba a healthy scratch for a game against the Penguins on Dec. 6, 2024. It was either they place him on unconditional waivers to be assigned to the Hartford Wolf Pack, or accept a trade. By forcing his hand, Drury finally got Trouba to waive for the Ducks in a deal that same day. Due to Anaheim agreeing to take on the remainder of the contract, the Rangers received a light return of Urho Vaakanainen and a 2025 fourth round pick.

Laviolette’s Scratch Leads to Kakko Trade

Following a loss to the Blues, Laviolette scratched Kakko against the Predators on Dec. 17, 2024, which led to the former 2019 second overall pick calling out the coach due to more established players who hadn’t been pulling their weight. He was justified in venting his frustration to the media but once he voiced his displeasure, he was a goner.

A day later, the Rangers shipped Kakko to the Kraken in exchange for Will Borgen, a 2025 third round pick, and a sixth round pick. By moving on from a player who once was viewed by scouts as a top prospect who went number two behind Jack Hughes in the NHL Draft, they addressed a need on the blue line by acquiring Borgen, who eventually signed an extension worth $4.1 million AAV over five years.

Although he never fulfilled expectations, Kakko was a solid top nine forward who had his moments playing with Chytil and Lafreniere as part of the Kid Line in 2021-22. Without their contributions, the Rangers don’t come within two wins of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. While Lafreniere graduated to a bigger role with Artemi Panarin and Vincent Trocheck, Kakko found chemistry with Chytil and Will Cuylle. In fact, they were the best line at five-on-five before Laviolette broke them up last season.

By subtracting Kakko, the Rangers lost a capable player who could provide secondary scoring. They probably didn’t realize how valuable that was. For most of the current season, the third line hasn’t provided enough secondary scoring. Something they were able to do with Chytil, Cuylle, and Kakko. Instead, Drury had other plans that would impact the team depth ahead.

Chytil Sent Packing for Miller

Six weeks later, Chytil was sent packing to the Canucks with Victor Mancini and a conditional first round pick for J.T. Miller. Instead of realizing that the season was a lost cause, Drury doubled down by taking on Miller’s contract ($8 million AAV) that won’t expire until 2030.

When he returned for his second stint as a Ranger, Miller produced well thanks to some chemistry with Zibanejad and Cuylle. The former Rangers 2011 first round pick had 13 goals with 22 assists for 35 points in 32 games over the remainder of 2024-25. He helped unlock Zibanejad, who previously struggled while playing with Kreider. Over the final two months, he registered 11 goals with 22 assists for 33 points to finish the season in strong fashion.

Given how well they meshed together, it increased expectations for 2025-26. Instead, a nagging upper-body injury Miller’s been dealing with limited his effectiveness. He’s spent two different times on injured reserved, and missed nine games. When he’s played, there have been moments where Miller hasn’t played up to capability due to whatever is bothering him. It doesn’t excuse his lack of backchecking when opponents scored goals where he couldn’t be bothered.

In a mind-numbing centennial season that’s seen several key players turn in less than stellar efforts, Miller’s supposed to be the leader of the Rangers. He was named the 29th captain in franchise history on Sep. 16, 2025. Instead of backing up his strong words that promised, ‘No More BS,’ he hasn’t come close to delivering. Following an 8-4 blowout loss to the Senators on Jan. 14, Miller didn’t know what to say, which was unlike a 10-2 humiliation in Boston on Jan. 10 when he took accountability and indicated that he must be better.

Since winning the Winter Classic 5-1 over the Panthers on Jan. 2, the Rangers have lost eight of nine (1-7-1), including getting swept in California by the Ducks, Kings, and Sharks. Although he’s picked it up during the brutal stretch with eight points (2-6-8) over his last five games, the last scene of him coasting back defensively while Macklin Celebrini got his 26th goal in a 3-1 loss on Jan. 23 reflects poorly. That kind of lackluster effort shouldn’t happen from a supposed leader. Perhaps they should strip Miller of the captaincy once the season concludes.

Rangers Lacking Heart and Guts

In what was supposed to be a special year commemorating the 100-Year Anniversary of the franchise by honoring past legends and fan favorites who didn’t disgrace the jersey, the Rangers are lacking heart and guts. Despite Drury bringing in close personal friend Mike Sullivan to take over as head coach, the team has lost its way since the holidays.

An upper-body injury that kept Fox out for 14 games didn’t help. At one point during the first half, the former Norris winner had helped lead a more structured defensive team to a 13-11-2 start. However, things dramatically changed when Brandon Hagel caught Fox with a clean hit against the glass, which injured his shoulder last Nov. 29. The Rangers lost the game 4-1 to the Lightning. Afterward, they went 6-5-2 without him to at least hang around in a crowded playoff race.

After returning to score a power-play goal and add an assist in a 6-3 loss on New Year’s Eve, Fox played in two more games before suffering a different injury against the Mammoth in a 3-2 overtime loss on Jan. 5. A day later, he was put on long-term injured reserve for the second time this season. The bottom has fallen out since with the Rangers only winning once in regulation on Jan. 17. They’ve lost seven of their last eight games in regulation to drop to 15th in the Eastern Conference with 48 points in 52 games, falling out of the wild card race.

Even without Fox, who now looks injury prone due to it being the second straight season he’s missed time, the Rangers have given up in recent losses that caused the fans to boo them at MSG where they’ve only won five times in 22 games (5-13-4). Only the league worst Canucks have the same amount of home wins with a 5-16-3 record. The Rangers have the worst goal differential at home where they’ve been outscored 77-44 for a minus-33 entering Monday’s game against the Bruins. By comparison, the Canucks are a minus-32 (94-62).

