Projecting the New York Rangers’ 2025-26 Opening-Night Roster
With most of the off-season moves now taken care of, here’s a look at the New York Rangers’ projected opening-night lineup for the 2025-26 season, along with who may be scratched to start the campaign.
This line will be responsible for most of the Rangers’ scoring. Artemi Panarin had a down year by his standards, but he still put up 37 goals and 89 points in 80 games. The Rangers also added J.T.Miller from the Vancouver Canucks mid-season, and he made an immediate impact with 35 points in 32 games. His 13 goals put him on pace for 32 over a full season.
Then there’s Alexis Lafrenière, the first overall pick in 2020. After taking a step forward with 57 points in 2023–24, he took a bit of a step back last season, finishing with just 45. If Lafrenière wants to stay on the top line, he’ll need to bounce back in a big way.This line has serious potential, especially with two young wingers. Will Cuylle is coming off a breakout campaign, scoring 20 goals and 45 points in 2024-25.
He brings a mix of skill, grit, and physicality—playing with an edge but also some flair. Gabriel Perreault is coming off a fantastic NCAA run at Boston College and is expected to jump right into the Rangers’ middle six.
