Three New York Rangers who must rebound in the 2025-26 season to avoid being traded

The New York Rangers have made moves to secure a Stanley Cup-winning coach in Mike Sullivan. But in order for the team to find themselves back in the discussion of winning a Stanley Cup, they'll need their players to bounce back.

Mika Zibanejad took a massive step back this season, only being two seasons removed from his 90+ point season in 2022-2023. A former 30-40 goal scorer, Zibanejad only put up 62 points (20 goals, 42 assists) under Head Coach Peter Laviolette this year.

Zibanejad's name has swirled in trade talks as the season ended, and with an $8.5 million cap hit and a no-movement clause, will there be a breaking point between the team and the former superstar center?

It seems the Rangers are stuck with him until he waives it or decides New York isn't his home.

One interesting piece of context to note here, is his play improved after JT Miller arrived from Vancouver. On Miller's wing he had 22 points (11 goals, 11 assists) in 32 games. Could he be a winger on Miller's flank again? The Rangers need to find a way to exploit his sniping abilities to give him confidence and keep the team winning in 2025.

K'Andre Miller, like Mika Zibanejad is only two-seasons removed from his 43 points (9 goal, 34 assists) under Head Coach Gerard Gallant.

While Miller has the potential to be a top-pairing defenseman, with a diverse toolbox of skills, he hasn't been able to capitalize on this season as his production has declined.

Not to mention, it seemed to be his pairing with Jacob Trouba where his defensive play took a nosedive. With Will Borgen, he's found a new home, and would later lapse in play once again. If the Rangers do not trade the RFA, he'll need to find his game if he ever plans on playing top-pair with Adam Fox again.

After an exciting 2023-2024 season, where Lafreniere would post 57 points (29 goals, 28 assists) we're seeing shades of a player who was struggling before. With his latest $7.45 million contract being signed, a 45-point season in 82 games just isn't cutting it for the Rangers.

Mike Sullivan may have to consider finding him a new role, as he wasn't clicking with Vinnie Trocheck and Artemi Panarin like he had been previously.

Should Sullivan find extra space on the top-line power-play unit to help his play and build his confidence?