Archive · 18 Sep 2026
New York Rangers Seek Fresh Start After Last-Place Season
The New York Rangers had a very difficult hockey season and finished last in their conference.
Important players, including their goalie and a top defenseman, missed time because of injuries.
The team also struggled to score enough goals.
During the summer, the Rangers brought in several new players to improve the team.
They also traded away Vincent Trocheck.
The changes have made the players feel more hopeful.
The Rangers have missed the playoffs for two years in a row.
Even though outsiders are not expecting much, the players believe they can surprise people.
The Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference after a difficult season.
Injuries to Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox exposed weaknesses in team depth.
New York added Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson during the offseason.
Vincent Trocheck was traded to Utah, potentially making J.T. Miller a full-time center.
Players are optimistic despite low outside expectations and two consecutive missed playoffs.
- Who
- The New York Rangers, their players and management.
- What
- The Rangers opened training camp with new players and renewed optimism after finishing last in the Eastern Conference.
- When
- Training camp opened Thursday; the team is preparing for the new season.
- Where
- Tarrytown, New York.
- Why
- The team is trying to recover from a poor season affected by injuries, home struggles and insufficient depth.
Rangers' optimism
Outside skepticism
Potential for improvement
Rangers' optimism
Players believe the new additions can bring positive energy, improve depth and help the team overachieve.
Outside skepticism
Outside expectations remain low after the Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference and missed the playoffs twice in a row.
Team talent
Rangers' optimism
Adam Fox said the players trust the talent on the roster and remain confident in what they can accomplish.
Outside skepticism
Last season's injuries, home struggles and 22nd-place scoring rank raised doubts about whether the roster is deep enough.
- Previous finish
- Last place in the Eastern Conference.
- Playoff drought
- The Rangers have missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.
- New additions
- Pavel Dorofeyev, Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson.
- Major departure
- Vincent Trocheck was traded to Utah.
- Dorofeyev production
- He scored 37 goals last season and 12 during Vegas' run to the Stanley Cup Final.
- Scoring rank
- New York ranked 22nd in the National Hockey League in goals per game.
- Coach
- Two-time Stanley Cup winner Mike Sullivan is returning behind the bench.