Summer Coolers – New York Rangers

The New York Rangers enter 2026-27 trying to climb out of an astonishing fall. Just three seasons removed from winning the Presidents’ Trophy, the Rangers finished last in the Eastern Conference and 30th overall while missing the playoffs for a second consecutive year. GM Chris Drury responded with seven offseason deals, headlined by the acquisition and massive extension of Pavel Dorofeyev. Neil Smith and Vic Morren believe the Rangers are better on paper—but questions about Dorofeyev, the loss of Vinny Trocheck, and lingering dysfunction leave them viewing New York as, at best, a potential wild-card team.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00:00] The Rangers finish last in the East and 30th overall, missing the playoffs for a second straight season after winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24.

[00:00:25] Chris Drury responds aggressively, making seven offseason deals in an attempt to reshape the roster.

[00:00:40] The biggest move brings Pavel Dorofeyev from Vegas for 2026 first- and third-round picks plus a conditional 2028 first.

[00:00:55] Dorofeyev immediately signs a seven-year contract worth $11 million per season, creating enormous expectations at Madison Square Garden.

[00:01:00] The Rangers acquire Sean Durzi, Cole Beaudoin and a 2027 third-round pick from Utah in exchange for Vinny Trocheck.

[00:01:20] Jonas Korpisalo arrives from Boston to back up Igor Shesterkin, while Marcus Pettersson is acquired from Vancouver for a conditional 2030 first-round pick.

[00:01:40] Oliver Bjorkstrand also joins from Tampa Bay. Vic believes the Rangers have improved but sees competing for a wild card as their realistic ceiling.

[00:02:00] Neil remains concerned about the dysfunction surrounding the organization and says he needs to see evidence that those problems are truly gone.

[00:02:15] Dorofeyev scored 72 goals over the previous two seasons, but Neil warns that much of his success came while playing with an outstanding Vegas power play.

[00:02:35] The key question becomes who will consistently get Dorofeyev the puck in New York. Neil views him as a finisher who needs quality setup opportunities.

[00:02:55] His $11 million salary only increases the pressure, putting him financially alongside Shesterkin, who has already proven himself as a franchise-level player.

[00:03:15] Neil likes Durzi but believes losing Trocheck hurts. He describes Trocheck as a heart-and-soul player who brought important qualities to the Rangers.

[00:03:35] Marcus Pettersson reunites with Mike Sullivan after their time together in Pittsburgh, although Neil questions whether Pettersson remains the same player he was then.

[00:04:00] There is potential for an improved power play with Mika Zibanejad, Dorofeyev, a healthy Adam Fox and J.T. Miller.

[00:04:20] Alexis Lafrenière remains another major variable. The Rangers are still waiting for the former No. 1 overall pick to fully become the player they envisioned.

[00:04:40] Joe Veleno and Dennis Cholowski add depth, while Will Borgen, Johnny Brodzinski, Connor Sheary and Connor Mackey are among the departures.

[00:05:00] The prospect pipeline provides some optimism, beginning with Albert Smaits, selected fifth overall in 2026.

[00:05:20] Smaits brings physicality and Olympic experience with Latvia, and Neil likes the possibility that he could be closer to NHL-ready than most 18-year-olds.

[00:05:35] Liam Greentree, acquired in the Artemi Panarin trade with Los Angeles, and 2025 second-round pick Malcolm Spence are other young players to watch.

[00:06:00] Matt Rempe remains with the Rangers, while fellow giant Adam Edstrom is traded to Nashville for a fifth-round selection.

[00:06:20] Neil again highlights Smaits, referencing Craig Button’s assessment that the youngster may be among the most NHL-ready players from his draft class.

[00:06:40] Brett Berard is sent to Montreal for defenseman William Trudeau, a move Vic views almost as addition by subtraction.

[00:07:00] Ultimately, Neil and Vic see improvement—but not enough to declare the Rangers contenders. Their realistic battle may simply be scraping and clawing for a wild-card position.

The Rangers have almost certainly bottomed out, but how quickly can they climb? Dorofeyev must justify his massive contract, the power play needs to click, Lafrenière must take another step, and the organizational dysfunction has to disappear. New York should be better—but returning to the NHL’s