The New York Rangers are about to embark on an important offseason as they hope to build off of a decent ending to the 2025-2026 season. Young talent shined, as Gabe Perreault and Alexis Lafreniere inspired excitement, while others like Adam Sykora, Noah Laba, and Jaro Chmelar solidified the bottom six. Most realize the Rangers need top six players–though the Rangers might not realize it–and that should be the priority this offseason. Skill. Not grit.
Speaking of the bottom six, if you ask Chris Drury he would say that that’s where the Rangers have the biggest need. Drury, an atrocious General Manager thus far for the Blueshirts, is yet again mistaken. New York’s bottom six was certainly a problem at various points throughout the 2025-2026 season, but toward the end, it was a strength.
Tye Kartye played his way into a regular third line spot. Noah Laba stayed consistent at center for the entire season, minus injuries. That’s not to speak of Jaro Chmelar, who found his NHL game, or Adam Sykora, who sparked excitement every time he was on the ice.
Those players aren’t enough for you? How about Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe, 2023-2025 regulars, before injuries ruined their 2025-2026 campaigns?
That’s not to speak of any depth signings, or AHL Hartford Wolfpack players who could play their way into roster spots. There’s a strong argument that the Rangers need some level of backup, be it in the form of Conor Sheary or Taylor Raddysh, to feel more comfortable with the bottom half of the lineup. Kids should be the focus, but a veteran to balance things out will help.
The Rangers need top six players
Meanwhile in the top six, the Rangers have a first line of Gabe Perreault, Mika Zibanejad, and Alexis Lafreniere, who played great hockey down the stretch. On a rebuilding team, that’s a fine first line to see what the trio can become. On a team attempting to retool like Drury’s Rangers? That’s as unreliable of a first line as they come. They are best suited as a second line on a true contender.
The second line features Vincent Trocheck, JT Miller, and Will Cuylle. Trocheck is a consistent player, but not exactly a world beater offensively and is likely gone this offseason. Miller has declined each of the last two seasons, cannot stay healthy, and has not been able to handle the pressures of being Captain. Cuylle is best served as a third liner, though he can chip in some goals. This line is the biggest problem. The Rangers need top six players to either replace production or force players down in the lineup.
The simplest way to get that help would be shifting Cuylle back to the third line. With Trocheck likely gone, that leaves just Miller holding the fort. The Rangers need top six players desperately. Two scoring wingers go a long way, but perhaps a center and shifting Miller to wing is another option too.
Shifting Cuylle to the third line gives scoring depth on the third line while hopefully putting him in a better position to succeed. It also opens spots on the second line as it’s clear the Rangers need top six players.
In the grand scheme of things, if Drury’s angle is that he doesn’t want to win just yet, that’s fair. If Drury thinks the key to winning now is to add more bottom six depth and not scoring, next season is going to go even worse. The Rangers scored the 23rd most goals in the league on the 31st most shots on goal. The second highest point total among forwards was Lafreniere’s 57 points. That’s bad.
The New York Rangers need top six players desperately. We all see it. But does Drury? Does Mike Sullivan? This is why most fans aren’t confident heading into the offseason. The breakup day quotes don’t match actual team needs.