Unexpected Forward Set To Be Biggest X-Factor For The New York Rangers This Upcoming Season

The excitement for Rangers hockey this season is palpable, as the team looks to rebound. After a disappointing 2024-25, we could look to Artemi Panarin to be one player who pushes the team into the Stanley Cup.

However, in light of Panarin's contract troubles, as he remains unsigned after he rejected his latest contract offer, there is another in the lineup who could give us hope.

The New York Rangers' scenario with Artemi Panarin has been one obstacle after another, and it looks like the team could end up moving on from him if nothing is settled by July.

In the meantime, the Rangers will have to find another player to depend on for elite offense.

That is Mika Zibanajead, who, despite a disappointing 62-point (20-42) season in 2024-25, could bounce back. Where Panarin fails, the team will need Miller and his new linemate Zibanejad to foment an offense every night that can keep their opponents on their toes. Despite this, his play on the power-play has been subpar, scoring 19 points (7-19) on special teams compared to seasons past.

Another key player for the Rangers could be former Vezina Trophy-winning goalie Igor Shesterkin. His latest statements suggest he's ready to put forth his best effort in 2025-26 in order to win a Stanley Cup.

A goalie is the foundation on which the team is built, and Shesterkin is the Rangers' rock. Last season wasn't his best with a record of 27-29-5, 2.86 GAA, and a .905 save percentage.

Shesterkin still played at an elite level if you look at the underlying statistics from last season. He recorded 21.6 goals saved above expected in 2024-25, and the question remains if he can pull himself out of the hole from last year.

If the Rangers can provide him with the support he needs while he plays at the kind of level we've seen before, the team can find itself in the playoffs once again, and maybe even the Eastern Conference Finals.