Top prospects for a standout season with the New York Rangers in 2025-26

The New York Rangers are gearing up for the 2025-26 NHL season with some changes in their roster. One of the most notable developments is the expected full-time role for Brett Berard, a former fifth-round pick.

Berard, who showed promising signs in the 2024-25 season, is being considered as a potential solution for the Rangers' bottom six, which is open for competition. His ability to potentially carve out a scoring role with the team is a possibility, with his role likely on the third line where the team is seeking more scoring punch.

Meanwhile, Chris Kreider, a long-time staple of the Rangers, was traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the beginning of the offseason.

On the defensive front, the Rangers' first pairing is expected to be impressive, but the competition for the remaining spots on their blueline is wide-open. Scott Morrow, a young defenseman acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes, is likely going to play on the bottom pair, but there is a chance for him to compete for a top-4 role. If Morrow impresses, he could move up the lineup and potentially play on the second pairing.

Will Borgen, acquired from the Seattle Kraken, has signed a four-year contract extension with the Rangers. Borgen is expected to be a good complement to Adam Fox, the team's leading defenseman. The Rangers also signed Vladislav Gavrikov as a free agent, who is expected to join Fox in the team's top defensive pairing.

The Rangers' defense remains a work in progress, with room for improvement. The team's young core, headed by Alexis Lafereniere and Will Cuylle, will be crucial in shaping the team's defensive strategy. K'Andre Miller, a key defensive player for the Rangers, was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and signed an eight-year contract with them.

The Rangers had a poor on-ice performance during the 2024-25 season, with the defense being one of the areas that needed improvement. The team's offense, led by veterans Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, and Adam Fox, will need to work in tandem with the defense to improve the team's overall performance in the upcoming season.

While the Rangers are working to strengthen their defense, it's important to note that other teams are also making moves to challenge the Rangers' position in the league. The team will need to continue to adapt and improve to secure a spot in the playoffs and make a deep run in the postseason.