Bet, hold or fold: New York Rangers scoring forwards

A month into their 2024/25 campaign, with a 12-5 win-loss record and coming off a Presidents’ Trophy-winning season, the New York Rangers looked primed for another tilt at the Stanley Cup. Then came a western Canadian road trip where, to put it mildly, the wheels came off in a manner not dissimilar to the Dodge at the end of The Blues Brothers.

Their next five wins came at a cost of 13 losses, and the Rangers, despite major changes, have played to a sub .500 level ever since, on their way to missing the playoffs.

As the Rangers look towards next season, who has earned the right to wear the famous Blueshirt once again? And have those off the ice done enough to keep their jobs?

This is the first in a series of four features where we examine every regular Ranger – minimum 10 games played – and decide if the Rangers should be betting (building around them next season), holding (keeping them around, but be prepared to move on if you can improve on that player) or folding (get rid!).

Today we’re going to start with the Rangers scoring forward, those relied upon to bury the biscuit.

Artemi Panarin – Bet

Season stats: 37 goals, 52 assists, 89 points, -9, 18 hits (80 games)

Particulars: Age 33 season, $11,642,857 cap hit in 2026.

Even in a down year, the Breadman has still delivered for New York. Whilst he is ageing and is expensive, if the Rangers are hoping to rebound in 2025/26, they simply must keep Panarin.

He is the tide that lifts all boats on Broadway. Put someone on a line with Panarin, and their production will instantly improve. Keeping him is a no-brainer.

JT Miller – Bet

Season stats: 13 goals, 22 assists, 35 points, -2, 76 hits (32 games)

Particulars: Age 31 season, $8,000,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2029.

The Miller acquisition looks better all the time, especially since Filip Chytil has succumbed to yet another concussion (please stay healthy, Chyta). Miller gives New York a second potential 100-point scorer – he leads the Rangers in scoring since his acquisition – who can anchor a line. He also provided an instant edge upon returning to Madison Square Garden. It’s fair to say that the Rangers would have been out of playoff contention far earlier were it not for Miller’s influence.

Signed to a long-term deal on reasonable money, Miller will be in New York next season.

Mika Zibanejad – Hold

Season stats: 20 goals, 42 assists, 62 points, -22, 44 hits (82 games)

Particulars: Age 31 season, $8,500,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2029.

This has been Zibanejad’s worst season as a Ranger, and despite a resurgence when moved from centre to wing to accommodate Miller’s arrival. After posting a sub-pedestrian 29 points in 50 games prior to the Miller trade, he has improved to 30 points in 32 games since moving to Miller’s wing.

That said, he has regressed after an initial scoring burst next to Miller, so the jury remains out. Given the return for Zibanejad would remain appallingly low should the Rangers explore the market, this writer is going to give Mika a tepid ‘hold’. He would want to start next season with some urgency, though.

Vincent Trocheck – Bet

Season stats: 26 goals, 33 assists, 59 points, +0, 214 hits (82 games)

Particulars: Age 31 season, $5,625,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2028.

Trocheck remains this writer’s choice as the Rangers’ next captain. A leader who plays with an edge and isn’t afraid to do the dirty work, Trochek is exactly what the Rangers need. Yes, he’s regressed from last season, but what Ranger hasn’t?

Trocheck’s relationship with Miller, as well as his willingness to backcheck and brilliance on faceoffs make him a must keep for New York.

Alexis Lafreniere – Hold

Season stats: 17 goals, 28 assists, 45 points, -13, 119 hits (82 gaes)

Particulars: Age 23 season, $7,450,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2031.

The Great White Hope has underperformed by comparison to last season’s breakout but not by as much as most would have you think. That said, ‘Laffy’ has floated through long stretches this season, most concerning given that was the knock against him over his first few years in the NHL.

If Lafreniere can again demonstrate his rare ability to take the game on with skill and creativity, then the Rangers will be thrilled with their investment. If he starts the next season the way he played this one, will the Rangers move him whilst he still has value?

Chris Kreider – Fold

Season stats: 22 goals, 8 assists, 30 points, -5, 79 hits (68 games)

Particulars: Age 33 season, $6,500,000 cap hit in 2026, signed through 2027.

Chris, it’s been great. It really has. But it’s time we parted.

Be it age, apathy or a niggling back complaint, Kreider has fallen off a cliff this season, clearly his worst as a professional. Never a major accumulator of assists, Kreider has just eight in 68 games, with only three of those being primary assists, all coming in the past fortnight.

Will Cuylle – Bet

Season stats: 20 goals, 25 assists, 45 points, +12, 301 hits (82 games)

Particulars: Age 22 season, restricted free agent.  

Lastly, to the natural successor to Kreider. Cuylle doesn’t have Kreider’s wheels but is big and nasty, sitting third in the entire league in hits. He has all the makings of a power play menace with great hands to compliment his size. He is also an emerging leader for the Rangers and is a certain bet.  

Keep an eye out over the next few days when we examine the Rangers depth forwards.

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