If there’s one way to describe the Rangers, it would be passive. There’s been too many instances when they don’t respond to seeing their goalies run into by opponents, who know they can take liberties with Shesterkin, who remains out with lower-body injury he sustained in the first period against Utah due to trying to avoid Mammoth forward J.J. Peterka, who made minimal contact as the Rangers starter fell back into his net. He was helped to the locker room while not putting any weight on his left leg.

Although Peterka didn’t cause the injury, there was no response from the Rangers. It was similar to seeing Fox go down against the Lightning on the Hagel hit. Even if each play was legal, it isn’t viewed well in hockey circles when a team doesn’t go after an opponent.

If there was a sequence that raised eyebrows, it was Jonathan Quick taking up for himself after Daniil But bumped into him, leading to a roughing minor on the veteran goalie, who replaced an injured Shesterkin.

The only willing Ranger who’ll go to bat for teammates is Sam Carrick. Despite being undersized, he’s gone up against heavyweights Mathieu Olivier and Arber Xhejaj, which says a lot about the high character he has. Carrick is one of the only Rangers who’s played with heart and guts. A fourth line center whose effort is unquestioned, the 33-year-old Carrick is well-respected by teammates who like what he brings.

Signed for another year at a cap friendly $1 million, teams could have interest in him as a depth piece. In 52 games, he has three goals and six assists with 42 penalty minutes and 75 hits, along with being 53.9 percent on faceoffs. The fourth line center put up six goals and 14 assists for a career-high 20 points in 80 games last season. Unlike most of Drury’s signings, Carrick has been as advertised, bringing some tenacity to a mostly vanilla roster that doesn’t create much excitement.

Changes Are Coming

On Jan. 16, Drury sent out a letter to Rangers fans promising changes to the roster. He used the word ‘retool’ to describe what’s coming soon. However, what would he call the subtractions of several core pieces last year? It feels like more of a rebuilding situation due to a lack of talent.

With the Rangers making it known to outsiders that Panarin was no longer in their plans, he’s expected to be traded at some point before the Mar. 6 deadline. That largely depends on Panarin, who has full control over whether or not he goes to a playoff contender. He’s continued to produce, leading the team in assists (37) and points (56). In the final year of a contract that pays him $11.64 million, the 34-year-old hasn’t given any indication that he wants to leave the Big Apple.

A gifted offensive player who’s been an excellent Ranger, leading the team in scoring every season, he wants to sign an extension for similar money. What if Drury finds a suitor that agrees to the rumored return he wants, which Elliotte Friedman reported is similar to what the Islanders received for Brock Nelson? It’s still up to Panarin to waive his full no-movement clause to accept a trade. Teams who could be interested include the Avalanche, Capitals, Kings, Sharks, and Wild.

With the Olympic break coming up in less than two weeks, expect things to heat up. At last check, the Rangers and Islanders are close to making a rare deal that would involve veteran defenseman Carson Soucy going to Long Island.

The Rangers have made a roster move by recalling defenseman Connor Mackey from Hartford and sending down forward Anton Blidh. If Soucy goes, he’d be the first domino to fall.

Teams are reportedly interested in center Vincent Trocheck, who has a 12-team no-trade list on an affordable deal ($5.625 million AAV) that has term left. The Hurricanes and Wild could use a versatile checking pivot like Trocheck, who can play in every situation while continuing to be reliable on faceoffs (56.8).

What It All Means

Moving forward, the Rangers want to address the lack of young talent in their system. Outside of Gabe Perreault and Scott Morrow, who was acquired last summer in a deal that sent K’Andre Miller to Carolina, the organization doesn’t boast many promising players.

Noah Laba has performed admirably as a third line center who’s trusted to play on the penalty kill. He has six goals and eight assists for 14 points while winning 51.3 percent on draws. Since Sullivan moved Perreault up with Miller and Zibanejad, Laba has been joined by Cuylle and 2021 first round pick Brennan Othmann, who’s finally shown glimpses of the player Drury selected.

Morrow nearly had his first goal as a Ranger. It was changed to Cuylle due to the shot deflecting off him. After struggling earlier, Morrow has three assists in his last five games while playing with more confidence. The Rangers desperately need him to pan out after moving on from Miller, who’s rebounded with the Hurricanes.

The goal should be to trade for prospects and draft picks in an attempt to strengthen their depth. Hopefully, recent picks Drew Fortescue, E.J. Emery, Nathan Aspinall, Malcolm Spence, and Artyom Gonchar can continue to develop and become part of the future. Four of the six are in college, including both Fortescue and Emery, who remain unsigned. Each are expected to be defensive defensemen with Emery not having as high a ceiling as Caps prospect Cole Hutson, who the Rangers passed on in 2024.

With an eye towards the future, keep an eye on where the Rangers finish. They are currently ranked 29th out of 32 teams with a 21-25-6 record, which is tied with the Flames. However, Calgary has more regulation wins. At the moment, the Jets, Blues, and Canucks are the league’s three worst teams. There actually is a possibility for the Rangers to luck into a top three pick. The top three prospects are all rated very high, with forwards Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg considered the best two players, followed by defenseman Keaton Verhoeff, and center Tynan Lawrence.

If they can land a high pick, perhaps they’ll have better luck this time than before. One can only hope moving forward.