Multiple reasons why the 2025-2026 New York Rangers team will be different than last season

The New York Rangers GM Chris Drury can't go another season without a trip to the playoffs. He was graciously handed a new contract by ownership, much to the chagrin of fans of the Blueshirts.

Now, looking ahead to 2025-26, the Rangers could be a dark horse playoff contender.

Why?

GM Chris Drury made quick work of the Rangers' leadership. Removing Peter Laviolette from the head coach's role and bringing in Mike Sullivan was the first step in a major shift in direction for the team.

Sullivan would bring back David Quinn, this time as an assistant coach in New York, compared to his reign, which ended in 2022. This time, he could help out the power-play in New York, one that was ranked 5th in the NHL last season.

There could be a swelling of trades in order to give the team a significant facelift, as consensus states this core isn't the one to take the team to the promised land.

While Drury will once again have to consider new leadership in the locker room if Chris Kreider is moved in July.

The New York Rangers as a team will return to the ice in October refreshed after a season of attrition. With multiple trades that saw Filip Chytil, Victor Mancini, Kaapo Kakko, and Jacob Trouba traded, along with Ryan Lindgren, morale hit an all-time low.

The Rangers can revisit the perceptions of themselves in the media and by their own account.

They're now a fringe playoff contender and have some upside. Better additions in July could push them into win-now mode again, but that depends on how much capital Drury is willing to part with.